Denise Miranda is New York State’s top civil rights official, the head of an agency that is charged with monitoring and promoting civil rights in the state. She’s also a proud native of the Bronx, daughter of Puerto Rican-born parents, and a mother. It’s an unusual time for Denise—a Black Latina—to be in charge of the part of the government so despised by New York’s most famous native son.
Denise sees herself not as protecting certain groups of people, but fostering a culture that respects the rights of all people. She sees New York State as part of the bulwark against the normalization of hate and marginalization promoted by our current federal administration. And she offers up her own life as proof that rootedness and pride in our culture is not just an attribute of white Americans—it’s an essential characteristic that spans all the divisions so emphasized our current political climate.
“This notion that somehow I’ve got to make sure that I put these other people down or else I’m not going to have a chance to win, is absolutely rooted in ignorance and it’s rooted in racism.”
Denise Miranda is on the board of Women Creating Change. Thanks to CEO Sharon Sewell Fairman and Board Chair Penny Cagan for connecting The Babblery with Denise and other fabulous New York women.
In this episode:
- New York State
- New York State Division of Human Rights — official website
- Governor Kathy Hochul — official website
- New York State Human Rights Law
- New York State’s Hate and Bias Prevention Unit
- History of civil rights in New York State
- Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
- Legal
- Women Creating Change
- Cell phone restrictions in New York schools
- The Bronx — history and demographics
- Puerto Rican migration to New York City
- DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)
- Social media’s impact on youth mental health
Denise M. Miranda, Esq. was nominated by Governor Kathy Hochul in March 2024 and confirmed by the New York State Senate in May 2025 to serve as the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Human Rights, which is dedicated to eliminating discrimination, remedying injustice and promoting equal opportunity, access, and dignity. Under Commissioner Miranda’s leadership, the Division has launched ambitious efforts to overhaul the agency’s discrimination complaint intake and case management processes while also implementing vital organizational changes and operational improvements. These essential upgrades have resulted in a bolder, more powerful, and more efficient Division that is prepared to protect the rights of all New Yorkers at a time when that mission has never been more critical. Commissioner Miranda has spent her nearly 30 years career actively engaged in the practice of law, focusing on social justice issues and protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals.
Music:
- New York Sitcom (Life Imitating Art) by The Womb courtesy of the Free Music Archive
- You know it’s an old song because I try to fingerstyle by Rrrrrose Azerty courtesy of Loyalty Freak Music