PHOTOS BY CHRISOM BEBEE

Leading with Purpose, Power & Red Bottoms: Dr. Myra Henry on Redefining Leadership, Legacy & Empowerment

Rochester Woman Online proudly kicks off 2026 with an extraordinary cover woman — Dr. Myra Henry, CEO of the YWCA of Greater Rochester & Monroe County — a woman whose leadership is as bold as her signature red bottom heels. For Dr. Henry, those heels are more than a symbol of style — they represent confidence, visibility, and walking unapologetically in purpose. Gifted by her mother, they serve as a daily reminder that leadership and authenticity are not mutually exclusive — that a woman can command a room with both intellect and grace, and never have to shrink to fit in.

Stepping into the new year, Dr. Henry reflects on a journey defined by faith, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women and families across Monroe County. As she leads one of the region’s most historic and impactful social justice organizations, she continues to build on a legacy over a century in the making — one that stands for eliminating racism, empowering women, and creating pathways for equity and opportunity. Her vision for 2026 is clear: to strengthen housing and economic stability for women, advance racial equity initiatives, and ensure the YWCA remains a beacon of hope, advocacy, and transformation in our community.

But beyond the boardroom and the headlines, Dr. Henry’s story is one of heart and humanity. A transformational leader who believes in purpose-driven leadership, she is not only managing change — she’s inspiring it. Through compassion, courage, and connection, she continues to challenge systems, uplift voices, and build bridges where barriers once stood.

In this exclusive feature, Dr. Myra Henry opens up about her journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what it truly means to lead unapologetically — in faith, in power, and, of course, in those unforgettable red bottoms.

Dr. Henry, congratulations on being our January 2026 cover woman! To start, can you share what this moment means to you personally and professionally as you lead the YWCA into a new year?
\Being named a January 2026 cover woman is deeply humbling. Personally, it affirms the journey — the sacrifices, the resilience, and the faith required to lead. Professionally, it represents a collective moment. This recognition is not just about me; it reflects the strength of the YWCA team, the women and the families we serve, as we enter a period of renewed organizational stability and intentional growth.

You’ve become such a powerful voice for women, equity, and community leadership in Rochester. What first inspired your passion for advocacy and empowerment?
My passion was born from lived experience. My life’s journey is reflective of YWCA’s mission to Eliminate Racism and Empower Women. I grew up navigating the messy intersection of race and gender. I saw firsthand how systems can either uplift or limit people, especially women and women of color. Advocacy became personal when, I saw my father’s car vandalized with racial epithets, I was educated in spaces that weren’t affirming and entered a workforce that wanted me to be seen and not heard. Through understanding and empathy and I encourage others. Empowerment is not abstract — it changes lives, families, and entire communities.

The YWCA has a long history of supporting women and families. What does it mean to you to be at the helm of such a legacy organization, and how are you continuing to evolve its mission for today’s world? 

The YWCA is one of the most enduring social justice organizations in this country. For more than a century YWCA Rochester and Monroe County has stood in the gap to support women and families through housing and supportive services. To steward such a legacy is both an honor and a responsibility. My role is to honor the foundation while ensuring the mission remains responsive to today’s realities — housing instability, workforce inequities, racial justice, and women’s economic empowerment. Evolution is not a departure from legacy; it is its fulfillment.

You’ve often been described as a “transformational leader.” What does transformational leadership mean to you — and how do you bring that to your work every day?
Transformational leadership means leading with purpose, courage, and accountability. It requires vision, but also empathy. I believe in developing people, not just managing outcomes. Every day, I strive to lead in a way that invites others to see their potential, challenge the status quo, and commit to meaningful change.

Can you tell us the story behind your iconic “red bottom heels”? ???? We’ve heard they symbolize more than just style — there’s a deeper meaning there!
The red bottom heels are symbolic. They represent confidence, presence, and visibility in spaces where women — particularly women of color — are often expected to shrink. My Mother gifted my a pair of “red bottom” shoes to remind me that leadership and authenticity are not mutually exclusive. I can lead boldly, intellectually, and unapologetically while fully owning who I am.

You’ve led the YWCA of Greater Rochester & Monroe County through some significant community challenges and opportunities. What are you most proud of achieving so far?
There are several accomplishments of which I am proud, such as the continued success of the Empowering Women Luncheon, amplifying our storied success as emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing providers and strengthening organizational stability while expanding impact. These notable highlights, navigating leadership transitions, reinforcing governance, and refocusing our strategic priorities, have positioned the YWCA for sustainable growth. At the same time, we have deepened community partnerships and centered the voices of those we serve.

