Denise Vásquez, cofundadora de Best Home Health Care (BHHC), es un ejemplo de resiliencia, visión y compromiso comunitario. Fundó BHHC durante la pandemia de COVID-19 con el objetivo de brindar atención personalizada y garantizar la seguridad de sus pacientes. A través de su enfoque en la comunicación, el apoyo a su equipo y una visión compartida con su socia Venear, Denise ha llevado a la agencia a contar con más de 160 auxiliares de salud y 13 empleados administrativos.
Su compromiso con la comunidad es fundamental. Como miembro de Hispanic Image Smart Women’s Biz Hub, inspira a otros a superar obstáculos y alcanzar sus metas, especialmente a mujeres hispanas. Denise enfatiza la importancia de un sistema de apoyo, la disciplina y el equilibrio entre la vida profesional y personal, recordando que la estabilidad comienza en casa.
Reconocida como una de “Las 20 mujeres más inspiradoras en el mundo de los negocios”, Denise busca motivar a otras mujeres a no limitarse y a creer en sí mismas. Aunque originalmente soñaba con ser dentista, encuentra satisfacción al impactar vidas a través de BHHC, ofreciendo cuidado de calidad y oportunidades para su equipo y pacientes. Como mujer hispana en los Estados Unidos, Denise valora su cultura, perseverancia y capacidad de superar desafíos, animando a otros a seguir su "estrella del norte".
Following her north star
Denise Vasquez, Co-founder of Best Home Health Care (BHHC), embodies resilience, vision, determination and commitment to her community. From navigating the challenges of establishing a home care agency during a global pandemic to significantly impacting the lives of her patients and employees, Denise’s journey is one of passion, determination, and service. I sat down with Denise at La Grekka Caffe in Downtown Lawrence, MA, to understand how she got to where she is now; our interaction was full of laughter, good food, and drinks; at the end of this interview, I was intrigued to find out who Denise was and I hope you will to. Here's what she had to say.
1. Denise, your journey at Best Home Health Care has been impressive. What motivated you to co-found a home care agency, and what vision did you have when you started?
“When we started Best Home Health Care, it was during COVID-19. The vision was to ensure that our patients continued receiving care because their safety was our priority,” Denise explains. She recalls the hurdles they faced during the pandemic and how they overcame them by equipping their aides to feel secure in their roles.
“We wanted to provide personalized customer service—something many big companies overlook. At BHHC, we don’t care only about money; we care about people’s health.” She also emphasizes her goal to differentiate her agency by preparing and supporting their aides, even when traditional requirements, like speaking English or owning a car, posed challenges.
2. You’ve taken BHHC from a small office in Lawrence to an operation with over 160 health aides and 13 administrative employees. What do you consider to be the key factors in achieving this growth in such a short time?
“The dedication and personal connection we establish with our employees and patients,” Denise shares. “Communication is key—open communication builds trust and understanding. We believe that ‘no’ is not the final answer in business; it’s just ‘no’ for now.”
Denise also highlights the importance of a shared vision among partners and strong internal relationships: “My partner, Venear, is incredibly intelligent and shares the same drive to move forward. That alignment has been crucial to our growth. We both think alike when she has an idea; I have it also.”
3. The expansion of BHHC has had a direct impact on the quality of life for many elderly individuals and people with disabilities. How do you measure or evaluate the impact of the services that the agency provides in their lives?
Denise prioritizes empathy and understanding. “I make it a point to learn the history of each case so that our aides can better support our patients,” she explains. By addressing their necessities—whether providing a fan in the summer or just listening—Denise ensures that patients feel seen, valued, and cared for.
4. Considering that your agency works with vulnerable populations, which can bring unique challenges, how do you ensure that your team stays focused on providing quality care and empathy to these patients?
“By giving my employees the support they need to trust and feel safe coming to us when something isn’t right,” she says. Denise’s emphasis on creating a supportive work environment directly translates to the quality of care her agency provides.
5. Commitment to the community is something that stands out about you. Why is it so important for you to contribute to local activities and organizations? How does this connect with your purpose?
“For me, it’s a way to give back,” Denise says. She recalls arriving in the U.S. without speaking English and working her way to success. “Being present in the community allows others to see that nothing is impossible. If I can do it, so can they.” As a Hispanic Image Smart Women’s Biz Hub non-profit organization member, Denise actively participates in initiatives that empower others, especially women, to achieve their goals.
“Let’s not lose the north star where we want to go...”
6. What personal qualities do you feel have helped you become an inspiring leader for your team at BHHC and a role model for other women in business?
“Determination, focus, and discipline,” Denise notes. She has learned to tackle tasks promptly rather than procrastinating and sees her persistence as a cornerstone of her success. She admits being curious about how her team would describe her leadership but adds, “When I focus on something, I do it until I achieve it.”
7. Balancing such a demanding role at BHHC with your community activities, how do you manage the balance between your professional and personal life? What advice would you give to other women in leadership positions?
“I don’t,” Denise says candidly, reflecting on the struggles of being a workaholic. “It’s a mistake many businesswomen make—being always available. It’s crucial to clock out and focus on being a mother, a wife, and yourself.” Her advice? “Achieve balance by understanding that if your family isn’t well, your business won’t thrive. Stability starts at home.”
8. For many Hispanic women entrepreneurs, finding resources and support can be challenging. What advice would you give to women who are starting in the business world and aspire to make a positive impact?
“Join an organization that supports businesses,” Denise urges. She emphasizes the importance of a support system and recommends groups like Hispanic Image, which has been instrumental in her journey. “You can’t achieve success alone. Find a community that can guide you, provide resources, and help you grow.”
9. Denise, what does it mean to you to be one of the “20 Most Inspiring Women in Business”? How do you hope your story inspires other women to follow their own dreams and make an impact in their communities?
“I feel proud and honored. It was a surprise because I never imagined people would recognize me,” Denise shares. She admits feeling both embarrassed and grateful when contacted about the recognition.
“This is not just about BHHC; it’s about Denise. I am just me. I hope my story shows women that they shouldn’t limit themselves or lose sight of their dreams. Let’s not lose the north star where we want to go. Do not limit yourself and stay stuck in one job so early in your life. Look at yourself and believe in yourself because it doesn’t matter what I say if you don't believe."
10. Did you always aspire to be a businesswoman?
“No, I wanted to be a dentist,” Denise confesses. Growing up, she dreamed of fixing the teeth of women in her barrio for free to restore their confidence. “That was my vision—to give them back their smiles. I even kept a list of people I wanted to help.”
Though her path changed, Denise finds fulfillment in her current role, where her work continues to bring smiles and hope to her community.
11. Finally, What does it mean to be a Hispanic woman in the U.S.?
“I feel incredibly fortunate. Even as a minority in this country, we are known for being hardworking and resilient. When we set our minds to something, we achieve it. Despite the challenges of navigating a country that isn’t ours and often not speaking the language initially, we embrace the opportunities and persevere.
As a Hispanic woman in the United States, I feel blessed and protected by God. We face resistance, but our determination keeps us moving forward. We are loving, compassionate, and deeply care for others. We pridefully carry our culture wherever we go, raising our flag high—even in unfamiliar lands.”
Denise Vasquez’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and community. She reminds women of the importance of following their north star—having a clear vision for their lives and not remaining stuck or complacent. Through BHHC, she has redefined caregiving, created opportunities, and inspired others to embrace the opportunities around them, dream big, and work hard to achieve their goals.
