Denise S. Young
Denise S. Young | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | June 30, 1955 |
| Alma mater | Grambling State University |
| Occupation(s) | Artist, author, and advisor |
| Website | www |
Denise S. Young (born June 30, 1955) is an American former tech executive and artist.[1]
Education
[edit]Young holds a bachelor’s in journalism and communications and a master’s in organizational management from Grambling State University[2] in Louisiana.
Career
[edit]Technology Executive
[edit]Young spent over two decades in the tech industry, including a senior leadership role at Apple Inc. as Senior Director of Human Resources in 1997.[2][3] She was made the company's first VP of Diversity and Inclusion in 2017. In May of 2017, while speaking at a submit in Bogotá, Young said "there can be 12 white blue-eyed blonde men in a room and they are going to be diverse too because they’re going to bring a different life experience and life perspective to the conversation". The comment drew controversy, and she apologized afterwards.[4] She left Apple in November of that year.[1][5]
Music and writing
[edit]In 2017, Young released her debut single, "Come Sunday," a reinterpretation of Duke Ellington’s jazz hymn.[6][unreliable source?]
She later collaborated with jazz vocalist Patti Andress on her first album, Denise Young, Soprano.[7]
In May 2019, Young appeared in recital at Subculture, and performed works from her 2018 album.[8][unreliable source]
In September 2020, Young was appointed by SFJAZZ as its board chair.[6]
She is the founder of Blue Organza Productions, LLC, under which her album was produced, and also a recording studio she uses personally and for mentoring young artists.[6]
Young is the author of When We Are Seen.[9][10]
Discography
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Clarke, Caroline (2018-10-05). "Once Touted as 'Apple's New Voice,' Denise Young Smith Has Found Her Own". Black Enterprise. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ a b "Denise Young Smith to Deliver 2016 Commencement Address". cooperedu. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
- ^ "Apple's new diversity chief: A group of 'white, blue-eyed men' can be considered diverse". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
- ^ Panzarino, Matthew (2017-10-14). "Apple diversity head Denise Young Smith apologizes for controversial choice of words at summit". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
- ^ "Apple Diversity Chief to Leave Months After Taking the Role". Bloomberg.com.
- ^ a b c d "Denise S. Young : A powerhouse in the jazz and classical world – EARMILK". Retrieved 2025-07-17.
- ^ a b Grein, Paul (2019-10-01). "Beyoncé, Brandi Carlile & All the Women Vying for Producer of the Year Grammy Nominations". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
- ^ BWW, Team. "LaJuan Carter: Credits, Bio, News & More | Broadway World". www.broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
- ^ "The Intersection of Black American Jazz Culture and the Voices of a Soprano, Denise Young". SPIN.com. 2024-10-24. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ "When We Are Seen by Denise Young: 9780593239292 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books". PenguinRandomhouse.com. Retrieved 2025-07-17.