About us
Our Mission

To help our clients connect with communities and key stakeholders through smart, structured
outreach that builds trust, informs overall project strategy, and lays the groundwork for a
successful and sustainable project.

woman of color
Black woman in business

As trusted translators with deep community roots, we understand how to build and cultivate relationships regardless of geographic location or industry.

Voices of Women of Color
About us

Our History

VOWOC was born out of lived experience that highlighted the importance of bringing people together from all walks of life to achieve lasting solutions. What began as a small community effort has grown into a recognized leader that supports developers, agencies, and utilities seeking clear, grounded public input and strategic community partnerships.

You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own. - Michelle Obama

Our Approach

We take a data-driven and relationship-centered approach to engagement and outreach. We listen deeply, translate technical language into plain language, and provide real-time insight to help inform your project strategy. Our methods are flexible, scalable, and backed by strong relationships and decades of trust.

Leadership Team

Our leadership team is made up of experienced organizers and strategic advisors with deep roots in both public sector and cross-sector outreach.
  • Janice Flemming-Butler, Founder
  • Denise Best, CEO
  • Monique Flemming, Executive Assistant
Denise Best - VOWOC CEO

Denise Best | CEO

Denise is currently the president and CEO of the Voices of Women of Color. Denise is an activist, an organizer and lobbyist. She is a published writer, vocalist, and a DJ aka DJ Dede, on the internet radio platform, Primal4k.com.

She sits on the boards of the Upper Albany Development, Inc., Journey Writers, Inc., and is vice president of the board for Community First School. She has served on numerous task forces, boards and committees Including those for mayors Perez, Segarra and Bronin. After serving ten years as the Chair of the Upper Albany Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, (UANRZ), she stepped down in September 2020. Denise holds a BS in Education from Lesley University and an MA in American Studies from Trinity College.