Denise Tristan has worked in the hospitality industry for the majority of her life. She worked as the Bar Manager for the Menger Hotel until her youngest child graduated from high school. She was then able to focus on obtaining her real estate license, and continues to practice real estate to this day. She also works as a Customer Service Representative for Southwest Airlines. Denise had three children until her daughter passed away in 2015 at the young age of 27. Samantha was the youngest of the three and her only girl. Denise shares custody of Samantha’s children, Aiden and Hailey. Denise and her partner, Anna Vasquez, have been together since 2012. Denise continues to be a huge supporter to Anna and her work surrounding wrongful convictions.