Disruptors. They are the few and the fierce. In our series, Leading between the Lines, we have the opportunity—and the pleasure—of meeting with some of South Florida’s most dynamic female business leaders: the ones disrupting their industries, approaching things in new ways, solving modern problems, and pushing the status quo into a new frontier. We want to understand their journey—what it really takes, what they’re actually up against, and how it feels each step along the way.

Meet Denise Anderson, Co-Founder of The IDDeal Foundation, a nonprofit reimagining what independence, dignity, and belonging can look like for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Denise did not set out to build an organization—she set out to build a future. As the mother of a daughter with I/DD, her work began not with a strategic plan, but with a deeply personal realization: if the world her daughter needed did not exist, she has a responsibility to help create it. From that conviction, The IDDeal Foundation was born—anchored in a holistic Work, Live, Play model designed to support the whole person, not just a single program or solution.

Read our full interview with Denise to learn what it takes to lead from purpose, what it means to scale responsibly while racing against time, and how she is building a legacy designed to outlive her, one rooted in purpose, courage, inclusivity, and unwavering love.

What motivated you to start The IDDeal Foundation?

The decision to enter this space wasn’t driven by a business plan—it was driven by motherhood…by love and fear, mixed with faith. As the mom of a daughter with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I was constantly thinking about her present and her future—specifically, what her life would become when I could no longer advocate for her every day.

I remember the moment clearly: realizing that if the world my daughter needed didn’t exist, then I had a responsibility to help build it. What was going through my mind was simple but powerful: there has to be a better way. 

That moment became the start of The IDDeal Foundation.

What do you think is a big misconception about the work you do? 

People often underestimate both the capabilities and the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

There is a common misconception that people with I/DD either require constant care with little independence, or that providing a single solution—such as a job or a program—is enough to support a full life.

In reality, individuals with I/DD need what we all need: meaningful work, safe and supportive living environments, social connection, purpose, and dignity. 

When these elements are treated separately rather than holistically, long-term success is limited. 

Our work challenges these misconceptions by addressing the whole person through an integrated Work, Live, Play model—because independence and quality of life are not achieved through one opportunity, but through a thoughtfully supported ecosystem.

What has been your proudest achievement so far and why?

My proudest achievement is co-founding The IDDeal Foundation and building a holistic model that supports the whole person, not just one aspect of their life. 

Through our Work, Live, and Play pillars, we are intentionally creating pathways for meaningful employment, independent and supported living, and rich social connections within the broader community.

What makes this especially meaningful to me is seeing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain confidence, purpose, and a true sense of belonging. 

Employment through our company, ScentsAbility Candles, offers these people dignity and pride, social opportunities that foster friendships and inclusion.

We are opening our residential living facility, The IDDeal Place, in April 2026 and it is final pillar of our vision, addressing one of the greatest unmet needs—safe, supportive, and independent residential living for the future.

As a mother, this work is deeply personal. Knowing that we are building something sustainable that supports not just my daughter, but countless individuals and families, gives me immense pride. It represents hope, security, and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to live a full, meaningful life.

What have been some of your challenges along the way and what have you learned from them? 

One of my greatest challenges has been learning to trust myself and my instincts as both a mother and a founder. 

Early on, I often second-guessed decisions, took on too much myself, or allowed fear to influence my choices more than it should have. There were moments when the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming.

What I’ve learned is that everything becomes clearer when I stay connected to my why. My “why” is my daughter, Lexy, and all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who deserve full, meaningful lives. 

When I lead from that place, from my “why”, fear no longer drives my decisions—purpose does. That clarity gives me the courage to move forward even when the path is uncertain and reminds me that this work is bigger than any single challenge.

What surprised you most on this journey?

What surprised me most is how deeply people are moved by our mission when they hear our story. There is genuine emotion, empathy, and a strong desire to support. However, what has also surprised—and challenged—me is that inspiration does not always translate into commitment.

