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TAYN Ep. 80 - Dana Henry
Published 15 hours ago
Description
Born and raised by two public educators in Klamath Falls, Oregon—the “City ofSunshine”—Dana Henry’s life has been shaped by lifelong learning, showing up,stepping in, and serving wherever she lands.
A driven student and athlete, Dana graduated high school in three years and attendedthe University of Nevada, Reno, becoming the first unrecruited walk-on under CoachDevin Scruggs eventually working her way up to earning a division I scholarship herjunior year. She competed in two NCAA national tournaments, earned All-WACAcademic honors three times, set weight room records, served as a student senator,and was named Outstanding Senior for the university all while balancing leadership,academics, and competition.
With degrees spanning massage therapy, HR, accounting, speech pathology, and anMBA in strategic management, her unconventional educational path reflects acommitment to learning and public service. A dedicated public servant, she has heldprofessional roles in education, nonprofits, and government. Currently, with the State ofNorth Dakota Information Technology Department, she fills the role of Staff Accountant,Culture Rise training facilitator, and was elected to serve a 6-year term on the StatePersonnel Board. She just celebrated her 5 th year as a state employee and looksforward to the next 25.
Athletics continue to anchor her identity. Today, Dana plays in the top women’s leaguein Bismarck and is a high school and collegiate volleyball official. She made history in2023 as the first female wrestling official in North Dakota, officiating the inauguralstate girls’ dual tournament at the Fargodome.
Moving to a new state every few years, she found connection through service. Thatphilosophy became her pageant platform—GIVE: Get Involved in VolunteerEfforts—turning interest into action and passion into purpose.
Her journey into pageantry began at age six as a “little sister” in the Miss KlamathCounty pageant, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for service, mentorship,and community leadership behind the glamour of the crown. Dana competed in the MissAmerica Opportunity across three states, earning more than $12,000 in scholarships,and has continued in pageantry through marriage and multiple systems—earningnational and international titles including America’s SUPER Mrs., American RoyalBeauties National Ms., Miss Continental Worldwide, and Mrs. North DakotaAmerica 2025.
Offstage, she is deeply invested in the infrastructure of pageantry,serving as an emcee, judge, choreographer, tabulator, planning committee member, andaward-winning behind-the-scenes volunteer as the Veronica Villegas Best Volunteerfrom the Global Beauty Awards.
Today, she serves on three nonprofit boards; North Dakota Public Employees LocalUnion 4660, the Young Professionals Network, and Brave the Shave a state-wideorganization helping families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis. She is on the planningcommittee for the bowling fundraiser and gala for the 31:8 Project focusing their effortsto fight human trafficking, and volunteers with over two dozen other organizationshelping them to more effectively and efficiently serve their mission.
A self-described audiobook lover with plenty of windshield time, Dana spends her freehours crocheting, bargain hunting, and attending live concerts (often featuring herhusband’s band).
Her guiding belief comes from Winston Churchill:“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”
A driven student and athlete, Dana graduated high school in three years and attendedthe University of Nevada, Reno, becoming the first unrecruited walk-on under CoachDevin Scruggs eventually working her way up to earning a division I scholarship herjunior year. She competed in two NCAA national tournaments, earned All-WACAcademic honors three times, set weight room records, served as a student senator,and was named Outstanding Senior for the university all while balancing leadership,academics, and competition.
With degrees spanning massage therapy, HR, accounting, speech pathology, and anMBA in strategic management, her unconventional educational path reflects acommitment to learning and public service. A dedicated public servant, she has heldprofessional roles in education, nonprofits, and government. Currently, with the State ofNorth Dakota Information Technology Department, she fills the role of Staff Accountant,Culture Rise training facilitator, and was elected to serve a 6-year term on the StatePersonnel Board. She just celebrated her 5 th year as a state employee and looksforward to the next 25.
Athletics continue to anchor her identity. Today, Dana plays in the top women’s leaguein Bismarck and is a high school and collegiate volleyball official. She made history in2023 as the first female wrestling official in North Dakota, officiating the inauguralstate girls’ dual tournament at the Fargodome.
Moving to a new state every few years, she found connection through service. Thatphilosophy became her pageant platform—GIVE: Get Involved in VolunteerEfforts—turning interest into action and passion into purpose.
Her journey into pageantry began at age six as a “little sister” in the Miss KlamathCounty pageant, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for service, mentorship,and community leadership behind the glamour of the crown. Dana competed in the MissAmerica Opportunity across three states, earning more than $12,000 in scholarships,and has continued in pageantry through marriage and multiple systems—earningnational and international titles including America’s SUPER Mrs., American RoyalBeauties National Ms., Miss Continental Worldwide, and Mrs. North DakotaAmerica 2025.
Offstage, she is deeply invested in the infrastructure of pageantry,serving as an emcee, judge, choreographer, tabulator, planning committee member, andaward-winning behind-the-scenes volunteer as the Veronica Villegas Best Volunteerfrom the Global Beauty Awards.
Today, she serves on three nonprofit boards; North Dakota Public Employees LocalUnion 4660, the Young Professionals Network, and Brave the Shave a state-wideorganization helping families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis. She is on the planningcommittee for the bowling fundraiser and gala for the 31:8 Project focusing their effortsto fight human trafficking, and volunteers with over two dozen other organizationshelping them to more effectively and efficiently serve their mission.
A self-described audiobook lover with plenty of windshield time, Dana spends her freehours crocheting, bargain hunting, and attending live concerts (often featuring herhusband’s band).
Her guiding belief comes from Winston Churchill:“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”