August 15, 1948
Denise Chavez was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico

1970

Best Play Award, New Mexico State University, for The Wait
1971
New Mexico State University, B.A.
1972
M.F.A.Elevators (one-act), produced in Santa Fe, NM,
1974
Trinity University (San Antonio, TX),
1975
The Flying Tortilla Man (one-act), produced in Espanola, NM.
1977
The Mask of November (one-act), produced in Espanola, NM.
1981
Awarded citizen advocacy, Dona Ana County Human Services Consortium
1982
University of New Mexico, M.A.
December 29, 1984
Married Daniel Zolinsky (a photographer and sculptor)
1990
Creative artist fellowship, Cultural Arts Council of Houston
1995
New Mexico Governor's Award in literature and El Paso Herald Post Writers of the Pass distinction
1995
American Book Award, and Mesilla Valley Writer of the Year Award, all , all for Face of an Angel
1996
Luminaria Award for Community Service, New Mexico Community Foundation