Mindy Henderson

Mindy Henderson is a disability advocate, motivational speaker, author, and executive focused on advancing inclusion for people with disabilities. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 at 15 months old, Henderson has worked extensively to increase awareness and accessibility for individuals living with neuromuscular disease. Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness and deterioration. Henderson began her advocacy work early, developing a long-standing relationship with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, where she served as State Ambassador for Texas and delivered her first public speech as a child.

Prior to her work in advocacy and media, Henderson spent two decades in the corporate sector, including roles as a product manager at Bank of America and manager of delivery operations at Bazaarvoice, a software company specializing in user-generated product reviews. Following a career transition, she authored the book "The Truth About Things That Suck and How To Make Them Suck Less," which offers practical guidance for overcoming adversity. Henderson also played a key role in launching the MDA Quest Podcast and was appointed editor-in-chief of Quest Media.

Henderson currently serves as Vice President of Disability Outreach and Empowerment at the Muscular Dystrophy Association and editor-in-chief of Quest Media. The magazine reaches approximately 100,000 readers and is distributed through neurologists' offices and the MDA's network of 150 care centers nationwide. Her work centers on disability inclusion, accessibility, patient engagement, and amplifying the voices of those living with neuromuscular disease. As host of the MDA Quest Podcast, Henderson facilitates conversations with experts and individuals living with disabilities, addressing topics such as accessible air travel, universal design, employment, and inclusive representation in media and fashion.

Henderson's advocacy has contributed to legislative advancements, including influencing language in the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill and the Department of Transportation wheelchair user rule, both significant updates to disability law. Her efforts have been recognized by CBS Austin's "We Are Austin" and Success Magazine, which named her a Woman of Influence. She is also a recipient of the Steve Bartlett Award from Disability Belongs, honoring her leadership in disability rights and her commitment to accessible air travel, healthcare, universal design, employment, inclusive fashion, and product design.

Henderson's work emphasizes the importance of connecting lived experience with scientific progress, fostering community, and transforming information into action. Her advocacy continues to shape conversations around accessibility, disability representation, and inclusion across industries.