Leonette Henderson

Leonette Henderson serves as the Director of Development and Narrative Impact for Seed Commons. In this role, she manages the day-to-day operations of the fund development strategy and cultivates relationships to enhance Seed Commons' presence in the solidarity economy and cooperative sectors. A native of Clarksdale, MS, Leonette brings over 18 years of experience in education and the nonprofit sector. She has dedicated 15 years to nonprofit work, focusing on various aspects of fund development, including sponsorships, grants, major gifts, and donor relations. In 2019, she co-led the inaugural Funding Network Convening, which brought together over 50 Black entrepreneurs and financial institutions to boost funding for Black-owned businesses in Mississippi, fostering vital relationships and insights.

Leonette is passionate about promoting worthy causes, purposes, and movements, with a strong commitment to advancing economic and social justice. Her dedication is rooted in a genuine concern for the well-being of people and communities and a commitment to equitable justice. Additionally, Leonette is a documentarian who believes in the power of shared stories to reshape narratives, illuminate truths, and promote healing for individuals and communities.  Leonette holds a Masters in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and is a proud HBCU alum with a BA in History from Tuskegee University.