Joyce Henderson, assistant director for employer partnerships in the Career Services Center, was awarded the University of Delaware’s Diversity Ambassador Award. The recognition is given to individuals who have made strong contributions to inclusive excellence at the University. Carol Henderson, vice provost for diversity, presented the award at the Staff Development and Appreciation Workshop on Thursday, June 14, in the Trabant multipurpose rooms.

Among her many accomplishments at the University, Joyce Henderson has worked closely with the first generation undergraduate student population and is an LGBTQ+ Ally. She has been active with the African Heritage Caucus and has served as faculty adviser to student organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Career Entrepreneurs Organization and Warriors for Christ. For several years, Henderson coordinated the Multi-ethnic Career Development Conference where students met and networked with employers who welcomed and embraced diversity in their organizations. She further developed a U.S. job search guide for international students. Henderson was instrumental in assisting the Office of the Provost to obtain the State of Delaware’s diversity and inclusion award, given by the Delaware Society for Human Resources Management, for actively promoting inclusive excellence in the workplace.  

Workshop keynote 

The leading message at the Staff Development and Appreciation Workshop was recognizing your power and promoting self-empowerment. The event was created to foster positive relationships among diverse staff, provide a place to engage in healthy conversations related to diversity and inclusion, introduce individuals from various backgrounds and cultures, and promote self-empowerment.

Jennifer Daniels, associate director in the Office of Equity and Inclusion, spoke to an audience of nearly 180 staff, sharing her personal and professional experiences. During her talk, Daniels discussed the effect of life stressors, but also the value and importance of self-worth. The lunch workshop included group discussions on overcoming hardship and difficult situations. The audience left with tips on enhancing self-esteem and tools to empower themselves. 

Daniels oversees diversity and inclusion educational programming and various diversity initiatives for the University of Delaware community, specifically staff and faculty.  Additionally, she provides advocacy and support on various workplace issues to all UD community members. She was recently distinguished with the University of Delaware’s 2017 Louis L. Redding Award, which recognizes individuals whose efforts have resulted in significant change in UD’s campus climate and composition. 

For more information on the Staff Development and Appreciation Lunch, please contact Dana Perry at dlperry@udel.edu.