Introducing the 2025 Grand Marshal, Lion MsDenishia

Lion Denishia

better known as MsDenishia

Who do you know who goes by only one first name and is instantly recognizable?

Cher, Drake, Beyonce, and Osseo’s very own MsDenishia, the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Lions Roar Parade.

She grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and spent her late teens and early twenties as a model in New York. She’s known in the Twin Cities fashion circles as MsDenishia.

MsDenishia has organized her Fashion Show Fundraiser since 2006. At first, she raised money for large, well-known causes such as Toys for Tots and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. As she got more involved, she realized that sometimes the biggest impact comes from causes on a smaller scale. “Small things have a huge effect,” she said.

For example, one year her cause was a child with a rare disorder that required him to have a hospital bed at home. The child couldn’t sleep, which was very disruptive to the whole family. Lack of sleep affected the child’s school life and placed added strain on the entire family—especially the mother, who many can relate to. She raised money for a hospital bed, which the Osseo Lions completed with themed bedding and a stuffed animal.

Every year, she organizes a Modeling Boot Camp. She emphasizes that it’s not just about walking the runway but becoming confident in your own skin. Her goal is to have scholarships for all attendees. “It’s a real confidence builder,” says MsDenishia.” At times, it’s the kids who could benefit the most who can’t afford it.” Her annual Fashion Show Fundraiser is always a big hit and raises money for a different cause each year.

Looking ahead, MsDenishia has transitioned her Modeling Boot Camp “Be the Star That You Are! into BE THE STAR THAT YOU ARE FOUNDATION, a nonprofit that caters to grades K-12.  This program focuses on giving children the confidence to “be the star of your own life,” she says. She partners with nutritionists, skin care specialists, and an etiquette expert. There is even a tea party to practice the lessons learned. Another aspect of the program that is important to Ms. Denishia is helping the children learn to set boundaries.

She is passionate about helping people realize their full potential, and this is all happening in the Modeling Boutique storefront behind the Olympia Café. In addition to all that she does through her business, she has also been a member of the Osseo Lions Club since 2018.  

The Osseo Lions Club is proud to select MsDenishia as the Grand Marshall of the 2025 Osseo Lions Roar Parade!