Heather Joi Kenney is a powerhouse non-profit leader and community advocate who is on a mission to revitalize her community, empower entrepreneurs and drive economic growth in Vance, Warren, Granville, and Franklin counties. As the President and CEO of Gateway Community Development Corporation, Heather Joi leads The Henderson Vision, a program whose mission is to build a stronger, more unified community that can create a collective vision for Henderson’s bright future and to support downtown area businesses in ways that contribute to their success. 

     Heather Joi is not just an exceptional leader, but also a jack of all trades. She is an attorney and visual artist who uses her creativity to help entrepreneurs with ideation and problem-solving. In addition to her role as a non-profit leader, Heather Joi is also the Chair of the Vance County Board of Elections, Head Coach of the Vance County Middle School Cheerleaders, and a member of the Oxford-Henderson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her commitment to community service is evident in all aspects of her life. She is currently developing The Love Dawning a boutique hotel and art venue located in downtown Henderson, NC. Heather Joi is a graduate of Spelman College with a B.A. in sociology and the Howard University School of Law.