Bergen County, New Jersey, native Kate Henson is the Director of Development at The Garage Community & Youth Center. There, she focuses on creating partnerships, including financial, collaborative, and relational, amongst members of the community and beyond.

“I seek out sources of organizational and programmatic funding through grant writing, individual donors, and other fundraising efforts including campaigns and a very fun and celebratory Holiday Auction,” said Henson. “Every day at The Garage is a different day, which is one of my favorite parts of this position! I enjoy writing grants, as I love sharing my passion for The Garage with others, and a grant is an amazing way to give a glimpse of what we do.”

Henson also enjoys creating relationships with other nonprofits and community partners. This includes community service efforts, networking, grant events, receptions, and more.

“The most enjoyable part of my job is truly knowing that every effort I make directly supports the students and our community members,” she said.

Henson started her first job as a camp counselor the summer of her eighth-grade year and continued that summer job until she graduated from Ramsey High School in New Jersey. Following graduation, Henson started her freshman year at West Chester University in 2010 and graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a minor in English Language studies. She continued her education at West Chester University, completing a master’s degree in K-12 Special Education in 2017.

Henson credits Garage Executive Director Kristin Proto with having a profound impact on her career.

“Kristin is a powerhouse who has transformed the Garage during her tenure as Executive Director, and she has given me support, perspective, advice, and experience, which has been monumental during my time at The Garage,” said Henson. “She not only supports me professionally but is a dear friend who has supported me personally and constantly acts as a role model who I can only hope to emulate.”

To date, Henson is particularly proud to have written a grant for Impact 100 Philadelphia, a Philadelphia-based philanthropy group that provides trust-based philanthropy to organizations through $100,000 unrestricted grants.

“The process is rigorous and thorough, but The Garage persevered and received the $100,000 funding,” said Henson. “I was honored to accept the award at Impact 100 Philadelphia’s 2022 Annual Meeting where I presented my love for The Garage and shared our efforts with over 200 members of the organization.”

Henson’s favorite Chester County restaurant is Opa Opa in West Chester.

Henson and the rest of the 2024 Class of VISTA Millennial Superstars will be honored at the Awards Reception & Celebration on Thursday, May 9 at Penn State Great Valley, Malvern.

Sponsors are still being sought. Click here to learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it celebrates Chester County’s next generation of leaders, or contact Steve Knickerbocker at steve.knickerbocker@acj.today or 484-437-2826.