Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherry A. Henry.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story begins in Kingston, Jamaica, where I was born and raised in a vibrant culture that instilled in me a strong sense of community and resilience. From an early age, I was drawn to advocacy and inclusivity, influenced by my heritage and a desire to uplift those often overlooked. This foundation shaped my path into the nonprofit world, where I’ve built over 20 years of experience in leadership roles.
I started my career in human capital management, focusing on developing talent and creating supportive environments for diverse teams. This evolved into project management, where I honed skills in overseeing initiatives that drive real change. Along the way, I specialized in marketing and communications, crafting messages that amplify important causes, and fundraising, where I’ve successfully secured resources for impactful programs. These roles weren’t just jobs—they were stepping stones fueled by my passion for empowering neurodiverse communities and fostering spaces where everyone can thrive.
That passion ultimately led me to HabCenter Boca Raton, where I now serve as CEO. Here, I channel my expertise to champion our mission of supporting individuals with developmental differences and mental health challenges. My family remains my ultimate “why,” motivating me through the challenges of funding, partnerships, and advocacy. It’s been a journey of purposeful growth, and I’m grateful to be making a tangible difference today, redefining possibilities for those we serve.
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?
No, it certainly hasn’t been a smooth road—nonprofit work, especially in advocacy for neurodiverse communities, comes with its share of hurdles. From securing consistent funding and building partnerships to championing our mission in a world that often overlooks these populations, there have been plenty of challenges. Early in my career, navigating the complexities of fundraising, human capital management, and project oversight meant dealing with limited resources and shifting priorities, all while ensuring our programs truly empowered those we serve. Fundraising, in particular, has required persistence and creativity to engage donors and partners who share our vision.
On a personal level, integrating my professional demands with my priorities as a wife to Jermaine and mother to our son, Ethan Duke, has been one of the greatest paradoxes. My family is my anchor and daily inspiration—they’re my “why” that keeps me motivated through tough times. Yet, balancing it all requires sacrifices, like learning to navigate those spaces between work and home, while still making time for quality moments together. My faith has been my guiding strength, helping me maintain this equilibrium and invest in servant-leadership and spiritual growth. These struggles haven’t deterred me; they’ve deepened my resilience and commitment, allowing me to lead HabCenter with even greater purpose and empathy today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about HabCenter Boca Raton?
Thank you for the opportunity to share more about HabCenter Boca Raton. As the CEO, I’m deeply passionate about our mission, and I always keep my family as my “why”—they motivate me to push through challenges, secure funding, engage new partners, and champion our cause. It’s not easy work, but it’s incredibly purposeful, allowing us to make a real impact on a often-forgotten population. We highlight that they are not forgotten; our Board of Directors, team, and community care deeply, providing empowering opportunities for them to learn, grow, thrive, heal, and gain independence.
At HabCenter Boca Raton, we’re a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental differences and mental health challenges. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where they can thrive, gain independence, and lead dignified lives. We specialize in inclusive programs focused on education, arts, recreation, and vocational training—redefining what’s possible for those society might overlook.
What We Do and What We’re Known For
We offer a range of innovative programs designed to enhance skills and well-being:
PEAR Program: Focuses on education, art, and recreation, giving clients spaces to express themselves and build new abilities.
STEAM Center: Explores technology and innovation, boosting confidence and skills that traditional settings often miss.
HabBloom Plant Nursery: Provides therapeutic benefits alongside vocational training and real employment opportunities.
HabCo Manufacturing Center: Supports over 20 companies while offering hands-on manufacturing experience to help clients build independence. We are ISO9001 and AS9100 registered to provide quality services in Sub-contract Manufacturing, Electromechanical assemblies, PCB assemblies, and Cable harnesses for Commercial and Aerospace Applications.
We’re known for our holistic approach that combines therapy, skill-building, and community integration, transforming lives in meaningful ways.
What Sets Us Apart
What truly distinguishes us is our radical commitment to inclusivity and challenging societal perceptions of potential. We co-create futures where limitations are dismantled and purpose is reclaimed. Unlike others, our programs aren’t just supportive—they’re empowering, fostering true independence through innovative, client-centered initiatives and strong community partnerships.
