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As we honor Black History Month, Denise Bickerstaff, Director of Business Development and Administration, reflects on growing up in Altadena, the generations before her who paved the way for her success, and her commitment to paying it forward. Denise’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity, community, and the responsibility to uplift others.

Growing up in Altadena, Denise remembers a time when community felt like an unshakable foundation—where neighbors knew each other, opportunities felt abundant, and home was a place of stability. She was 11 years old when her family moved to Altadena and immediately loved living in a diverse community near the mountains with a sense of history and a vibrant African American community.

“The years I lived in Altadena shaped my belief in how people from different backgrounds live and work together. And it shaped my understanding of what it means to have a safe and supportive environment. Our neighborhoods and schools were diverse – that was our normal. We were aware of our differences, but they didn’t limit or define our dreams. As you can imagine, it’s been really hard to accept that the place where I grew up and lived for many years is gone. Most of the parts of Altadena I know and remember best were destroyed. Many of our friends lost their homes, with some watching their homes burn on TV or social media. I cannot imagine how horrible that must be.

A large part of what motivates me to work at Cabrillo EDC is that I want everyone to have what I had: a safe, comfortable supportive place to call home. With friendly neighbors who basically all want the same things for their families, even if the way their priorities and values appear may be a little different. My parents had big hopes and aspirations for their children (my sister and I). As African Americans, my parents were very aware of the fact that we would have to work twice as hard to be considered half as good. The opportunities they had were severely limited due to the racism they experienced throughout much of their lives. They wanted us to go to college and become whatever we wanted to be. They wanted to foster excellence and ambition in a place that would support and celebrate it – in everyone. They found that place in Altadena. I ALWAYS had a quiet place to study, supportive teachers who expected the best from me, and was surrounded by families of all races just like mine.

Growing up where and how I did was a launching pad to a varied, challenging and rewarding career, largely in the private sector. I knew that Altadena was a special place, especially to African Americans who lived there. But I didn’t appreciate it fully until I moved away and realized how truly unique and special it was. Nine years ago, I got that “call to make a difference” that many people get that makes them consider working for a nonprofit. I want to help end intergenerational poverty. I also want to help create communities like the one I grew up in, where families focus on their aspirations and not on whether they can pay rent and buy necessities every month.”

As we honor Black History Month, Denise’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity, community, and the responsibility to uplift others. She reflects on the generations before her who paved the way for her success and is committed to paying it forward.
“We can’t take our circumstances for granted,” she says. “I had a childhood where I felt safe, supported, and could dream big. Everyone deserves that. That’s why I do this work.”

Through her role at CEDC, Denise is ensuring that stable, affordable housing isn’t a privilege—it’s a right. And in doing so, she’s helping build a future where more families can thrive, just as she once did in Altadena.