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Biography

Denise (Estrada-Rosemond) Hurst is a lifelong Springfield resident and an accomplished civic and educational leader with more than 15 years of service on the Springfield School Committee. Elected in 2009, she has maintained a steadfast commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and expanded educational opportunities for all students. Throughout her tenure, Denise has held numerous leadership positions, including Vice Chair of the School Committee; Chair of the Curriculum & Programs and Legislative & Contracts Subcommittees; and member of the Budget & Finance, Vocational Education, Technology, and Parent Concerns Committees.

Widely recognized at both the state and national levels as an effective leader and communicator, Denise has presented at and participated in conferences hosted by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) and the National School Boards Association (NSBA), contributing to critical conversations on educational leadership, governance, and equity.

In 2016, Denise founded the MASC Minority Caucus to strengthen diversity, representation, and inclusion in school governance while providing professional development and peer support for historically underrepresented school committee members. In 2020, the Caucus was formally recognized as MASC’s Division X: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Denise currently serves as the 2026 President of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees.

Professionally, Denise is the Vice President of Community Impact and Partnerships at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, where she leads initiatives that advance community well-being through strategic collaboration and investment. She is a proud graduate of Springfield Central High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and holds a Master of Social Work from Springfield College.

Denise resides in Springfield with her husband, Springfield City Councilor and Attorney Justin J. Hurst, Sr., and their two sons, Justin Jr. and Jackson Douglas, who attend Springfield Public Schools.