I’ve learned that while many people care, fewer are ready to engage consistently, invest long-term, or take actionable steps to help move the mission forward. 

This has reinforced the importance of clearly articulating not just the heart of our work, but the responsibility and opportunity to be part of real, lasting change. It’s taught me patience, resilience, and the value of cultivating relationships with those who are truly aligned and willing to stand with us beyond the moment of inspiration.

What influences and inspires you?

My greatest influence and inspiration is my daughter, Lexy. She has a remarkable spirit. She is a deep thinker and even deeper feeler—she experiences the world around her with intensity. She’s also fun, expressive, determined, and unapologetically herself. 

What many people don’t always see behind her bright smile is the reality of the significant medical challenges she navigates every single day. She has endured more than most people could imagine, yet she continues to show up with grace, resilience, and a light that fills every room she enters.

Watching Lexy fight through pain, uncertainty, and limitations—while still choosing to live life—has profoundly shaped who I am as a mother and a leader. She reminds me daily that strength doesn’t always look loud, and courage often lives quietly in perseverance. 

Lexy is the heart of everything I do—she is my reminder of what’s possible and why this work matters so deeply. Her ability to shine, even on the hardest days, inspires me to keep pushing forward, to advocate harder, and to create a world where people like her are valued, supported, and celebrated.

I’m also inspired by other families walking similar paths, caregivers who show unwavering compassion, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who continue to defy expectations when given opportunity and belief. 

What scares you? Is there a current challenge that you’re wrestling with, and if so how does it impact you? 

What scares me most is time—making sure that I have time to build something sustainable and lasting for my daughter’s future and others like her before my time is up! 

I’m currently challenged with scaling responsibly while staying true to our mission, particularly as we work toward raising funds for The IDDeal Place. I’m making sure I’m surrounding myself with experienced advisors, continuing to learn, and reminding myself that progress matters more than perfection. 

This work impacts me both personally and professionally—it’s never just a job. But that also makes it deeply meaningful.

What is something you wish more people understood about you or the work you do?

I have learned that many people want to support in a way that feels tangible, meaningful, and sustainable. People care deeply, but often struggle to find clear, everyday ways to make a real impact. And those “small”, everyday ways, are actually what sustains us.

Purchasing candles from ScentsAbility Candles is one of those ways. It’s simple, but powerful. Every candle directly supports The IDDeal Foundation’s holistic Work, Live, and Play mission and initiatives.

When someone shops with ScentsAbility Candles, they aren’t just buying a high quality candle; they are investing in dignity, purpose, and a future where individuals with I/DD are included and leading full lives. 

I wish more people understood that their everyday purchasing choices matter more than they realize. Supporting inclusive businesses creates ripple effects that change lives.

I wish more people would ask questions, learn where their money goes, and choose brands that align with their values. 

And if you’re considering supporting organizations like ours, know that your involvement—whether through a purchase, donation, or partnership—has real, lasting impact.

What does the future look like? What are the goals you’re currently striving towards?

The future is more inclusive, collaborative, and community focused. I believe we will see a shift away from segregation and towards integrated living, working, and social environments for individuals with I/DD. 

Businesses and nonprofits will increasingly work together to create sustainable solutions that value dignity, purpose, and belonging. And we hope to be a part of that future.

Our current goal is raising $2.4 million to bring The IDDeal Place to life as well as growing ScentsAbility Candles to expand employment opportunities and awareness. 

Personally and professionally, my goal is sustainability—building something that lasts beyond me and continues to serve families for generations to come. A life that leaves behind a legacy.

What steps or advice would you give to someone daring to do something BIG- to lead “a life that leaves behind a legacy”? 

Lead with purpose but build with strategy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t wait until everything is perfect to begin. 

Listen to the community you serve—they are your greatest teachers. 

Most importantly, stay rooted in why. When challenges come—and they will—that “why” will carry you through.