Kori Hennessey: Leading with Hope
Kori Hennessey is the Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Raleigh, whose mission is to serve, empower, and advocate for the well-being of our diverse LGBTQ+ communities. Kori’s core values are integrity, justice, and collaboration. They are a 2023 Transforming Leaders Goodmon Fellow.
“ As a leader, I want to make sure my staff’s and the community’s voices are heard and, more importantly, involved in decision-making on all levels. I lead with empathy and embrace authenticity.”
We invite you to continue reading and learn more about this month’s Goodmon Fellow Spotlight, Kori Hennessey.
What was the primary impact of the Transforming Leaders program on your life?
Participating in Transforming Leaders has empowered me to lead with purpose and resilience, even in the face of hate.
Did you make any meaningful connections during or after the program?
Yes!! Being one of the few nonbinary, transgender community leaders, I’ve had many genuine and meaningful conversations during and after about identity and its impact on my leadership and organization. I’ve had opportunities to help folks learn about being more supportive and affirming by sharing my story and using what I learned in the Transforming Leaders program. I’m a very collaborative leader, creating connections I know will flourish and grow over time!
How do you show up as a leader in your organization?
I listen first and talk second. As a leader, I want to make sure my staff’s and the community’s voices are heard and, more importantly, involved in decision-making on all levels. I lead with empathy and embrace authenticity.
How do you feel you make an impact in the community?
Leading an organization is not about me, but I do feel like I can provide some level of hope and aspiration to the younger queer and trans community. Believing in and uplifting transgender leaders gives a level of visibility that is both vulnerable and needed. If I can positively help even one LGBTQ+ person or provide awareness to those who don’t have as much understanding of LGBTQ+ identities, I can confidently say that I made an impact in my community.
If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Do graphic novels count? Growing up neurodivergent and not knowing it made reading comprehension really hard for me, so I never truly learned to love books. Experiencing stories through graphic novels, comic books, and poems has been incredible, though!
What is one fun fact about yourself?
I have a 12-foot skeleton, and I love taking any and all ideas on how to dress them up throughout the year!
