In Memoriam

Gerri Henderson was a colleague, an advocate, role model, mentor, author, educator, but more importantly a dear friend to so many of us. Gerri moved us all in a very profound way not only professionally, but personally. Since her passing, we have received many messages from people, especially in the field, that she impacted in a very special way. Gerri was pure and the magnitude of her positive impact on us will be everlasting. She was selfless in so many ways, and had the unique ability to lift us up, empower us, inspire us, and encourage us with the utmost sincerity and authenticity.

Gerri was a champion of social justice. Her research and work pushed the status quo towards societal change. She has published more than 50 articles, books, or book chapters with a primary research focus on global marketplace diversity and inclusion, including co-authoring the book Consumer Equality: Race and the American Marketplace.

Dr. Henderson has been on the frontlines of equity not only in the marketplace, but also in the profession. After observing that there were not many faculty members who looked like her, Gerri committed to mentoring students of color, as well as students more generally. As the numbers grew in the field, Gerri also encouraged those who received tenure to pursue full Professorship or administrative positions. She was always looking for ways to help people- and the field-grow.

In 2017, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the PhD Project, which works to advance workplace diversity by increasing the diversity of business school faculty. She also received a multicultural mentoring award from the American Marketing Association Foundation. But awards and accolades were not what motivated her. She always felt that her legacy was the success of her students and colleagues.

Gerri inspired students and professors around the country while on faculty at Rutgers University, the University of Texas at Austin, Duke University, Howard University, and Northwestern University. She also taught at Stanford University, the University of Virginia, UCLA, and Thunderbird School of Global Management.

To say that Gerri will be missed is an understatement. Let us continue Gerri’s legacy every day in our interactions with one another and the work that we do. We must be kind, empathetic, and fight for a more equitable world. Let us work to lift others up and empower one another, just as Gerri did.

Thank you, Gerri, for everything that you fought for, believed in, and achieved.