Ep. 24 - Beyond Assumptions: The Untapped Genius of the Neurodivergent Community with Sherry Henry

She was told she’d never walk again… now she’s leading a movement that helps others rise. 

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Beyond the Quo, host Stacey Luces shares her journey of redefining success and leading with authenticity, inspired by her brother Junior, who has Down Syndrome. Stacey welcomes Sherry A. Henry, CEO of HabCenter Boca Raton, who brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership in human capital management, marketing, communications, and fundraising. A champion for neurodiverse communities, she drives HabCenter’s strategic vision, overseeing operations, business enterprises, and resource mobilization to support underserved populations and vital programs.
 Sherry shares her own transformative experience following a traumatic accident. They discuss advocating for neurodiverse individuals and creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. The episode emphasizes the importance of community, resilience, purposeful leadership, and the radical inclusion of all people. Join Stacey and Sherry for an inspiring conversation that challenges traditional notions of success and encourages living and leading with heart.

🎧 In this episode:
•        02:08 Meet Sherry Henry: A Leader in Inclusive Leadership
•        04:12 Sherry's Personal Journey and Resilience
•        14:05 The Hab Center: Empowering Neurodiverse Individuals
•        21:00 Leadership and Advocacy
•        33:12 Redefining Leadership
•        34:10 The Power of Community
•        36:47 Balancing Work and Life
•        44:03 Self-Care and Personal Growth
•        55:26 Supporting the Hab Center

💡 Key Takeaways:
•        Redefining Strength Through Vulnerability - Both Stacey and Sherry challenged the traditional notions of strength by highlighting authenticity, emotional honesty, and vulnerability as essential leadership traits—especially for women of color. True leadership isn’t about being unshakable; it’s about being real, connected, and emotionally aware.
•        Purpose Is Often Born from Pain - Pain can ignite purpose—especially when channeled into service, advocacy, and impact. 
•        Inclusion Isn’t an Add-On—It’s a Foundation - It's about co-creating spaces where dignity, agency, and person-centered leadership are central. They aren’t fixing people; they’re fixing systems.
•        Community Is a Superpower - Whether navigating disability, trauma, or burnout- healing and thriving are communal acts. From wheelchair support to airport pickups to quiet beach rituals, the message was clear: We rise higher when we rise together.
•        Self-Mastery Fuels Impactful Leadership -  Whether navigating adversity or leading a team, self-awareness and integration (not balance) are the keys to sustainable leadership, especially for purpose-driven women juggling multiple roles.

You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.

🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!
•        Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!
✨ Connect with Stacey Luces:
•        Free Global Community - Rising Beyond Power Collective: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about

📩 Connect with Sherry:
•        LinkedIn/Instagram: @sherryahenry @SherIsABear
•        Website: habcenter.org