Artwork by Odera Igbokwe

Racquel Henderson

Racquel Henderson (She/Her) has spent over eight years serving her community by providing second chances in re-entry programs and uplifting youth through professional roles in higher education. She currently serves as a College Success Navigator at Metropolitan Community College, where she works with a scholarship program that focuses on the retention of first-generation and underrepresented students by providing inclusive academic support and guidance with the nonprofit organization Avenue Scholars. Racquel also serves as the National Programs Manager for Black and Pink—the nation’s largest prison abolitionist organization. In addition, Racquel works on the Lived Experience Project for the Terraluna Collaborative, where she assists youth who have experienced the Juvenile Justice System with trauma impact. Outside of her professional endeavors, Racquel serves as a mentor for Sacred Heart School students, whom she works with to improve academic achievement, self-esteem, social competence, and avoidance of problems and/or high-risk behavior by providing a supportive and encouraging relationship with youth. She also serves as a keynote and motivational Speaker, working to empower, influence, and inspire individuals by meeting them where they are and helping them achieve their full potential. Racquel earned a Bachelor’s of Science from University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she studied Criminal Justice and Psychology and was inducted into the National Honors Society of Criminal Justice in 2014. Racquel is a 2018 Young Professional of the Year Urban League of Nebraska Award Recipient, 2017 Young Black and Influential Award recipient, a 2018 MORE Women Award Recipient, and Founder of #TheBeProject — a movement based on bringing awareness to various jobs and resources to community members. Racquel was most recently inducted into Women’s Fund Circles 9, where she looks forward to growing personally and professionally while assisting in improving the lives of women and girls throughout Greater Omaha. Racquel believes that with the right resources, opportunities, and support, change is inevitable.