We recently had the chance to connect with Toi Henderson and have shared our conversation below.
Toi , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to step fully into the role of a leader and advocate in my community through my nonprofit, Muse Mentorship Collective. In the past, I shied away from putting myself out there whether it was public speaking, networking, or taking on the responsibility of leading a movement. I feared failure, criticism, and the pressure that comes with being “the face” of something bigger than myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Toi Henderson, founder of Muse Mentorship Collective, a nonprofit helping young girls in under-resourced communities starting right here in Baton Rouge, LA and Jackson, MS. We focus on more than academics; we teach life skills, confidence, and leadership, while giving them a safe space to grow.
Muse is personal to me because I know what it’s like to need guidance and not have many resources. Now I’m building the kind of support system I wish I had, so these girls know they’re seen, heard, and capable of so much more than they imagine.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid growing up in the projects, I honestly believed my circumstances defined my future. I thought my upbringing automatically meant I wouldn’t amount to much. Over time, I learned that where you start doesn’t determine where you can go and that mindset shift changed everything for me.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child, I found comfort in writing and being by myself. Journaling became my safe space a place where I could process my feelings without judgment. Even back then, putting my thoughts on paper helped me feel safe.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Authenticity. I believe in showing up as my full self a Black, queer woman in every space I enter. I protect that at all costs because my identity shapes my perspective, my work, and the way I connect with others. I want the people I mentor and work alongside to know that they don’t have to shrink themselves to be accepted or respected.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I lived a life full of love, connection, and purpose. That I poured into my family, cherished my friendships no matter the distance, and made time for the people who mattered most. That I worked hard, enjoyed nice things, and traveled. But never lost sight of what was really important. And I hope they remember that even though I was quiet, once I opened up, I could make them laugh and feel at home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.musementorshipcollective.org
- Instagram: @musementorshipcollective
- Linkedin: Muse Mentorship Collective
- Twitter: @musementorshipcollective
- Facebook: Muse Mentorship Collective
Image Credits
Will Robinson Photography
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