2022 40 Under 40 Winners

Kendra coordinated the fundraising efforts and 25 community volunteers involved in the $6 million Cancer Care, Close to Home campaign, which surpassed its goal by raising $6.3 million over the course of 30 months.

She championed the collaboration of four partner non-profits (NBRHC Foundation, Nipissing University, Canadore College and the North Bay & Area Community Foundation) to offer an education series profiling asset based giving.

She served on the planning committee for the 2022 AHP Convene Canada conference, and was awarded the AHP Hospital Development and Education Fund of Canada (HDEF) Bursary to attend the 2022 International Conference.

Kendra earned her CFRE in 2016 and has successfully renewed the designation twice.

After university, I was the successful applicant of an internship with the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation. I was inspired by the generosity of our community, the passion of our volunteers and the dedication of my colleagues. I was hired just as our new hospital was opening - a hospital our community helped make a reality. The emotion, joy, love and community support was moving and I knew I wanted to be part of this magical and transformative sector.

Whenever someone asks me what my favourite part of my job is, I answer, "I am surrounded by generosity, love and gratitude every day." I am inspired by the stories our donors and testimonial patients share. It's a privilege to be a part of helping our community.

There are so many special moments that have occurred throughout my 12 year career with the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation. Thinking about pivot points - I really think it would be my internship, the start of my career in healthcare philanthropy. I had no understanding or appreciation for the role fundraisers played in healthcare and caring for our community. It's not a career path often talked about when growing up. Although I had always been drawn to volunteering for different non-profits, my internship opened my eyes to transformational impact giving can have. Within the first 6 months of my internship, our new hospital opened its doors. A hospital built through community generosity. As we celebrated the grand opening with community tours and donor celebrations I was moved and in awe. All of the individuals, businesses, and groups that came together to make this momentous occasion possible. This was the most pivotal moment of my career, where I made the decision to pursue my career in philanthropy. 

I love learning - whether it's reading, personal or professional development, travel or a new hobby (knitting, cooking or most recently - back country camping!). I'm always looking to grow and expand my skills and my knowledge of the sector. I'm always dreaming of my next trip, growing my library or looking for a new activity to try. 
Learning is how you grow. It is how you open your mind and heart to possibilities and opportunities. It sparks creativity and ideas that inspire you to move forward in all aspects of your life.

Be a sponge and learn as much as you can. Attend Convene Canada or other conferences. Take advantage of free webinars that cross your email inbox. Shadow your colleagues. Ask questions.