Empowerment Host & Speaker

J.R. is a very creative and flexible speaker/presenter. His capabilities to write a treatment based upon the needs of his client are one of his strongest attributes. He also has a production team that is able to ensure his technology and visuals are consistent with the project. During the COVID pandemic he has made many adjustments to ensure the viewers have an entertaining yet informative time.

Visionary. Philanthropist. Entrepreneur. These are just a few of the words often used to describe Atlanta native J.R. Henderson, one of Georgia’s leading voices on community partnerships. Empowering the community and youth in foster care is a matter close and dear to Henderson’s heart. Henderson had a rough and troubled childhood complete with drug addicted parents while living in numerous foster cares and group homes. However, through his faith and will to succeed, Henderson beat the odds that were against him. He channeled his troubled beginnings through education, which kept him disciplined and focused to become such an influential voice in the community today. A graduate of Paine College, he holds a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. Additionally, he has participated in International Studies programs at University of Notre Dame in Haiti and at the University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa.
As founder and Executive Director of The National Lighthouse Foundation, a non-profit which focuses on finding solutions for the lack of resources in disenfranchised communities, Henderson is a social justice advocate for those in need. His organization’s mission is to positively impact the lives of people primarily through innovative strategies that effectuate change; assisting them in all aspects of life while enabling them to achieve their highest potential as they grow to become confident, competent, and caring individuals. Prior to founding the National Lighthouse Foundation, Henderson served as the Director of The Offender Parolee Probationer State Training Employment Program (TOPPSTEP) for the state of Georgia where his vision created bold platforms, and achieved measurable results. A highlight of his decade long career was implementing the #1 program in the nation for assisting Veteran offenders reentering the workforce, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. In addition, he saved taxpayers in the state of Georgia approximately $50M by putting non-violent offenders back to work quickly. Henderson has also found the key to empowering the children and communities he works with is education. “It’s the confidence of having knowledge and information that allows us to live well in this competitive society, and the will to never give up!”
Henderson’s reputation for professional and visionary leadership is renowned throughout the community. He has become a sought-after public speaker, leadership trainer, and workforce development, having spoken at The Coca-Cola Foundation, United Way, Jane Fonda Foundation, Children’s Defense Fund, National Fatherhood Initiative, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Family and Children Services, in addition to various K-12 public schools, colleges and universities. Currently, he serves on the Board of Trustees for his alma mater Paine College.
The perpetual entrepreneur, Henderson is the proprietor and managing partner of several businesses including: Consulting Services, Integrated Power Connections and H&M Auto Body Shop.
In 2014, Henderson became the youngest ever inductee to UNCF Hall of Fame. Previous recognitions include being named a “Powerprenuer” by Atlanta’s Mayor Kasim Reed and Black Enterprise Magazine. This award recognizes individuals that display strong business attributes that serve the Metro-Atlanta area. Henderson has been recognized by many organizations including the City of Atlanta, United Way, Georgia Legislative Caucus, NAACP and the National Heritage Foundation.

We are capable to meet all audio/visual needs to fit your budget.