Raina Henderson

About

<p>My journey is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. I grew up in predominantly white spaces, where I often felt the need to assimilate to be accepted. For years, I straightened my hair, adjusted my voice, and downplayed parts of my identity to fit into environments where I was often the only Black person in the room. It wasn&rsquo;t until I moved to Memphis that I truly experienced the power of representation. For the first time, I worked with an all-Black staff, wore my afro and braids with pride, and felt deeply seen. That experience was a rebirth. Not only did it transform how I show up in spaces, but it also solidified my commitment to ensuring that no one else has to question whether they belong in spaces of influence. &nbsp;</p> <p>With over a decade of experience in education, nonprofits, and edtech, I&rsquo;ve dedicated my career to using data as a tool for equity. As a Data Analyst at Lexia Learning, I worked to develop data-driven solutions that improved student outcomes and helped school districts leverage technology to support diverse learners. I&rsquo;ve collaborated with education organizations to implement analytics tools that drive better decision-making and designed curriculum evaluation frameworks to identify representation gaps in instructional materials. &nbsp;</p> <p>But my work goes beyond numbers. In addition to my day job, I mentor emerging professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them navigate spaces that weren&rsquo;t always designed for them. I advocate for diversity in education and technology because I&rsquo;ve lived the reality of its absence. My story is about breaking barriers, building pathways, and ensuring the next generation feels empowered to take up space without apology.</p>

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