As the newly appointed president of Near Southside Inc., she now leads a nonprofit organization<\/a> that has helped transform the district during the past three decades. Henderson builds on 13 years of experience with Near Southside Inc. \u2014 most recently as Cultural Director \u2014 in a new role that requires maintaining relationships with Medical District leaders while continuing to support the small businesses that give the district its distinctive, community-driven character.<\/p>\n Perhaps Henderson\u2019s appreciation for things that have stuck around long enough to find new value qualifies her to lead development at one of the city\u2019s most historic districts. Before we dove into questions, she quipped about the conference table\u2019s wear and scratches.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery deal we\u2019ve done happened over this table,\u201d she says. \u201cEven if we refurbished the whole place, I would probably never touch this. It\u2019s also kind of charming.\u201d<\/p>\n Three decades ago, she says, leaders in the nearby Medical District recognized that the long-term success of their campuses was closely tied to the health of the surrounding neighborhood. The hospitals funded a study by Boston-based Sasaki Associates, which recommended creating a member-based nonprofit to guide revitalization. Near Southside Inc. was established in 1996 to carry out that vision.<\/p>\n Henderson\u2019s tiny but mighty team of six continues to advance the nonprofit\u2019s dual focus on economic and cultural development. High-profile events like ArtsGoggle and Lost \u2019N Sound draw tens of thousands of locals and visitors, while her staff helps local business owners turn ideas into brick-and-mortar businesses.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are looking for people with passion to support from concept to successful small business,\u201d she says. \u201cOne example would be Robbie Werner, who started Stir Crazy. She got involved in ArtsGoggle<\/a>, where people loved her baking. We became the touchpoint organization that helped her find the right property owner and support. Our dream is to identify talents from within the community and help them to the point of opening.\u201d<\/p>\n The surrounding Fairmount Historic District also benefited from Near Southside Inc.\u2019s out-of-the-box thinking. Early in the revitalization effort, the nonprofit commissioned architect-designed home plans to help fill the neighborhood\u2019s empty lots while complementing its historic character, selling them for around $20(!) when comparable plans might otherwise cost $20,000 to $30,000.<\/p>\n Henderson\u2019s predecessor, Mike Brennan, says her unique skills and sincere attachment to the Near Southside likely influenced the nonprofit board\u2019s vote to elect her. Having worked alongside Henderson for 13 years, Brennan points to her communication skills, work ethic, ability to build relationships, and mastery of the organization\u2019s development side as qualities that prepared her for the role.<\/p>\n \u201cI enjoyed every day working with her,\u201d Brennan says. \u201cShe\u2019s a superstar.\u201d<\/p>\n After 30 years, the district has seen profound growth, becoming home to local standouts like Ellerbe Fine Foods, The Usual, Panther City BBQ<\/a>, and many others.<\/p>\n \u201cI think those 30 years brought us to the moment where we\u2019ve set the stage for small businesses to have the support they need to continue to thrive,\u201d Henderson says.<\/p>\n![\"Near](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/A7405440-copy-scaled.jpg\")
Community involvement keeps Henderson and her team informed about the needs of her district. (Photo by Near Southside Inc.)
\nThe Near Southside\u2019s 30-Year Transformation<\/p>\n![\"Near](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/WBZ0949-scaled.jpg\")
Henderson\u2019s predecessor, Mike Brennan (shown left), says her unique skills and sincere attachment to the Near Southside likely influenced the nonprofit board\u2019s vote to elect her. (Photo by Near Southside Inc.)
\nBuilding on Decades of Revitalization<\/p>\n