councilmember • At-Large

Christina Henderson

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Christina Henderson is an At-Large member of the Council of the District of Columbia. Christina’s career has been guided by the principle that one’s zip code should not determine your opportunity for success, and she is excited to work each and every day to make this principle a reality for all DC residents.

As a trusted political advisor, Christina has counseled United States Senators, DC Council members, and state and local education officials on an array of domestic policy issues which deeply impacts families and children. Prior to serving as a member of the DC Council, Christina served as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) handling education, workforce, postal and census issues for both the leadership and personal office.

From 2012 to 2017, Christina served residents of DC in various capacities in DC government. Christina was the deputy chief of staff for former DC Councilmember David Grosso and directed the Council’s Committee on Education, which has budget and performance oversight for all matters related to DC’s public education system and libraries. At the Council, Christina crafted and helped advance over 40 pieces of legislation on an array of issues including student discipline, DCPS facilities, reproductive health, medical marijuana, and beverage sales at breweries, distilleries, and wineries. She was known for a commonsense approach to policy, a collaborative working style, and centering equity in her work. Prior to the Council, Christina worked for DC Public Schools, supporting the district’s efforts to improve teacher and school leader quality and effectiveness.

Before joining DCPS, Christina worked for the New York City Department of Education, and consulted with other state and local Boards of Education. Earlier, she served as a legislative staffer for former U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) on a range of domestic policy issues including the federal budget, taxes, and child nutrition. Christina has also worked for several political campaigns, including Hillary for President in 2008. In 2015, Pacific Standard magazine named her one of the top 30 thinkers under 30 in the world of social and behavioral sciences.

The daughter of an Army veteran and a retired Transport Workers Union Local 100 member, Christina received her BA in Political Science from Furman University in Greenville, SC and her Master in Public Affairs degree from Princeton University. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a proud co-founder and board member of the Black Women’s Congressional Alliance.

Christina lives in Petworth with her husband Nu, their daughters Jordan and Cameron, and rescue dog Langston.

Compress biography

  • Term

  • Political Affiliation

    Independent

  • Time on Council

    January 2021 - Present

  • Office

    1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 402, NW Washington, DC 20004

Staff

Mike Shaffer

mshaffer@dccouncil.gov
(202) 724-8105

Heather Edelman

hedelman@dccouncil.gov
(202) 724-8105

Ana S. Berríos-Vázquez

ABerriosVazquez@dccouncil.gov
(202) 724-8105

Gabrielle Rogoff

grogoff@dccouncil.gov
(202) 724-8105

Nicholas (Nico) Pcholkin

npcholkin@dccouncil.gov
(202) 724-8105

Taylor Coleman

tcoleman@dccouncil.gov
(202) 724-8105

Sierra Wallace

swallace@dccouncil.gov
(202) 724-8105