As we step into 2026, what are your top priorities for the YWCA? How do you see its role evolving in our community over the next few years?
Our priorities include strengthening housing and economic stability for women, advancing racial equity initiatives, and ensuring organizational resilience. We are excited to enter new partnerships and develop much needed affordable housing for so many in our community, who are unhoused or at the risk of becoming homeless. YWCA Rochester will continue to be both a service provider and a thought leader — advocating for systemic change.

The YWCA is known for its work around racial and gender equity. How do you approach those conversations in a way that builds bridges and fosters understanding?
I lead with honesty, data, and humanity. Equity conversations require courage, but also grace. I focus on building understanding, not defensiveness, and on creating shared responsibility for solutions. Progress happens when people feel seen, heard, and challenged to grow. I strongly believe, as a people, we have more in common than what separates us.

What does empowerment mean to you personally — and how do you hope to inspire other women to find and use their voice?
Empowerment means access, voice, and agency. It is about equipping women to define success on their own terms and supporting them as they claim space. I hope to inspire women to trust their voice and recognize that their leadership is needed — exactly as they are.

You’ve worn many hats — educator, leader, mentor, changemaker. How have these roles shaped the woman you are today?
Each role has sharpened a different aspect of who I am. Education grounded me in learning and critical thinking. Leadership refined my decision-making and resilience. Mentorship reinforced my responsibility to pull others forward. Together, they shaped a leader committed to service and impact.

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as a woman of color leading in spaces that haven’t always made room for diverse voices?
The first thing is to know your audience, be prepared and how to read a room. Not every space will be ready, but that does not determine my worth or capacity. I have learned to lead with confidence, to navigate resistance strategically, and to remain grounded in purpose rather than perception.

Who are the women (past or present) who have most influenced your journey — and what lessons did they teach you?
I stand on the shoulders of phenomenal women. The 11 women who started YWCA Rochester in 1883, the women who had the courage to integrate all YWCA Rochester services in 1952, the women who made strategic decisions to secure our future in the 1980’s, and the women the 2000’s who encouraged a community to talk about race, these women motivate me. The powerful women I work alongside and the women who lead our board of directors are fierce advocates and shrewd business professionals. My Mother and daughters are my greatest inspiration, and my sisters are my driving force. These women have influenced my journey through their strength, sacrifice and integrity.

As a mentor and role model, what advice would you give to young women who aspire to lead with confidence and compassion?
Lead with both confidence and compassion. Seek mentors, build community, and do not wait for permission to step into your purpose. Your voice matters, and leadership is not about perfection — it is about authenticity and courage. Don’t settle and don’t shrink!

Balancing leadership, family, and self-care isn’t easy. What practices or habits help you stay grounded and motivated?
I prioritize reflection, reading, exercise and intentional rest. I have learned that self-care is not indulgent; it is essential to sustainable leadership. These practices include cheering on my beloved Buffalo Bills and attending games with my husband and sons or chatting with my daughters about life, love and career. I wake up every day with gratitude in my heart and the determination to elevate my being. Most importantly, my faith keeps me grounded and allows me to lead with clarity and executive presence.

How do you celebrate the small wins — both personally and professionally — when the work you do is often so big in scope and impact?
Wow! This is a great question! A win is a win – big or small. I take time to find joy in everything we do. I intentionally pause to acknowledge progress — a family housed, a staff member growing, a partnership strengthened. These moments remind me that change happens incrementally and that each win matters. What I enjoy most is celebrating my team.

The YWCA’s mission includes “eliminating racism and empowering women.” How do you keep that mission alive and visible in your daily work and decision-making?
Our mission guides every decision, from budgeting to program design to advocacy. I ask consistently: does this advance our mission and impact the people we serve? If the answer is no, we recalibrate.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as CEO — and how have those moments shaped your leadership style?
One of my greatest challenges has been fully stepping into — and trusting — my voice as a CEO. Leadership at this level requires clarity, decisiveness, and the willingness to speak truth, even when it is uncomfortable. There were moments early on when I had to unlearn the instinct to soften my voice or over-explain my authority. Finding my voice meant embracing confidence, setting firm boundaries, and leading with conviction rooted in purpose. That evolution has strengthened my leadership and affirmed that authenticity is not a liability — it is a leadership asset.

