Denise Miranda, a seasoned legal professional with nearly three decades of experience, is currently serving as the Acting Commissioner of the New York State Division of Human Rights. Her work focuses on fighting discrimination and promoting justice for nearly 20 million residents in New York.

Miranda's commitment to public service was influenced by her upbringing in the Bronx. "As the first generation born outside of Puerto Rico, I was raised with an acute understanding that my childhood experiences were very distinct from the experiences my parents had," she stated. Despite growing up with certain privileges, Miranda encountered discrimination and witnessed its effects on people similar to her, which motivated her to pursue a career in law aimed at fostering equity for marginalized communities.

She pursued her legal education at St. John's Law School, where she developed an interest in criminal and family law due to their focus on real-life issues. After graduation, Miranda served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx DA’s Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes Bureau before joining private practice and later becoming Managing Director of the Urban Justice Center’s Safety Net Project. In 2017, she became Executive Director of the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.

In March 2024, Miranda was nominated to lead New York's Division of Human Rights. She emphasized that many New Yorkers rely on this agency as their sole source of information and recourse against discrimination: “Many hardworking New Yorkers rely on the Division as their only source of information and recourse,” she explained.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Miranda actively participates in community organizations such as the Puerto Rican Bar Association and Latina Mentoring Initiative. Recently returning to St. John’s Law School for a Pro Bono Working Lunch event marked a significant moment for her: “Being back at St. Johns was particularly momentous because it provided an opportunity to meet Dean Jelani Jefferson Exum," said Miranda.

Looking ahead, Commissioner Miranda is committed to advancing initiatives like the "Call Out Hate" campaign aimed at combating hate across New York State communities: “As Commissioner I have opportunity ensure Division meets mandate abides mission operates assurance competence," she affirmed.