Becky Henchman traded a career for family and volunteering, and has no regrets
Sixteen years ago, Becky Henchman had a full-time job working as a marketing and communications manager for a national retailer. But volunteering was always a big priority for her, and after she had her son, she had to re-evaluate her priorities.
To balance work, family and community, Henchman decided to limit her paid work to 25 hours a week so that she can devote more time to her passions, and she has not looked back since.
“I was blessed to welcome a son so I want to have a better balance with my family,” Henchman said about her decision to reduce her hours.
Now, the 56-year-old Henchman works part-time as a freelance contractor and marketing consultant. She currently provides Prodigals International — a Christian nonprofit organization that helps men, women and families overcome sexual addiction — with marketing, business development and event management services.
She spends the rest of her time making a positive impact on the community through her volunteer work.
Henchman grew up in Longview, Washington. Since her high school days, volunteering has been a big part of Henchman’s life — whether in her faith-based community, at school, or in the community at large. She said community service was engrained in her by her parents.
“Modeled heavily by my parents…Just always a way of life,” Henchman said.
Henchmen currently serves as board president and a contract grant writer at Studio East, a nonprofit performing arts studio for minors in Kirkland. Her second volunteering engagement is for the Eastlake High School band, where she serves as the vice president of uniforms. Her son Caleb plays baritone saxophone in the band.
“I have a love to serve those who serve others,” said Henchman. “At Studio East and Eastlake High School, I lean into my passion to encourage kids to experience the arts.”
During the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, Studio East went into financial crisis, along with much of the performing arts sector. To help guide the studio through the crisis, Henchman took on the additional role of interim managing director in the finance department on a pro-bono basis. The studio managed to survive, although it still has an urgent need for donations and funding.
For the Eastlake band, Henchman works to get 200 band students fitted with uniforms prior to the first football game each year, and helps the board with other events and tasks.
“I’m happy to do what I can to ensure children get exposure to these disciplines during their formative years,” Henchman said.
Even though her volunteering load is heavy, Henchmen wants to continue doing it. She enjoys the process and appreciates meeting people in the community.
“I often say you will come for the cause, stay for the people, and linger as it becomes a part of your life,” Henchman said. “The meaningful relationships that you get to build as you’re all working alongside is the best.”
