Dates

• Existence: 1929 - 1982

Biographical Note

Born in Alberta, Canada, Violet Henry earned her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Alberta and a graduate degree in urban studies from Roosevelt University. She was the first African-American woman to be admitted to the practice of law in Canada.

In 1963, she became executive director of the Community Branch of the Newark (N.J.) YMCA. Seven years later, she was appointed the director of planning for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago (Ill.), and later became the director of manpower, planning, and staff development. In 1976, Henry became the first woman to be named to a top management position on the national staff as executive director of the Organizational Development Group. She was responsible for personnel management, corporate planning, and development projects.

Henry served as president of the YMCA Association of Professional Directors (APD) and vice president of the World Association of Secretaries. She provided leadership for numerous national and international commissions and committees that worked effectively for the rights of women and minorities.

Found in 3 Collections and/or Records: