Standing as a pillar of strength and inspiration, Dr. Indira Henard is an internationally acclaimed leader whose illustrious career spans over two decades, marked by a profound commitment to public service and advocacy. As the Executive Director of the DC Rape Crisis Center (DCRCC), Dr. Henard embodies the essence of mission-centric leadership, driving impactful change in public policy, gender-based violence, crisis communications, and nonprofit management.
With a wealth of experience in navigating complex issues and challenging environments, Dr. Henard has earned global recognition for her strategic acumen and compassionate leadership. Her extensive expertise encompasses executive leadership roles, consultant relationships, corporate partnerships, and board memberships, all underscored by a relentless dedication to empowering and supporting others.
As a seasoned thought leader, Dr. Henard thrives in times of crisis and adversity, leveraging her formidable skills in crisis management to steer organizations towards resilience and success. Her advocacy for marginalized communities and her commitment to social justice serve as guiding principles in all aspects of her work.
Legacy and Impact of the DC Rape Crisis Center
The DC Rape Crisis Center is dedicated to creating a world free from sexual violence. It is the oldest rape crisis center in the country, and the only rape crisis center in Washington, DC that holds a local, national and international footprint in the global sexual assault movement. The center was founded in 1972, and is celebrating over 50 years of providing services to survivors of sexual assault who represent the most vulnerable, and marginalized survivors in Washington, DC, and beyond. The call to action of the center obliges it to build the capacity of the Washington, DC community to respond to survivors of sexual assault with compassion, and dignity.
Following Her Heart
Dr. Henard’s career journey has been defined by her passion for policy and politics, leading her to Washington, DC two decades ago. She worked for Senator Barack Obama, balancing her time between his Senate Office and presidential campaign. Despite her political aspirations, volunteering at the DC Rape Crisis Center revealed her true calling in addressing gender-based violence.
When faced with the decision between political ambition and following her heart, Dr. Henard chose the latter, dedicating herself to combating gender-based violence. Her decision reflects her commitment to authenticity and purpose-driven action, prioritizing her calling over societal expectations and embracing the courage needed to effect real change.
Heart-Centered Leadership
At the core of her being, Dr. Henard represents the roles of advocate, healer, social worker, and drum major for gender justice, both within and beyond the confines of the workplace. She is driven by a profound commitment to fostering a culture of care that prioritizes the humanity of her team, recognizing that the work they undertake is fundamentally rooted in matters of the heart.
Dr. Henard’s leadership is distinguished by her unwavering belief in the transformative power of ordinary days. She approaches her role with a deep sense of empathy and compassion, leading and serving with her heart at the forefront. Her faith serves as a guiding force, propelling her to engage authentically within her community and forge connections grounded in sisterhood.
In her advocacy efforts, Dr. Henard strives to amplify marginalized voices, championing gender justice and social equity. She is a beacon of hope and resilience, advocating for meaningful change while fostering a spirit of solidarity and inclusivity.
Self-Care, and the Power of Community
Every day, Dr. Henard welcomes the journey of leadership with an open heart and a willingness to learn and grow. She recognizes the importance of extending grace and compassion to herself, understanding that self-care is essential for effective leadership. Dr. Henard finds strength in her community of care, leaning on the support and guidance of those around her.
One of the most profound lessons she has learned is the invaluable contribution of her staff in her personal and professional development. Their feedback, insights, and dedication continuously inspire her to strive for excellence. Dr. Henard acknowledges that it is through the private interactions and collective efforts of her team that she evolves as a leader.
Navigating Responsibilities and Building Collaborative Partnerships
As the Executive Director of the rape crisis center, Dr. Henard shoulders a diverse array of responsibilities aimed at ensuring the center’s effectiveness and sustainability. At the helm of operations, she is tasked with devising and implementing both short and long-term strategic initiatives. This entails overseeing day-to-day operations, cultivating meaningful relationships, and fostering strategic partnerships essential for the center’s growth and impact. Fundraising efforts also fall under her purview, as she works tirelessly to secure resources necessary for the center’s long-term sustainability.
Despite the multifaceted nature of her role, Dr. Henard finds deep fulfillment in the opportunity to serve survivors of sexual assault on a daily basis. Being a beacon of support and advocacy for those in need is the cornerstone of her work. Moreover, she derives immense joy from being part of a community dedicated to ending sexual violence, where every individual plays a vital role in effecting positive change.
Dr. Henard emphasizes the collaborative nature of their efforts, recognizing that no one person can tackle such complex issues alone. The DC Rape Crisis Center places great emphasis on building relationships and forging strategic partnerships aligned with their mission. With partnerships dating back over fifty years, they have established a robust network locally, nationally, and even internationally. Their intentional presence in diverse spaces underscores their commitment to reaching those who may not traditionally seek support from rape crisis centers.
Charting a Path
Dr. Henard recognizes that rape crisis centers face significant challenges, particularly in securing adequate funding and navigating shifts in philanthropic support. To address this, she promotes for multi-year funding commitments and a shift towards trust-based philanthropy. By emphasizing the universal relevance of addressing sexual assault as a societal issue, Dr. Henard believes that philanthropic support should extend beyond traditional boundaries, engaging a wider range of stakeholders in the cause.
Working internationally presents unique challenges, including the need to understand and respect cultural practices while implementing gender-based violence interventions. Dr. Henard underscores the importance of ensuring that practices are inclusive and rooted in the specific cultural context, thus fostering effective and culturally sensitive approaches to addressing gender-based violence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Henard identifies several areas for improvement, including addressing basic needs such as food insecurity, housing insecurity, and access to healthcare. Additionally, she highlights the importance of addressing disparities in Black maternal health, recognizing the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure equitable access to healthcare and support for Black mothers.
A Call for Collective Action Against Sexual Violence
In this pivotal moment for the global conversation on sexual violence, Dr. Henard points out the urgency of rethinking people’s approach to addressing this pervasive issue. She underscores the universal impact of sexual violence and the imperative for collective action to create a world free from its grip.
Dr. Henard envisions a movement characterized by boldness, courage, and inclusivity, where survivors of sexual violence are not just passive recipients of support but active leaders guiding the way forward. She envisions a world where survivors are empowered to shape the direction of the movement, serving as the guiding force in the quest for justice and liberation.
As the oldest rape crisis center, the DC Rape Crisis Center remains steadfast in its commitment to lead the charge in combating sexual violence. Dr. Henard emphasizes the importance of working within communities and forging partnerships to develop and implement practices that directly address racism and oppression at both individual and systemic levels.
Looking to the future, Dr. Henard’s path may not be fully defined, but her commitment to advocating for gender justice remains committed. She envisions herself continuing to work at the intersection of justice, freedom, and liberation, driven by a profound dedication to creating a more just and equitable world for all.
