People

Drawing on her extensive experience in binational affairs, Denise Moreno Ducheny is volunteering with SDSU to help revitalize the Institute for Regional Studies of the Californias and promote renewed engagement and program development with Mexico. Denise Moreno Ducheny served in the California State Senate from 2002 to 2010, in the California State Assembly from 1994 to 2000, and as member of the San Diego Community College Board from 1990 to 1994.  In both Houses of the Legislature, she was the first woman and the first Latino to chair the Budget Committees, chairing this important Committee for 4 years in each House. 

As a representative of the California-Baja California Border Region in both houses of the Legislature, she Chaired Select Committees on California-Mexico Affairs and was active in developing intergovernmental relations between California and Mexico, including spearheading formation of the Border Legislators Conference and organizing meetings of the Legislative Forum of the Three Californias. 

In recognition of her dedication to the U.S.-Mexico relationship, Denise was awarded the Premio Ohtli by the Mexican Government in 2014 and since October 2014 has served as the U.S. Public Representative to the Board of the North American Development Bank

Ducheny holds a B.A. in History from Pomona College and a J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law.  In 2001 & 2002 Ducheny served SDSU as a Presential Fellow and for the last several years has been a member of the SDSU School of Public Affairs Advisory Council.