Dr. Angela Henderson

My Story

Dr. Angela Henderson is a Social Solutionist, known for her ability to accomplish complex tasks under high pressure conditions. She has dedicated her life to advocating for social and environmental justice, and protecting the human rights of individuals, children, and families. Her commitment to public service blossomed as a teenager with her participation in Peer Helping programs. This passion for public service led Dr. Henderson into a thriving career in social service, where she has held various roles ranging from case work to advocate. Currently, Dr. Henderson is the CEO of Asher Services, where she provides innovative political analysis and research services and solutions.

In 2012, Dr. Henderson established the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy (CRISP), along with Dr. Charles E. Lewis, Jr. and former Congressman Edolphus Towns. Dr. Henderson participated in a call to action with the Obama Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2016 to discuss the leadership of the Social Work Community in preserving the Affordable Care Act. In 2018, Dr. Henderson was appointed to serve on the Virginia Board of Conservation and Recreation, further reiterating her commitment to environmental justice. Dr. Henderson has an extreme passion for educating youth, and has mentored countless students in their pursuit as life-long learners and leaders. Dr. Henderson often credits her community for her achievements, stating that there is always “mentoring in the village.”

Environmental Justice: Health and Mental Health

Various research studies have shown how exposure to clean and healthy waterways, vegetation, and built environments can positively effect the mental health and mood of residents. Additional studies have highlighted the linkages between hazardous physical environmental features that include air toxins, metals and chemicals, noise, and natural disasters and mental health conditions. It is critically important to speak out against environmental injustice and discriminatory practices that impact the well-being and life span of neighborhood and community residents.

Social Service

Dr. Henderson is invested in improving the lives of individuals, children, and families by revamping the delivery of services through the child welfare system. She recently received the honor of facilitating the Legislative Forum for 100 Social Work Voices. Every 100 Social Work Voices attendee committed to creating a specific individual deliverable that can be achieved in a year. Dr. Henderson will seek to obtain a Patron and Co-Patrons to introduce the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act in Virginia (SWRA-VA).