Christina Henderson, D.C. City Councilmember-at-Large

Christina Henderson's career has been guided by the principle that one’s zip code should not determine your opportunity for success, and she is excited to work each and every day to make this principle a reality for all DC residents. As a trusted political advisor, Henderson has counseled United States Senators, DC Council members, and state and local education officials on an array of domestic policy issues which deeply impacts families and children. Prior to serving as a member of the DC Council, she served as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) handling education, workforce, postal and census issues for both the leadership and personal office.

From 2012 to 2017, Henderson served residents of DC in various capacities in DC government. She was the deputy chief of staff for former DC Councilmember David Grosso and directed the Council’s Committee on Education, which has budget and performance oversight for all matters related to DC’s public education system and libraries. At the Council, Henderson crafted and helped advance over 40 pieces of legislation on an array of issues including student discipline, DCPS facilities, reproductive health, medical marijuana, and beverage sales at breweries, distilleries, and wineries. She was known for a commonsense approach to policy, a collaborative working style, and centering equity in her work. Prior to the Council, she worked for DC Public Schools, supporting the district’s efforts to improve teacher and school leader quality and effectiveness.

Before joining DCPS, Henderson worked for the New York City Department of Education, and consulted with other state and local Boards of Education. Earlier, she served as a legislative staffer for former U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) on a range of domestic policy issues including the federal budget, taxes, and child nutrition. She has also worked for several political campaigns, including Hillary for President in 2008. In 2015, Pacific Standard magazine named her one of the top 30 thinkers under 30 in the world of social and behavioral sciences.

The daughter of an Army veteran and a retired Transport Workers Union Local 100 member, Henderson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Furman University and a Master of Arts degree in Public Affairs from Princeton University. She is a proud co-founder and board member of the Black Women’s Congressional Alliance and she spoke at the WeLead2022 graduation.