Danroy “DJ” Henry, Jr. was born on October 29, 1989. He is the first child of Angella and Danroy Henry. DJ grew up in Easton, Massachusetts with his brother, Kyle, and sister, Amber.
DJ’s overwhelming passion for people and sports defined his life, and it’s this passion that the DJ Henry Dream Fund organization aspires to bring to children today.
Danroy “DJ” Henry, Jr. came into this world on October 29, 1989 to ecstatic first-time parents, Angella and Dan. He grew up in Easton, joined by his younger siblings, Kyle and Amber. Growing up in this tight-knit family gave DJ the “yes I can” drive and enthusiasm that propelled his athletic journey.
Throughout junior high school his favorite sport was soccer, and he spent hours working to improve his skills. In high school, he became a three-sport athlete: track, basketball, and football. He always believed in playing fair, working hard, and performing at his best. Playing multiple sports in high school allowed him to explore and learn each, and DJ attended Pace University to continue playing the sport he loved most–football.
On October 17, 2010, DJ’s life was tragically cut short in New York. In an effort to create something positive through this unthinkable tragedy, the Henry family started the DJ Henry Dream Fund. DJHDF set out to honor DJ’s legacy by helping kids in Massachusetts achieve their dreams.
The vision of the DJ Henry Dream Fund is to share DJ’s love of sports by providing community-based scholarships to Massachusetts children between the ages of 5 to 18. Believing that every child deserves a “YES” when it comes to community engagement, DJHDF provides financial support allowing youths to participate in community-based programs such as sports, performing arts, and summer programs. Participation in such programs, despite economic position, empowers young people to be the best they can be.
DJ’s own commitment to his peers in need is reflected in the countless stories of his willingness to do things like share equipment with teammates or pay sports fees for others. He had a fierce determination to make certain no one felt invisible while on the field or sidelines. DJ’s life serves as the legacy we carry forward every day at the DJ Henry Dream Foundation.
The Henry’s
Danroy T. Henry Sr, Co-Founder:
Danroy “Dan” T. Henry is the co-founder of the DJ Henry Dream Fund. He was previously the Chief Culture Officer at Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc., Chief Human Resources Officer of Bright Horizons Family Solutions LLC (a subsidiary of Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.). Recognized as a values-driven business professional, he is a contributing author to Inside the Minds and has also been a featured speaker at the NEHRA annual convention, SHRM, the Conference Board, and NAAHR. Dan is a graduate of Cornell University’s College of Industrial and Labor Relations. In his past career, Mr. Henry held the position of Principal at Staples, Inc., Executive Vice President of FleetBoston Financial Corp., Principal at Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of NY, Inc., Principal at Reebok International Ltd. and Board Chairman at Northeast Human Resources Association, DJ Henry Dream Fund and the Board of Squashbusters. He has also served on the Board of Limeade Inc.
Angella Henry, Co-Founder, and Executive Director:
Angella Henry is the co-founder and Executive Director of the DJ Henry Dream Fund, She is the mother of DJ Henry, whose legacy inspires her work and advocacy. Angella has also served with the United Justice Coalition, demonstrating her commitment to social justice and community empowerment. With a degree in Special Ed/ Communication Disorders from Bridgewater State University, Angella combines her educational background with a passion for service. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys spending time on Martha’s Vineyard, finding solace and inspiration in its serene environment.