Leading with empathy and strategy to empower families

For over 20 years, Meshia Henderson, vice president of human services, has helped families break cycles of economic disadvantages and create pathways for lasting success.

Since joining Maximus in 2007 as an operations manager, Meshia has guided teams that support workforce, child support, and unemployment insurance programs across states like Tennessee, Indiana, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Missouri. Recently, she’s focused her efforts on an innovative fatherhood program in Memphis, Tennessee — an initiative redefining how economically disadvantaged fathers engage with their children, families, and the broader community.

For Meshia, connecting with the families we serve is incredibly rewarding and a compelling reminder that this work is more than a job. It’s about helping people overcome barriers, become better family and community members, and achieve self-sufficiency.

We connected with Meshia to learn more about her passion for human services and the challenges facing public safety net programs today.

My background and life experiences have directly inspired me to help others. I was a teen mom. And though I was a good student and athlete, getting pregnant in high school changed everything in my life.

Although I had no intention of quitting school, I was placed in a dropout prevention program that helped students stay focused and motivated to finish high school. The support I received helped me think about my future and the life I wanted to provide for my daughter. It was through the program’s mentorship and job training features that I truly benefited. Every day, my mentor encouraged and inspired me. With his support, I not only graduated from high school but pursued college immediately after. Ultimately, I was not ready for college at that time and decided to focus on work. I reached out to my mentor, who helped me get a job at the local career center.

My role at the career center was a great match for me and a turning point in my life. I connected well with clients because I’d been in their shoes. I was able to motivate them to strive and achieve their goals. In fact, I did so well at the career center that I was promoted several times with the organization before my departure.

Growth doesn’t happen without challenges, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact you can have on the lives of others through public service.

The fatherhood program Maximus launched with Families Matter in Memphis is something I’m very passionate about. This is the first time I’ve worked with men who are fathers in this capacity, and it’s been eye-opening.

Fathers typically haven’t had access to this kind of support, and there’s a stigma around them seeking help. Watching these men grow and begin to view their roles differently — particularly as co-parents — has been deeply fulfilling.

I’m also excited about the potential around a new rule published by the federal Office of Child Support Services to expand funding for employment and training services for noncustodial parents. It’s another excellent opportunity to help fathers get the skills they need to become financially stable and help provide for their children. As the only company with expertise across fatherhood programs, employment and training, and child support, Maximus is uniquely qualified to help child support programs bring this vital service to their noncustodial parents.   

It comes down to a combination of passion, operational excellence, and accountability. Our team believes in the work we’re doing. Operational excellence ensures everything runs smoothly, and accountability keeps everyone on track. When you combine empathy with a disciplined approach, you get outcomes that matter.

Our model recognizes and delivers services in a manner that meets people where they are. We offer a series of skill-building topics, such as co-parenting, career development, and financial management, to help fathers become the best dads they can be. The program's design ensures that fathers are not just learning how to provide but how to contribute meaningfully to their children's lives — emotionally and psychologically. 

One particular area I’m proud of and see potential in is voluntary co-parenting agreements. Unlike court-imposed agreements, these are driven by the parents—the fathers and mothers themselves. They’re transformative because they shift the entire co-parenting dynamic. In fact, 32% of our participants have signed these agreements. That’s a testament to the personal growth happening.

Community partnerships are also key to our work. For example, we partner with technology schools to offer crucial tech certifications for many of our justice-involved fathers. These certifications help them break into industries that prioritize skills over background and create sustainable employment opportunities, not just temporary fixes.

Many state government agencies find hiring and retaining talent challenging in a post-pandemic world, especially for demanding roles in social services. We’re helping states rethink their hiring processes, making them more competitive in today’s market, and providing blended workforce solutions that ensure these essential services can continue seamlessly.

We're committed to localizing services and tailoring programs to meet the specific needs of each community. And we hire staff from the communities we serve. We want people to feel comfortable with the individuals providing their services. That local connection makes a huge difference in building trust and delivering meaningful outcomes.