Menu

Get to Know Denise Lopez

Member Spotlight

HD SOUTH--The Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum
Gilbert Historical Society
 

How many years have you been in business? 43
 

What product or service do you offer? 
HD SOUTH is home to the Gilbert Historical Museum, offering exhibits, educational programs, and cultural events that preserve and celebrate Gilbert’s history. We provide engaging experiences for all ages, from school field trips and historical tours to wellness and arts programming. As the community’s hub for history, culture, and lifelong learning, we create opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with Gilbert’s past while enjoying meaningful, intergenerational activities. HD SOUTH is also home to an amazing event venue with multiple facilities available to rent for those special occasions and important life experiences.

What makes your business different, competitive, or unique? 
HD SOUTH is the only organization fully dedicated to preserving Gilbert’s history while also serving as a center for cultural and educational programming. Located in the town’s oldest standing building, a former elementary school built in 1913, we offer an authentic connection to the community’s roots. Our combination of historic preservation, engaging exhibits, and forward-thinking programs creates a unique blend of past and present. By bridging generations through storytelling, cultural activities, and intergenerational experiences, we provide more than a museum—we serve as a living, vibrant hub where Gilbert’s history and future come together to strengthen community bonds.

What is the nicest thing a customer has ever said about your business? 
A longtime Gilbert resident once shared, “Walking into HD SOUTH feels like coming home. You’ve preserved not only the history of this town but the heart of it. My grandchildren get to experience the Gilbert I grew up in while also enjoying programs that inspire them to connect with their community today.” Compliments like this remind us of the powerful impact we have—creating meaningful connections across generations, honoring the town’s roots, and offering a place where history, culture, and community meet.

How has your business found value in your membership with the Gilbert Chamber? 
Being a member of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce has expanded our visibility and strengthened our role in the community. The Chamber provides valuable networking opportunities, allowing us to partner with local businesses, connect with new audiences, and share our mission more widely. Through these relationships, we’ve increased attendance at our events and programs while building stronger ties within the community. The Chamber’s support also helps us highlight our dual role as both a historical institution and a cultural hub, ensuring that HD SOUTH continues to be recognized as an important part of Gilbert’s past, present, and future.

What motivates you professionally? 
I am motivated by the opportunity to preserve Gilbert’s history while building meaningful connections across generations. Every day, I see how our work impacts people—whether it’s a child learning about the town for the first time, a family enjoying our cultural programs, or a longtime resident reconnecting with cherished memories. Helping people understand their place in Gilbert’s story and fostering a sense of pride in our community keeps me inspired. Knowing that we are creating experiences that honor the past while shaping the future is what it's all about.

What do you consider to be your greatest success? 
My greatest success has been guiding HD SOUTH’s transformation from a traditional museum into a dynamic community hub. While preserving Gilbert’s history remains at our core, we have broadened our impact by expanding arts, cultural, and intergenerational programs that meet the needs of today’s residents. This evolution has allowed us to serve more people in more meaningful ways, while staying true to our mission. Watching our campus become a place where history, culture, and community come together—and seeing the joy and connection that results—has been one of the most rewarding achievements of my professional career.

Who do you look up to or admire? 
I admire leaders who dedicate themselves to service and leave lasting legacies of impact. Locally, I look up to the community members and visionaries who recognized the importance of preserving Gilbert’s history while also embracing growth and innovation. Their foresight and commitment to stewardship inspire me to lead with both respect for the past and a vision for the future. On a broader scale, I admire individuals who create opportunities for others, empower their communities, and model leadership rooted in integrity, collaboration, and compassion. These qualities remind me daily of the responsibility and privilege of leading HD SOUTH.

When you're not working, where in Gilbert do you spend your time? 
When I’m not working, I love to experience the heart of Gilbert by spending time in our vibrant Heritage District. Whether it’s enjoying local restaurants, or attending cultural events, I find energy in the ways our community comes together. I also enjoy the natural beauty Gilbert has to offer—spending time at the Riparian Preserve, walking trails, or simply being outdoors with family and friends. These experiences remind me of why Gilbert is so special: it’s a place where history, culture, nature, and community spirit blend to create a welcoming and inspiring home.

Get to Know Denise Lopez