Through IMPACT I Discovered How Much Power Women Have, Courtney Henderson

Courtney Henderson

IMPACT Chicago welcomes Courtney Henderson to the Board! Courtney is an IMPACT Core Program Grad who wanted to learn self defense techniques through realistic scenarios. Since graduating, Courtney volunteers as a facilitator for the What Is IMPACT program to stay connected to the program and sister graduates, and loves introducing new people to IMPACT.

Courtney is the recruiting director for the Chicago office of FCB, a global advertising agency. She started out in advertising herself, creating ads for KFC. Drawn to the business side of the field, she moved into account management, and finally recruiting. She loves working in a creative and relaxed environment, and finds the process of idea turned to reality magical.

Courtney also recently completed the Rape Victims Advocates intensive volunteer training program. As a Rape Victim Advocate, Courtney provides one on one support for victims of sexual assault at the hospital, educates the victim on their options, and ensures that when they leave the hospital they are going to a safe place.

Courtney volunteered with New Horizons Community Garden on Chicago’s West Side last summer, learning about plants and maintaining the garden, where local inhabitants can come to pick fresh vegetables. Through this volunteer work, Courtney discovered her interest for gardening and is excited to get working on her own garden this Spring.

Courtney’s love for the creative extends into her personal hobbies too. Taught by her grandmother at 7 years of age, Courtney recently started knitting again and makes scarves to give as gifts. She has taken classes in soap making and glass blowing, and would love to try ceramics. She enjoys running and is training for a half marathon, and plans to start learning Spanish this Spring.

Courtney sees IMPACT as a huge confidence builder. Through IMPACT, she discovered how much power women have and thinks it’s really important for every woman to feel empowered. Even when walking into a situation where she might be nervous or unprepared, having taken IMPACT, she knows she can use her own body to protect herself. “I volunteer for IMPACT because I truly believe in what they’re doing.”

Interview and Blog by Janette Scott, IMPACT Chicago Board Member