Denise Forte (pronounced “fort”) is the president and CEO at The Education Trust. Named one of the Washingtonian‘s 500 Most Influential People two years running, she is one of the country’s leading voices on education equity, Denise is a fierce advocate for employing evidence-based strategies to create high achieving learning environments that turn barriers and gaps into bridges and pipelines for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
Denise joined Ed Trust in 2019 as senior vice president for Partnerships and Engagement, guiding the organization’s expansion by developing robust working relationships with legislators, education advocates, traditional and emerging civil rights groups, parents, students, and the business community. She was named president and CEO in January 2023.
A mom of two school-aged boys, Denise understands the importance of teacher diversity, resource equity, and parent engagement. “Everything I’ve done in the past has led me to Ed Trust,” she said.
Prior to Ed Trust, Denise was a senior fellow and director of public affairs for The Century Foundation, a progressive think tank. She also has served as the Vice President for Policy Leadership at Leadership for Educational Equity, a nonprofit organization supporting current and former teachers in public leadership.
Her lifetime of public service includes 20 years in senior congressional staff roles on Capitol Hill, and a stint in the executive branch, serving in the Obama administration as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary in the Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development in the Department of Education.
Denise holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Duke University, and an M.A. in Women’s Studies from the George Washington University. She lives with her family in Washington, D.C.
Meet Denise:
2023 BARR National Conference Keynote Address:
Favorite Sports Team
Duke Blue Devils basketball
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Listening to Broadway show tunes, gardening, and biking
What drew you to education?
We know what works to improve educational achievement for underserved students, but our leaders often lack the political will to make it happen. I wanted to participate in developing the strategies that builds that political will on behalf of children.
Why are you passionate about working at Ed Trust?
Ed Trust is mission driven: we believe Black and Latino students, students from low-income backgrounds, students with disabilities, and English learners deserve a quality education, because it is their best opportunity to thrive. I am thrilled to be a part of that work with my colleagues.
External writing and appearances:
OP-ED: What Districts Need When Investing Their Funds (edweek.org)
ESSAY: The Future Depends on Students and Families (Opportunity America)
VIDEO: Unlocking the Future: Toward a New Reform Agenda for K-12 America (Opportunity America)
Author Archives
Juneteenth was Freedom, Education is Power
Juneteenth is reminder that education is deeply intertwined with the legacy of slavery.
Testimony of Denise Forte on Senate FY25 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill
We request that the L-HHS-ED bill make substantial investments to ensure that essential education programs have the resources they need to ensure the greatest impact for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
Testimony of Denise Forte on House FY25 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill
We request that the L-HHS-ED bill make substantial investments to ensure that essential education programs have the resources they need to ensure the greatest impact for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
A Call to Action This Black History Month
Every Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and how much work is yet to be done.
Testimony of Denise Forte Before the House Oversight and Accountability’s Health Care and Financial Services Subcommittee
In a congressional testimony, Denise Forte covers crucial education topics, such as the impact of federal pandemic relief funds ending.
The Power of Advocacy
In 2023, the EdTrust team, working alongside our partners, have helped secure many equity wins for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
Cultivating a Supportive and Inclusive School Environment
With the back-to-school season underway across the country, now is the time for our community of advocates for education equity to join together and support students, parents, teachers, and faculty…
A School Environment Can Positively (or Negatively) Affect a Student’s Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. For some time, educators have known that more focus should be placed on the social emotional wellbeing of students — the whole child —…
The Culture Wars Have Come to the Classroom. Now What?
There are many problems roiling America’s public schools, including culture wars that have found their way into the classroom, school libraries and school board meetings over the past several months.…
Statement from Denise Forte on 2022 Nation’s Report Card
“We can use NAEP data to identify where students and educators need additional resources and supports and invest in proven strategies that accelerate learning and remedy persistent inequities,” said Denise…
Ed Trust Priorities Included in National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health
WASHINGTON – Today, Denise Forte, interim CEO at The Education Trust, issued the following statement on the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health released by the White House. “The…
Millions of Borrowers Received Student Debt Relief; However, More Needs to Be Done
Statement from Denise Forte, interim CEO of The Education Trust, on the Biden-Harris administration’s student loan cancellation announcement WASHINGTON (August 24, 2022) — “The decision by the Biden-Harris administration to provide up to…
Opinion: Should the Government Forgive College Student Loan Debt?
