Denise Brown

What inspires or motivates you in your role at HMS/HSDM?
What inspires me is my belief in, and dedication to, the mission of HMS and our students, whose lives will be dedicated to fulfilling that mission. My job at HMS enables me to interact with many of our students, and to encourage and be there for them while they are here at HMS. I want them to always know that the Office of Student Affairs is their home away from home.

In what ways do you feel you contribute to the Harvard community?
I have dedicated my life to making sure that the people around me feel welcome, at home, and able to be themselves. And I love working with people, finding out about their lives, and being there during the good times and bad times. I have brought this dedication to my position at HMS, and have deep satisfaction in knowing that I can be of help to our community. It is always wonderful when I hear from students, after they graduate, through pictures, emails, notes, and learn that they're doing well and that they remember our office and how we were able to touch their lives.

What is the significance of the object you brought with you to the photo shoot?
The students often leave their families to attend Harvard Medical School. During commencement weekend, the children of the graduates receive stuffed lambs from our office staff, their HMS family away from home.