Denise Rosario Adusei

About Denise Rosario Adusei

I build institutions where children, families, and communities are seen, heard, and valued.As Executive Director of the Bronx Children’s Museum, I lead a public-facing cultural institution serving more than children and families annually. My work focuses on institutional growth, governance strengthening, and building partnerships that expand access to arts, culture, and education for families across New York City.During my tenure, the Museum secured membership in the New York City Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), strengthened relationships with City and State agencies and elected leaders, and moved the organization from operating deficit to surplus. My leadership centers on building cohesive organizational cultures that align boards, leadership teams, and staff around shared strategy and measurable outcomes. I believe cultural institutions thrive when governance, operations, and community relationships are working in concert.I am also a children’s book author and cultural leader committed to inclusive storytelling. Across museums, publishing, and community initiatives, I focus on creating platforms where voices are amplified and futures are expanded.

Experience

1. Book Author

   Macmillan

   Nov 2020 — Present

   Authored Cesaria Feels the Beat, a story amplifying Deaf culture and Carnival traditions- Featured at major book festivals and literacy events, including Harlem Book Festival, Brooklyn Book Festival, Uptown Book Festival- Led author visits, literacy workshops, and culturally responsive programming for schools, libraries, and family events.Honors & Recognition- Selected for the 2025 Kansas NEA Reading Circle – Primary List- Starred review from Kirkus Reviews- Starred review from Publishers Weekly- Starred review from Booklist- Starred review from School Library Journal

Education

• Brown University

  Bachelor's degree

• Columbia Business School

  MBA, Organization Development and Marketing