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At Esperanza United, we know no single organization or person is going to end gender-based violence alone – it will take communities, working together. That’s why Latina leadership and community-based solutions are two of our organizational values.
To advance this strengths-based approach, Esperanza United President and CEO Vivian Huelgo, J.D. is interviewing leaders across the fields of gender-based violence prevention and Latin@ empowerment and beyond. Read on to learn leadership lessons, celebrate the people doing the work, and share in our gratitude for our vibrant community.
In this edition focusing on gratitude, Vivian speaks with Dr. Indira M. Henard, DSW, MSW, President and CEO of the DC Rape Crisis Center. With more than 20 years of leadership in the movement to end sexual violence, Dr. Henard has strengthened survivor-centered, community-led services both nationally and internationally. Under her leadership, the DC Rape Crisis Center has marked over 50 years of impact while expanding its reach, advancing public policy, and building capacity for organizations responding to sexual violence worldwide. Her work reflects a deep commitment to survivor advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and systems change.
Vivian Huelgo: One of our organizational values is Latina Leadership. What does leadership mean to you?
Dr. Indira M. Henard: What leadership means to me is that every day I am choosing to step into a space where, at times, I need to be brave, at other times I need to be courageous, and during the consequential moments, I need to be both. It is about being able to co-create, build, and dream with colleagues who help to design an ecosystem that is trust, mission–driven, and deeply aligned with centering humanity and the work that fosters healing, equity, and inclusion.
Vivian Huelgo: Who inspired your leadership journey, and how did they shape you?
Dr. Indira M. Henard: I have had the privilege to be inspired by a handful of intergenerational women whom I affectionately call my personal board of directors. They have stood with me, for me, and by me throughout my leadership journey, and beyond. They have created a space for me that is centered with love and accountability. Additionally, they have created a path so that my journey might be a little easier, and they continue to remind me that “To whom much is given, much is required.” Rather than having one person inspire me, I have a village that reminds me of what is possible, and not just who I am, but whose I am.
Vivian Huelgo: How do you stay innovative and motivated in your work?
Dr. Indira M. Henard: It has and continues to be the honor of my lifetime to lead the oldest rape crisis center in the country, a legacy organization that sits at the intersection of freedom, justice, and liberation. The innovation and motivation in my work come from survivors of sexual violence. They are the GPS from which I take my direction. What I know for sure is that we cannot have effective sexual assault services unless there is a direct response to racism and oppression.
Vivian Huelgo: What is a lesson you learned recently that surprised you?
Dr. Indira M. Henard: If you don’t take care of your wellness, you will be forced to take care of your illness.
Vivian Huelgo: One of our other organizational values is living free from violence. What does a violence-free future look like to you?
Dr. Indira M. Henard: To me, a violence–free future is where violence in all of its forms is not used to harm us.
Vivian Huelgo: Gratitude is so important: Tell me about something you are grateful for?
Dr. Indira M. Henard: I am grateful for grace and mercy, and that every day I am doing what I am called to do versus what I am expected to do.
More about Dr. Indira M. Henard, DSW MSW
Dr. Henard has been with the DC Rape Crisis Center for the last eighteen years serving in different capacities, lending invaluable experience, including leadership roles in fundraising, operations, cultivating relationships and strategic partnerships, as well as coalition building. Under Dr. Henard’s Executive leadership she has not only repositioned the oldest rape crisis center in the country, but she has laid a strong foundation as the agency is celebrating 50 + years of survivor centered, and community led services. Additionally, under Dr. Henard’s leadership the DC Rape Crisis Center received the 2019, and 2020 Best Places to Work by the Washington Business Journal, the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Best of Washington Award to include the Business Hall of Fame, as well as the 2019 Agency of the Year Award by the National Association of Social Workers.
Dr. Henard’ s direct service experience in many gender-based violence programs has helped to inform her policy analysis that has led to coordinating public policy initiatives and organizing and planning spaces for survivor led advocacy. Spanning over 20 years of dedicated service in the violence against women’s movement, Dr. Henard’ s experience exemplifies her expertise in non-profit management, organizational development, crisis management,education, training, fundraising and public policy.
Dr. Henard has worked nationally and internationally in helping organizations build capacity to respond to the needs of sexual violence in their communities. Dr. Henard’s high level training and technical assistance provided to local nonprofits, and international NGO’s has resulted in the repositioning of the sexual assault coalition in the District of Columbia, partnering to help open the first rape crisis center in Lagos, Nigeria, as well as working with a coalition of international NGOs in developing a mobile app to aid refugee workers who are working with sexual assault victims. Most recently, Dr. Henard was selected to serve on the Independent Review Commission to address Sexual Assault in the military under the Office of the Secretary of Defense as ordered by President Biden.
Dr. Henard holds a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree from Wheaton College (MA), a Masters of Social Work degree from Catholic University of America, and a Doctorate of Social Work Degree from the University of Southern California. Most recently, Dr. Henard completed the Strategic Perspectives in Non Profit Management Program from Harvard Business School Executive Education. Additionally, Dr. Henard has deep ties within the policy sector having served as a Ralph Bunche Institute Fellow at Duke University, a Congressional Truman Fellow on Capitol Hill, and a Charles Hamilton Houston Fellow at Georgetown Law Center. Additionally, Dr. Henard was a Shannon Institute Fellow at the Wilder Foundation. Before joining the DC Rape Crisis Center, Dr Henard served as a Senate Aide for Senator Barack Obama D-IL on Capitol Hill, as well as Special Assistant on his Presidential Campaign.
Dr. Henard was most recently was awarded the 2020 Washingtonian of the Year award, the 2021 Women Who Mean Business Award, presented by the Washington Business Journal, and honored as one of the top 10 women leaders of 2023 by Pinnacle magazine, and most recently awarded by World Leaders Magazine as one of the worlds most inspiring leaders making a difference in 2024. Additionally, Dr. Henard was named as one of the top leaders to follow in 2024 by Fortune Times, and was name the EXCEL Award honorable mention for excellence in non profit management. Dr. Henard was also recently awarded one of the top women leaders of 2025 by Women We Admire.