A heartfelt reflection on life's lessons, emphasizing the importance of appreciating the present, treating others kindly, and staying true to one's values. The author shares their vision for building a meaningful future through creativity, career growth, and responsible leadership.
In Conversation
Dee Henry for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Dee Henry: Hello, being an influential woman. Well, I think being an influential woman, what it means to me, it gives us an opportunity to be able to show our talents and what we're able to create and how we're able to pivot. When necessary, just to have another place to either learn, create, have another foundation, or just even have a support group. But, to be an influential woman, it just shows that you can take the talents and the, things that you've had to do behind the scenes, whether, it's be a mother or daughter, an auntie or anything of that nature, you take what you have learned and what you do know how to do, and you were able to implement it into something and to create another outlet, which allows other women to look at it and be like, hey, I could think of life at a different perspective, I can solve the problem from a different way, and it gives a platform for other women to come and actually put a spark to a dream that they had. So this is one way of everybody coming together and having one good platform to be able to put a different idea in this is a nice good melting pot of how to pivot and how to show you another way to create a lifestyle or how to express yourself or how to teach somebody something. It's a way to to sharpen your skills, but yet still show people that, hey, we exist and we are willing to put you on the platform and let you know that, hey, we have other influential women that does this and does that, and just to show that being that we wear many hats, we're capable of pivoting and creating another space for someone else to create their own, space and pivot as well, so this is a very good way of all of us to learn from each other and to hone in on the gifts that we actually possess and being an influential woman, I think is a way of showing the younger, younger generation that anything's possible. You put your mind to it, anything is possible. You could do whatever you want. Just do your research, do your, due diligence as far as education and knowledge and understanding, and honey, sometimes even if it's just life, that's the only experience that you have, just know that experience is just as good as any degree.
What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?
Dee Henry: One piece of advice I would give the young ladies, or yeah, younger ladies that are looking to chase their dreams, I think that chasing should be changed to attract, that way you're not wearing yourself out running after things. As women, we are to attract things, as people, we're to attract things, but I think that, you concentrate on being a good, a good person and putting your best out and putting your best foot forward and honestly being honest with yourself and walking in your truth, you will be a magnet and you will attract the goodness that you need. Now I'm not saying all it's gonna be good cause it's not, but that's where discernment will come in. But I think that as long as you attract what you need for that dream that you. Have close to your heart, everything will flow because chasing will allow you to be worn out, you might end up having to deal with stuff you don't need to deal with it, chasing just, I think it's just a wide open space that Be chaotic. So I think that you should concentrate on attracting what you deserve instead of chasing what you want. Attract what you want and make sure that energy is clear and clean, and it can come to you. It's not easy, but it's possible. So I don't want, anybody to think that chasing is the go- to, no, no, no, attracting is the best thing because you're going to get it, it's going to come to you and as long as it's yours, you can't go wrong. So I think that as long as you're attracting what you deserve and, and it's part of your dream, then attract it and keep on being that strong magnet that you are, because it's going to get even better and better.
Her Story
About Dee
Dee Henry is a curriculum developer and education specialist based in Louisville, Kentucky. She focuses on creating digital products and curricula for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, incorporating lessons on letters, numbers, critical thinking, and problem solving to make learning engaging and foundational. An Army brat born in Germany, Henry attended school from kindergarten through twelfth grade there before moving to the United States. Without a college degree, she credits her success to the School of Hard Knocks and her determination to alchemize negative experiences into positive growth. Henry serves as a Goodwill Ambassador following her graduation from the RISE program and has founded a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting education and empowerment.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dee
01What do you attribute your success to?
I was determined. Anything I put my mind to, I'm capable of doing. God don't play about me. He's gonna make sure I get what I want because my heart's in the right place. Little things like winning raffles and trips showed me I'm special and different, and if I'm adamant about it, it will happen. My kids are grown with no grandkids, which I'm proud of due to teaching responsibility.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My daddy always told me, all that glitters is not gold. Just because it glitters and it's pretty and shiny doesn't mean it's going to be good. Stay focused on what you're doing, don't get distracted by people needing attention, because not everybody that wants your attention means well. Pay attention to your task and finish what you started.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay focused, learn yourself, love yourself. It's okay to put yourself first and choose you. Pull your power back, pour into yourself, take yourself out, buy flowers, pamper yourself. Give yourself grace, forgive yourself, hold yourself accountable where needed and let the rest go. Be in a positive light and put your best foot forward every day.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is parents not taking time to teach their kids, relying on iPads and TV instead of asking about their day or holding them accountable. The opportunity is creating support systems and communities for mothers, providing digital products for learning including for autistic individuals, and building safe spaces for empowerment through knowledge.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Say what you mean and mean what you say. Show up punctual, on time or early. Understand the task thoroughly, ask questions, take initiative. Be present, keep good karma and positive energy flowing, communicate clearly, and be on the same page. At home, pay attention to energy, diffuse situations, and stay positive.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Dee
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.