Dr. Indira Henard
Dr. Indira Henard is a nationally recognized executive leader, social worker, and policy advisor with more than 20 years of experience driving institutional transformation across the gender-based violence and broader social justice sectors. She currently serves as President and CEO of the DC Rape Crisis Center, the nation’s oldest rape crisis center, where she leads survivor-centered advocacy, organizational modernization, and strategic growth. Her leadership is defined by a blend of policy fluency, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to advancing safety, equity, and justice for women and gender-expansive communities. Throughout her career, she has secured significant federal funding and built strong cross-sector partnerships to expand access to critical survivor services.
Dr. Henard’s professional journey spans government, nonprofit leadership, academia, and international advocacy. Early in her career, she worked in federal government roles and on Capitol Hill, including engagement in national political and policy spaces such as Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, before transitioning fully into gender-based violence work. She rose through progressively senior leadership roles at the DC Rape Crisis Center, beginning as a volunteer advocate and advancing to executive leadership. Internationally, she helped establish the first rape crisis center in Lagos, Nigeria, reflecting her commitment to global survivor-centered infrastructure. She has also served as a trusted advisor and board member across sectors, including corporate advisory work and national commissions addressing sexual violence in the military.
Her academic and professional foundation reflects a strong commitment to lifelong learning and teaching. She holds a Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Southern California, a Master of Social Work from the Catholic University of America, and a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College, where she also serves as a trustee. She has completed executive education at Harvard Business School and holds fellowships at institutions including Duke University and Georgetown Law. In addition to her executive leadership, she serves as an adjunct faculty member at universities such as the University of Nevada, Reno and Howard University School of Social Work. Across her work, Dr. Henard emphasizes servant leadership, ethical innovation, and building sustainable systems that center dignity, accountability, and long-term impact.
• SAVRAA Sexual Assault Counselor Training
• Interim Executive Training
• Mental Health First Aid USA
• Death Doula & End of Life Planner
• Calling In: Navigating Challenging Conversations and Cultivating Compassionate Connections
• Dare to Lead
• Somatic Movement Therapy Certification (SMT)
• SBIRT: Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment for Substance Abuse Disorders
• University of Southern California - DSW
• Top Women Leader of 2025
• Honorable Mentioned EXCEL Award
• Top 10 Most Empowering Leader to Follow 2024
• Top 10 World’s Most Inspiring Leader of 2024
• Top 10 Admired Women Leader of 2023
• Women Who Mean Business Award
• Washingtonian of the Year
• Recognized in “People on the Move” Series
• Washington Women of Excellence Award
• James P. Shannon Institute Fellow
• 40 Under 40 Award Recipient
• Community Leader of the Year
• The Marquis Who’s Who Publication Record
• People Issue
• “On the Ground”
• Bishops Award
• Victim Impact Award
• Congressional Scholars Security Program
• National Association of Black Social Workers-NABSW
• National Association of Social Workers-NASW
• Biz Women Leadership Council
• Greater Washington Board of Trade
• Academy on Violence & Abuse (AVA)
• Girl Scouts Nation's Capital
• Women's Bar Association Foundation
• Leadership Greater Washington
• Wheaton College Massachusetts
• National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV)
• Junior League Of Washington
• DC Bar Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to two key pillars: my faith and my personal board of directors. My faith keeps me grounded and guides my decisions through uncertainty, while my support network of intergenerational women has been instrumental in my growth. These mentors and peers have invested in me, offered wisdom, and shown up in meaningful ways, helping me build resilience and perspective that I couldn’t have developed alone.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most powerful leadership advice I’ve received is to leave on a high note—knowing when your assignment is complete and having the discipline not to overstay. A leader’s legacy is shaped not just by their tenure but also by their exit, and stepping aside at the right time allows fresh energy and perspective to move the mission forward. Leaving while things are going well, rather than during decline, reflects self-awareness and a commitment to the organization’s long-term health over ego.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The most vital advice for a demanding career is to build a personal board of directors—a trusted “tribe” who supports you through both successes and setbacks, not just during work hours but in life’s hardest moments. This circle provides guidance, perspective, and stability when decisions feel heavy. Equally important is prioritizing wellness and sustainability to avoid burnout by combining self-care with shared community support, creating the long-term resilience needed to stay grounded and effective in your work.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The primary challenge facing advocacy and support services today is a volatile and shrinking funding landscape, with significant reductions in both federal and private support impacting organizations like rape crisis centers nationwide. This decline strains the ability to deliver consistent, high-quality care, as providers must compete for increasingly limited resources. For these lifeline services, reduced funding is more than a financial issue—it directly threatens the sustainability of critical support systems that communities depend on during moments of crisis.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My core values are integrity, grace, compassion, and loyalty. Integrity grounds me in honesty and doing what is right even when it is difficult, while grace and compassion guide how I engage with others, allowing space for understanding, growth, and second chances. Loyalty ties it all together, reflecting my commitment to the people and causes I serve and shaping how I show up consistently for my community.