Today we’d like to introduce you to Henri Crockett.
Hi Henri, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in Pompano Beach in an environment that presented real challenges, including limited resources and exposure, but it was also a place rooted in resilience and community. I saw early on that many families were doing the best they could with what they had, and that reality shaped my sense of responsibility and awareness of how much support a community truly needs to thrive.
Sports became an important pathway for me, not only because of the opportunities it created, but because of the exposure it provided. Attending Florida State University and later playing in the NFL allowed me to experience places, people, and possibilities that I had never encountered growing up. That exposure shifted my mindset and helped me understand how much potential exists when access and preparation meet opportunity.
As my career progressed, it became increasingly clear that success was not meant to be an endpoint, but a platform. Early in my professional journey, I began working with young people, and that commitment eventually led my brother and me to co-found the Crockett Foundation. Over time, our work has evolved into a long-term commitment to helping middle and high school students gain access to education, mentorship, and experiences that expand their understanding of what is possible. My path has been shaped by consistency, service, and a belief that lasting impact comes from showing up and investing in people over time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, and I do not believe it was meant to be. Growing up in a single-parent household meant learning early about responsibility, discipline, and perseverance, but it also meant navigating moments of uncertainty and limited access. Later, as I transitioned from professional sports into philanthropy and community work, I faced a different set of challenges, including building credibility outside of athletics and learning how to sustain and scale impact-driven work.
Running a nonprofit comes with constant pressures around funding and capacity, and there are moments when progress is slower than hoped. There have been times when obstacles forced me to reassess, adapt, and find new approaches. However, those challenges have strengthened my leadership and reinforced the importance of patience and consistency. Each barrier became an opportunity to grow and refine the work rather than a reason to step away from it. As a role model, I want young people to understand that challenges and roadblocks are a natural part of pursuing any meaningful goal. What matters most is the commitment to keep showing up for yourself and for others, day after day. Progress is not always immediate or visible, and setbacks are inevitable, but if you believe in your purpose and stay willing to do the work, even when it feels difficult or uncertain, you remain in the process. And staying in the process is what ultimately leads to growth and success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Crockett Foundation?
The Crockett Foundation has been serving youth in Broward County for more than 20 years, with a focus on middle and high school students. The Crockett Foundation is focused on building character, developing leaders, and improving communities, one child at a time. Our work centers on providing education, mentorship, and exposure to opportunities that many students would not otherwise have access to. We operate out of one main campus, which serves as the hub for our programming and a consistent space where students, families, educators, and partners come together.
On a typical day, students arrive after school and move into a structured but supportive environment. Some receive mentorship support, while others participate in programs like Digital Explorers, where they work with technology, learn coding and other digital skills, and collaborate on hands-on projects. This program is especially designed to bridge the digital divide. The goal is to give students practical experience and help them become comfortable in spaces that are focused on learning, problem-solving, and creativity.
For older students, the Crockett-Allen Family Scholars program provides guidance around college and career decisions. This includes mentorship, exposure to college campuses, and help navigating the admissions and decision-making process, particularly for students who may be the first in their family to attend college.
What distinguishes the Crockett Foundation is its long-term presence in the community and its focus on sustained engagement rather than one-time interventions. We have worked with students across multiple stages of their development, and in many cases, maintained relationships with families over several years. The emphasis is on steady support, practical skills, and exposure to environments that help students better understand their options and plan for the future.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have been fortunate to be supported by many people throughout my life, and none of this work would be possible without them. It starts with my mother, who laid the foundation early on by instilling discipline, faith, and a strong belief in education. Those values continue to guide how I lead, how I serve, and how I show up for others.
Along the way, I benefited from mentors who stepped in at key moments, often when I did not yet recognize what I needed. Teachers, coaches, teammates, and community leaders each played a role in shaping my growth, offering perspective, accountability, and encouragement. Coach Rocky Gillis and my principal, James L Jones, were especially influential in helping me recognize leadership qualities early on and understand my potential. Many coaches served as steady father figures who challenged me on hard days and pushed me to grow both personally and professionally.
The Crockett Foundation itself is sustained by a collective effort. My brother Zack has been an essential partner in building and maintaining the organization from the beginning, and our staff brings unwavering care and professionalism into the work every day. Our board members provide guidance and long-term vision, while educators, volunteers, and mentors work directly with students and families to make sure the programs are meaningful and effective. Donors and community partners play a critical role as well, investing resources, opening doors, and helping expand opportunities for the youth we serve.
Equally important are the students themselves. They are receptive, engaged, and appreciative of the support they receive, and that reinforces why this work matters. Seeing students show up consistently, take advantage of opportunities, and grow in confidence and curiosity is what keeps everyone involved committed to the mission. The success of the Crockett Foundation is the result of collaboration at every level, and it reflects what can happen when a community comes together with a shared belief in investing in young people and their futures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crockettfoundation.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crockettfoundationfl/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crockettfoundation/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-crockett-88698032b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqafkufeNVscH6x6Sl1IdzA
Image Credits
Crockett Foundation
