The Developmental Disabilities Resource Board (DDRB) is proud to celebrate Executive Director Denise Cross as a 2026 St. Louis Business Journal Champion for Diversity & Inclusion.
This recognition highlights Denise’s commitment to ensuring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have a meaningful voice in the decisions, programs and systems that affect their lives. With more than 20 years of experience supporting people with I/DD, Denise believes people with lived experience should be active partners in shaping the services and communities designed to support them.
Under Denise’s leadership, DDRB continues its commitment to building a comprehensive system of support for people with I/DD and their families in St. Charles County. Through funding and partnerships with local service agencies and community organizations, DDRB helps more than 2,500 people with I/DD and their families connect with resources, services and opportunities that support independence, well-being and self-determination.
Denise’s recognition also brings attention to disability as an essential part of diversity and inclusion. When accessibility and inclusion are considered from the beginning, communities and workplaces create greater opportunities for people of all abilities to participate, contribute and belong.
DDRB congratulates Denise on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates the leadership, collaboration and commitment to inclusion she brings to DDRB and the St. Charles County community every day.
Learn more about Denise’s recognition and the 2026 Champions for Diversity & Inclusion from the St. Louis Business Journal.