Denise Buchanan
Dr. Denise Buchanan is a globally recognized entrepreneur, educator, and human rights advocate whose work bridges healing, leadership, and regenerative design to transform individuals, communities, and systems. With dual Ph.D. degrees in Psychoneurology and Integrative Health, and master’s degrees in Spiritual Psychology and Landscape Architecture, she brings a rare, integrative lens to wellbeing, sustainability, and social impact—grounded in the belief that how we treat one another is inseparable from how we treat the earth.
As Founder and CEO of Faith Has Feet, Dr. Buchanan leads trauma-informed entrepreneurship, safeguarding, and skills-building initiatives that empower youth and underserved communities across the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean. Her programs emphasize dignity, agency, and economic pathways, equipping young people and women to heal, lead, and build resilient futures. Complementing this work, she is the Founder of Sacred Garden Designs, where she pioneers neurogardening and regenerative landscapes that support emotional healing, ecological stewardship, and community cohesion.
Across both ventures, Dr. Buchanan is known for cultivating cultures of accountability and compassion, leading cross-functional teams, and leveraging technology to deliver accessible, high-impact programs at scale. A certified Human Rights Consultant and Member of the Brave Movement, she is a respected global advocate for child protection, survivor-centered policy, and institutional accountability.
An award-winning international speaker and author, Dr. Buchanan has addressed audiences at the United Nations, the Vatican, G20 forums, and major global development summits. Her leadership is distinguished by a deep humanity and strategic clarity—making healing the foundation for innovation, ethical leadership, and sustainable transformation, where people and nature are able to flourish together.
• Protecting the Rights of the Child in Humanitarian Situations
• University of Guelph
• Toastmasters International
• Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber- GLAAAC
• The Brave Movement
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to cultivating a positive mindset. Each challenge and opportunity has shaped my perspective, strengthened my resilience, and guided me in making an impact through my work and leadership.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One piece of advice that has stayed with me—and consistently proves true—is this:
“Build skills, not just titles. Titles expire; skills compound.”
What makes it powerful is that it shifts focus away from chasing roles or validation and toward capability. When you invest in skills—communication, systems thinking, leadership, technology, problem-solving, creativity—you gain leverage that travels with you across industries, countries, and phases of life.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry or any industry, is to follow your passion and be consistent in its pursuit. No matter the challenges or circumstances around you, find a way to do what you love and let that drive your growth and success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
At the intersection of environmental advocacy and women and youth empowerment, the greatest challenge today is not a lack of awareness, but a lack of power, protection, and access. Women and young people—especially in marginalized communities—are disproportionately affected by climate change and food insecurity, yet remain underrepresented in decision-making, underfunded in solutions, and exposed to safety risks when they lead. At the same time, this moment presents a powerful opportunity: youth are emerging as bold change-agents, women are driving some of the most effective community-based environmental and food-system solutions, and the global shift toward green economies, climate finance, and regenerative agriculture is opening pathways for leadership, entrepreneurship, and farm-based education and training. By investing in hands-on agricultural courses that connect land stewardship, food production, and livelihoods, we can move beyond token inclusion and equip women and youth as designers, growers, and owners of resilient food systems—strengthening communities while addressing hunger at its roots.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are joy, creativity, balance, and deep respect for the dignity of every person. I strive to see beyond behavior to the heart of the individual, recognizing that everyone carries a story, strengths, and potential that deserve compassion and understanding. As a Zumba instructor, I bring energy, movement, and positivity into every class, creating inclusive spaces where people feel seen, safe, and empowered. I carry that same spirit into my personal passions for dancing, gardening, and traveling—practices that nourish my mind, body, and spirit and remind me to move through the world with curiosity, humility, and grace. Together, these values guide how I lead and serve, ensuring that my work is both impactful and deeply human.