Brand Identity

SUMMARY: 

Devoted to serving others, Keona Henderson ‘08 is a leader who wants to empower women and encourage them to find their passion. 

SOUND BITES/HEADLINES 

Transforming communities with positivity and passion 
Lifting others up with empowerment, Keona Henderson ‘08 is dedicated to giving back to communities through her work. 

Finding purpose and passion through women empowerment 
Keona Henderson ‘08 is a leader who stands for positive change and leadership. Through her work, she empowers other women to pursue their passions. 

NARRATIVE: 

Keona Henderson is a realtor, women empowerment advocate, and community change agent. Keona served her community as a senior probation officer with Riverside County Probation for nearly 10 years. In 2019, she transitioned into a full-time entrepreneur, which allowed her to fully walk in her purpose. 

Her passion is anchored in pouring positivity into women and youth while empowering them to amplify their passion. Utilizing her experience in project development and public speaking, she founded Positive Women Meet Up, LLC (PWM), a for-profit, personal and professional development company focused on the empowerment of women and youth and DEI. In 2021, PWM launched The 25x25 Project, a girl’s empowerment and college readiness outreach program developed specifically for Black girls. To date, three program participants are now students at UCR, and more plan to follow. PWM has hosted two cohorts and is now planning for a third. 

Keona served two terms (2019-2023) as the president for the UC Riverside Black Alumni Chapter. In the chapter’s 30+ year history, she is the first and only president to establish a Black Alumni Chapter Scholarship and a chapter endowment fund on campus into perpetuity – the Black Alumni Chapter Endowed Scholarship Fund. The board was given a five-year timeline to raise $25,000 to open the endowment fund. With the help of alumni and community members, Keona and the board members collaborated on projects and partnerships, raising $50,000+ in two years. 

She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Eta Nu Omega Chapter. She is a founding member of the National Council of Negro Women Riverside Section and continues to serve on several UC Riverside and community committees. 

QUOTES 

"I’m constantly thinking about how to affect positive change and empower others, and I know that it’s my life’s work.” 

“A pivotal moment at UC Riverside was going to the African Black Coalition Conference. I learned a lot about advocacy, philanthropy, and I feel like I found my voice.”