MEET AN ALUMNA DONOR

Dr. Grace Henry

PSI

2022 /JAMES MADISON

By: Marj O’Neill (Gamma Tau 2018/Lebanon Valley)

Michelle McKinnon (Delta Phi 2008/NYU)

James Paponetti (Friend of Alpha Sigma Tau)

Katherine Sopper Saffer (Alpha Lambda 1991/Radford)

Nicole L. Stanley (Delta Beta 2007/Fairmont State)

Samantha Pankau Thomas (Beta 2008/Central Michigan)

Grace Henry, EdD, grew up with an interest in psychology, driven by her experiences with her late brother who started to show signs of schizophrenia while she was in high school. Due to a lack of health insurance, Dr. Henry’s brother never had the opportunity to be formally diagnosed. This started her on a path toward equity. She has always gravitated toward roles that focused on providing equal opportunity. Dr. Henry is currently the Assistant Dean and Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion for the George Washington School of Medicine and Health. There, she enhances the student experience in academic excellence and helps to improve diversity and inclusion within the clinical enterprise. Dr. Henry recently joined Alpha Sigma Tau as an alumna initiate in 2022 and currently works with the Sorority on DEI initiatives.

A WOMAN I LOOK UP TO IS…

Easily, Oprah Winfrey. There are so many great women who I could name, but I stand in awe of Oprah’s story. Oprah had so many societal strikes against her: Oprah grew up in poverty in the Jim Crow south. She was sexually assaulted. She was a pregnant teenager. Oprah did not have “the look” TV executives desired of women. Yet despite all of this, Oprah has had a tremendous impact all over the globe. She is considered the first Black woman billionaire in the world.

WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT THE SORORITY IS…

Besides green being my favorite color, I absolutely love the sincerity of the membership and the authenticity of the leadership. AΣT focuses on investing in its women. An investment is something you find worthy of your time, money, and sacrifice. AΣT says: women, YOU are worthy of investment. That moves me.

ALPHA SIGMA TAU HELPED ME GROW AS A WOMAN AND AS A PROFESSIONAL BY…

Considering that I have only been a member since 2022, I think my growth story is still being written. What I can say, however, is that in the two years prior when I worked closely with the National Council, I felt a sisterhood that was undeniable. Joining a sorority in my 40s was not on my life bingo card, but I was able to see up close and personal how AΣT creates spaces that affirm and uplift women. I got to know women with tremendous talent and excellence, women who were caring and compassionate and I felt a sense of family. I am honored to be a part of such a distinguished legacy.