Deneen L. Garrett

Deneen L. Garrett is a visionary art curator, international speaker, and advocate for diversity and empowerment. Specializing in African American visual arts, she has collaborated with world-renowned institutions like Sotheby’s and Hauser & Wirth, working with artists and curators across the U.S. and U.K. Through her expertise in exhibition curation, public programming, and cultural engagement, Garrett fosters inclusive spaces that amplify underrepresented voices and spark meaningful dialogue.

Her corporate career at AT&T spanned over two decades, where she co-founded the AT&T Inclusion Council and led transformative Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, driving a 90% increase in diverse hiring. As the founder of Deneen L. Garrett LLC, she empowers Women of Color (WOC) through consulting, podcasting, and coaching. She is also the creator and host of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, the #1 searched WOC podcast on Apple Podcasts, dedicated to uplifting stories of resilience, leadership, and authenticity.

A sought-after speaker, Garrett has delivered impactful talks at Ford Motor Company, BEYA, and Divas of Colour London, engaging audiences on topics at the intersection of art, identity, and empowerment. Her thought leadership has been featured in Voyage Michigan, ShoutOut LA, and on the cover of Hoinser Global Media, with her image displayed in Times Square. She is a published author of the award-winning book "Upward: Leadership Lessons for Women on the Rise," which has been incorporated into university business courses.

Garrett’s dedication to arts advocacy extends to her nonprofit board service, including at the Detroit Institute of Arts and Friends of African and African American Art. Recognized as a U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award honoree and a Black Future Maker, she continues to inspire, educate, and challenge the status quo through storytelling, curation, and leadership.