What We’re Most Proud Of, Brand-Wise
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of our life-transforming impact through these programs and collaborations, like those with Special Olympics and local universities. These partnerships expand our resources and amplify our reach, creating a ripple effect of hope and dignity.
What We Want Readers to Know About Our Brand, Offerings, and Services
We want your readers to know that HabCenter is a hidden gem for the community, a beacon of hope and transformation—a place where everyone deserves to thrive with dignity and respect at the core. Our brand is built on the belief that inclusivity changes lives, and we invite you to visit, meet our exceptional individuals, and witness the impact firsthand. Whether through volunteering, partnering, or supporting our mission, there are endless ways to get involved and make a difference. Together, we’re building a world where no one is left behind.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the incredible abilities of people with developmental differences—they are often underrated for their unique perspectives on life, which we all should embrace as a lens for innovation rather than an excuse based on perceived limitations. Over the past three years in nonprofit leadership at HabCenter, I’ve witnessed the powerful impact of advocacy and community support in transforming the lives of vulnerable communities, like those we serve. This has reinforced that I must be the change I want to see in the world, standing firm in my beliefs without seeking others’ approval to pursue my goals.
Advocacy is fun! Serving the community should never feel like a burden; if you’re advocating in an area that you are passionate about, it will never feel like work. In addition to my work at HabCenter, I serve as Board Chair for Boca School for Autism and on the Board of the Nonprofit Chamber for Health and Human Services. I volunteer with Spirit of Giving Network, Habitat for Humanity Greater Palm Beaches, HOPE Worldwide Feeding Ministry, Nat King Cole Generation Hope Foundation, and Golden Bell Education Foundation, to name a few. I’m proud to share that I’m a rockstar and lead singer in the band Fever Pitch with my bandmates Areyh Lehrer, Amber Pollitt, Josh Cougler, and Jill Glanzer—we won Season 6 of the Golden Bell Battle of the Bands competition. This fundraising event was for Golden Bell Education Foundation. This experience solidified how fun philanthropy can be, and if you’re truly advocating for what you believe in, you will never feel burdened. Education and artistic expression are my mission–especially for the neurodiverse population!
As my dad taught me, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything”—this has become my life’s motto, one I’ve imparted to my children. It reminds me that true progress comes from upholding integrity in everything I do, whether balancing my roles as a wife and mother or leading HabCenter’s mission to empower and uplift. These insights have not only shaped my path but also deepened my commitment to radical inclusivity and purposeful leadership.
What are some of the highlights of your career?
Some of the highlights include leading my band, Fever Pitch, to victory at the Golden Bell Battle of the Bands and receiving the South Florida Business and Wealth Diversity and Inclusion Nonprofit Game Changer Award. However, the most rewarding moments come from witnessing the transformation of individuals at HabCenter. Whether it’s a program individual finding their voice through art or achieving independence, these successes are the true highlights of my career.
What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I hope to continue expanding the reach and impact of HabCenter, fostering strategic alliances, and creating more opportunities for the neurodiverse community. I am also committed to advocating for inclusive spaces and redefining societal perceptions of potential and success. Ultimately, I aim to leave a legacy of empowerment and inclusivity for future generations.
Pricing:
- Local Koshr Honey: 2 oz, 6oz and 8oz: $7, $20 and $22
- Sunpatients and Impatients (4in pots): $2 and $2.50
- Monalavender (6in pots): $7
- Petunias (4in pots) – $2
- Marigolds (4in pots) – $2
Contact Info:
- Website: https://habcenter.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/habcenterboca/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/habcenterboca/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/habcenterboca
- Twitter: https://x.com/habcenterboca
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@habcenterbocaraton4630
- Other: https://share.google/dP8xtPFr2XYGrT0Dv
Image Credits
Warner-Prokos Photography (profile image),
All other images credit – Anika Wali, HabCenter
Personal family images credita – Sherry A. Henry