Should the federal government forgive student loan debt? The short answer is yes. While many people mistakenly put the blame on students, the current student loan debt crisis is the…
The House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill Increases Investment in Programs Essential to Educational Equity
Statement from Denise Forte, interim CEO of The Education Trust, on the Fiscal Year 2023 House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill WASHINGTON — “The House Labor-HHS-Education bill advanced by the House Appropriations Committee yesterday builds…
The Education Trust Responds to Deal to Extend Summer Meals
Statement from Denise Forte, interim CEO of The Education Trust, on the extension of the universal free meals program through the summer “We are pleased to see a bipartisan agreement…
Testimony of Denise Forte on Senate FY23 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill
Written Testimony for the Record On behalf of Denise Forte Interim CEO The Education Trust Before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies…
The Education Trust Urges Bold Action on Student Loan Forgiveness
Statement from Denise Forte, interim CEO of The Education Trust, on reports the Biden-Harris administration is considering student loan forgiveness: WASHINGTON (May 10, 2022) — “In light of recent media…
The President’s FY23 Budget Request Recommits to Transformational Educational Priorities
WASHINGTON (March 28, 2022) – Today, The Education Trust released the following statement from Denise Forte, interim CEO of The Education Trust, on the Biden-Harris administration’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget request:…
NAEP Is Telling Us Again That It’s Past Time to Close Long-Standing Resource Gaps
Those who study educational disparities know that money matters in education. And it’s not just about how much money is allocated, it’s about resource equity, that is, how effectively state…
Build Back Better Act Includes Transformative Investments
Build Back Better Act Includes Transformative Investments in Early Learning and College Access & Success, But More to Be Done on Addressing the Nation’s College Affordability Crisis Statement from Denise…
Ed Trust Calls on Policymakers to Close Long-Standing Opportunity Gaps
WASHINGTON – Today, Denise Forte, interim CEO at The Education Trust, issued the following statement on the release of the 2020 National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, long-term trend assessments.…
Denise Forte Testifies on Heading Back to School and Reopening Safely
United States House Committee on Education and Labor Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee “Back to School: Highlighting Best Practices for Safely Reopening Schools” Download Oral Testimony Download Written…
Denise Forte, Interim CEO of the Education Trust, Written Testimony to U.S. House Committee Rules on Ending Hunger in America: The Role of Schools in Ending Hunger and Improving Nutrition
Written Testimony for the Record On behalf of Denise Forte Interim CEO The Education Trust Before the United States House Committee on Rules Chairman McGovern, Ranking Member Cole and members…
Build Back Better Act is a Major Step Forward for Education Equity
Substantial Investments Would Expand Education Access, But More Can Be Done Statement from Denise Forte, interim CEO of The Education Trust on the Build Back Better Act: WASHINGTON (September 10, 2021) – “The…
The Civil Rights Data Collection is a Vital Tool to Close Equity Gaps
Statement from Denise Forte, interim CEO of The Education Trust, on the upcoming Civil Rights Data Collection WASHINGTON (August 13, 2021) – “We are pleased the U.S. Department of Education has announced…
The House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill Boosts Educational Equity Through Much Needed Targeted Investments
Statement from Denise Forte, interim CEO of The Education Trust, on the Fiscal Year 2022 House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill WASHINGTON (July 16, 2021) – “Ed Trust appreciates the much needed, targeted investments proposed…
The President’s FY22 Budget Request Proposes Vital Investments in Educational Equity
Statement from Denise Forte, interim CEO of The Education Trust, on the Biden-Harris administration’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget request: WASHINGTON (May 28, 2021) – “Ed Trust applauds the Biden-Harris administration’s…
The Impact of George Floyd’s Murder: One Year Later
George Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020, at the hands of Minneapolis police sparked a wave of protests against police violence and racial injustice around the U.S. Meanwhile, the pandemic…
The American Families Plan is a Big Step Forward on Educational Equity
Statement from Denise Forte, interim CEO of The Education Trust, on the American Families Plan: WASHINGTON (April 28, 2021) – “We are pleased that President Biden’s American Families Plan offers new opportunities for…
Why Parents, School Leaders, and Advocates Shouldn’t Underestimate the Power of Statewide Assessments
Over the last year, students have learned to cope with significant uncertainty and navigated learning in new ways. With the support of committed educators, families, and caregivers, many students have…
The American Rescue Plan Act Gives Schools and Students the Relief They Need
Statement from Denise Forte, senior vice president for partnerships and engagement at The Education Trust, on the American Rescue Plan Act: WASHINGTON (March 10, 2021) – “The American Rescue Plan…
Statement From The Education Trust on COVID-19 Relief and Year-End Funding Package
Congress must pass bipartisan legislation to lift the Pell ban for students who are incarcerated WASHINGTON (December 21, 2020) – Today, Denise Forte, senior vice president for partnerships and engagement…
Bipartisan Coronavirus Response an Important Step Forward for Students and Schools
Statement from Denise Forte, senior vice president for Partnership and Engagement for The Education Trust, discussing the Congressional Coronavirus relief bill WASHINGTON (March 26, 2020) – “This bipartisan Senate Coronavirus…
The Trump Administration, Once Again, Fails to Invest in the Critical Resources Needed to Boost Achievement of our Nation’s Students
Statement from Denise Forte, senior vice president for Partnerships and Engagement for The Education Trust on Trump administration’s FY21 Budget Proposal WASHINGTON (February 10, 2019) – In yet another predictable…
11 Questions Equity Advocates have for the 2020 Presidential Candidates
If you’ve followed the 2020 Democratic debates thus far, you know that education issues have only scratched the nationally televised surface of the upcoming Democratic primary. This weekend, that will…
Congress Finalizes Bipartisan Higher Education Deal
Congress has passed a higher education package that will fund HBCUs and other MSIs for 10 years, simplify the FAFSA, and streamline loan repayment WASHINGTON (December 11, 2019) – Today,…
The Education Trust Commends House for Passing FUTURE Act, Calls on Senate to Follow Suit
If signed into law, the FUTURE Act would ensure continued federal funding for historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions WASHINGTON (September 17, 2019) – Today, Denise Forte senior vice…
Repealing Gainful Employment Is an Attack on Vulnerable Students
Statement From Denise Forte, Senior Vice President for Partnership and Engagement, on the Trump Administration’s Repeal of Gainful Employment WASHINGTON (June 28, 2019) – Today, Denise Forte, senior vice president…
Denise Forte Gives Public Comments at U.S. Department of Education Negotiated Rule Making Session
Denise Forte gives public comments before U.S. Department of Education Negotiated Rule Making Committee. Download the Comments Good afternoon. My name is Denise Forte; I’m the senior vice president for…