How do you foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation within your team and the broader YWCA network?
I create and hold space for dialogue, encourage shared ownership, and value diverse perspectives. I honor the domain experts in the organization and set expectations that support their growth and success. Innovation thrives where people feel trusted and empowered to contribute.

The work of community change can be emotionally demanding. What inspires you to keep showing up with purpose, even on the toughest days?
I work in service of others. The women and families we serve inspire me. Their resilience, determination, and hope remind me why this work matters — especially on the hardest days.

Can you share a story or moment during your time at the YWCA that reaffirmed why you do this work?
As my family tells me, I am “always working”; in the sense that I am willing to step up and help where I see a need. An example of “always working” occurred this Summer with my family and I at a local restaurant during Sunday dinner. The server, Ms. Brenda, was excellent at her job. She was attentive, engaging and graceful as she took our orders and delivered our food. As our dinner service was nearing completion, we paid our bill, and as Ms. Brenda cleared our plates away, she asked apologetically, if any of us “had a place to stay?” She went to share how she worked 2 jobs and lived in a hotel room and paid more than $500 weekly because she could not find suitable housing. I quietly handed her my card and invited her to connect with me. When she contacted me, I connected her with my housing team who brought her into shelter and worked with her to find an apartment she could afford.

Ms. Brenda was with us in emergency housing for a few weeks and with the support through our case management services, that included help with transportation, document preparation and housing referrals, she was able to secure her own apartment. Watching women, like Ms. Brenda, move from crisis to stability, from uncertainty to confidence, reaffirms my commitment. Those moments are reminders that impact is real and lasting.

You often speak about empowering women to lead unapologetically. What does being “unapologetically you” look like for Dr. Myra Henry?

Unapologetically me – seeks God first in all ways, meets people heart to heart and spirit to spirit, is always kind, listens/observes more than I speak and move with the end in mind. Unapologetically me, remembers where I come, the values that have been instilled in me and applying the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I show up authentically when there is alignment between my values and actions.

How do you think Rochester — as a city and as a community — can better support women, especially women of color, in leadership and entrepreneurship?
There continues to be opportunities for the city of Rochester and community partners to better support women of color by moving from intention to investment. That means funding leadership development pipelines, expanding access to capital for women-owned and women-led businesses, and creating intentional pathways into decision-making roles across government, nonprofits, and the private sector. Support must go beyond symbolic inclusion; women of color need to be resourced, trusted, and empowered with real authority and positionality.

Equally important is removing systemic barriers — whether in procurement processes, hiring practices, or policy design — that have historically limited access and opportunity. Mentorship, sponsorship, and accountability at the institutional level are critical to ensuring progress is sustained, not episodic.

This support matters and is critical as women of color are already leading, innovating, and stabilizing communities, often without adequate recognition or resources. When we are fully supported, entire neighborhoods benefit. Economic growth becomes more inclusive, leadership becomes more representative, and solutions become more responsive to lived experience. Investing in women of color is not only a matter of equity — it is a strategic imperative for long-term health, resilience, and prosperity.

Outside of your professional life, what brings you joy? How do you recharge your spirit?
Time with family, meaningful conversations, moments of quiet reflection, short getaways and new adventures bring me joy. Personally, I love good music. My husband and I will often travel to cool places for short getaways to attend concert experiences. I most look forward to our annual beach resort vacation. This is where I reflect, recharge and recommit. There is something amazing about watching the sun rise and set where the water meets the sky. It is during these times I am fortified in knowing that I have been called and qualified for such a time as this. Knowing that I am loved and am doing good work brings me immense joy.

As we begin 2026, what message of hope or empowerment would you like to share with women in our community?
I am looking forward to the New Year and, my message to women is this: your voice matters, your leadership is needed, and your presence is essential to the future we are building. Progress is not achieved by waiting for permission — it is created when women stand firmly in their truth, trust their lived experience, and lead with courage and compassion.

Even in moments of uncertainty or fatigue, there is power in collective action and shared purpose. When women support one another, invest in one another, and refuse to be diminished, we strengthen families, organizations, and entire communities. Hope is not passive; it is active. It shows up in advocacy, in mentorship, in resilience, and in the daily choice to believe that change is possible.

I encourage women to claim their space, use their influence, and remain steadfast in their commitment to justice and equity. The work ahead requires boldness and unity — and together, we are more than capable of shaping a future defined by opportunity, dignity, and belonging for all.

Finally, if you could define your personal legacy in one sentence — what would you want it to be?
My legacy will hopefully live on through a life well lived, good honest work and community impact. In closing the one sentence would be “She believed she could, so she did