Denice Flynn’s journey with Delta Sculling Center (DSC) began over eight years ago, and her influence has been integral to shaping the organization’s path. A seasoned human resources professional with decades of experience at Macy’s department stores, Denice brought her deep expertise in team building, recruitment, and performance management to the DSC board. Her tenure has been marked by a commitment to fostering the growth of DSC while emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and community impact.

As Denice looks toward the future, her guiding mantra remains simple but powerful: “I hope I make a difference.” This personal philosophy has been the foundation of her leadership and service, not only at DSC but in every aspect of her life. Whether it’s through helping out at a local elementary school or providing HR expertise to resolve complex challenges within the organization, Denice consistently seeks to enrich the lives of those around her.

What makes Denice’s contributions to DSC especially impactful is her vision for expanding the organization’s reach and inclusivity. She believes in creating a board that reflects the diversity of the Stockton community and serving a broad spectrum of people, including youth, veterans, adaptive rowers, and the underserved. She advocates for a more business-minded approach, which she believes will help sustain DSC’s long-term growth, particularly in building relationships with local business leaders and enhancing community partnerships.

Denice is particularly proud of DSC’s progress over the years. She has seen the organization grow from one that had limited resources to one that boasts an impressive fleet of equipment, and an ever-growing presence in the community. “I’ve enjoyed watching DSC grow from a fledgling organization into something much bigger than we ever dreamed,” she reflects.

For Denice, this growth is not just about numbers, but about the lives DSC touches through its programs. She’s seen firsthand the profound impact rowing has on participants, whether it’s adaptive rowers finding joy and mobility on the water or local youth discovering the power of teamwork and discipline.

But Denice also sees room for organizational growth and envisions a future where DSC becomes a central part of Stockton’s upcoming aquatic center, serving as a leader in non-motorized water sports and a hub for water conservation efforts. She believes the organization has the potential to be a major player in Stockton’s environmental advocacy, broadening its mission to include education about the California Delta and its stewardship. “There’s so much more we can do,” she says, “from teaching people how to swim to engaging the community in caring for our waterways.”

Looking ahead, Denice hopes that DSC continues to attract a more diverse range of board members and volunteers, particularly those from underserved communities. She believes that by involving people of different abilities, backgrounds, and professions, DSC will be best equipped to serve Stockton’s richly diverse population. “We have to reflect the community we serve,” she notes. “That’s how we continue to make a real difference.”

For anyone considering getting involved with DSC, whether as a volunteer, board member, or supporter, Denice’s advice is simple: “Come out and experience it for yourself. Spend a day at the boathouse. You’ll see that DSC is more than just rowing—it’s about creating opportunities, fostering community, and changing lives.”