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Kendra Davenport's avatarPerson

Kendra Davenport

President and CEOEasterseals

Chicago, IL

Skills

Business Development & Partnerships
Executive Leadership
Fundraising

About

Kendra Davenport came to Easterseals in 2022, bringing three decades of nonprofit experience, having managed development and communications portfolios and teams ranging in size from 50 to 1500 for several national and international organizations. Before joining Easterseals, as president and CEO, Kendra led global philanthropy, communications, and brand marketing for Operation Smile. She is a passionate collaborator and a champion of transparency and trust as she works to support Easterseals’ Network of 70 Affiliates, elevate the brand, and raise transformative funding and awareness of Easterseals’ mission – to promote equity, inclusion, and access for people living with disabilities, older Americans, and veterans.

Published content

Back to school: Supporting caregivers builds stronger teams

article

If we want strong teams and sustained performance, we need to treat care as a core business issue, not just a personal one.

Accessible technology is a win-win for the workforce

article

For employers navigating a tight labor market and speedy tech adoption, accessible technology is a good business strategy.

20 ways leaders stay grounded and motivated in times of rapid change

expert panel

In unpredictable conditions, these leaders have found reliable ways to stay focused, energized, and clear-headed. The demands of leadership don’t pause when the ground shifts. For those guiding teams through uncertainty, staying present and motivated is vital to making sound decisions, maintaining team morale, and sustaining long-term momentum.  In volatile environments, personal clarity can be hard for leaders to hold onto. To understand how experienced leaders maintain focus, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members share what keeps them steady and inspired. Their answers highlight the habits, values, and real-world reminders that help them lead through disruption without losing direction.

20 tips to help first-time brand leaders shine in media interviews

expert panel

Your first big interview with the press can feel intimidating, but the right preparation can turn it into a defining moment for you as a brand leader. Whether it’s a podcast, panel, or live social media event, stepping into the spotlight for the first time as a brand leader can feel like walking into a conversation where everyone else already knows the script. But with the right preparation, these moments can become powerful opportunities to share your story, connect with your audience, and elevate your company’s message. From refining your talking points to embracing authenticity and learning to handle tough questions, small adjustments can make a big impact. To help you feel confident and prepared, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members share their best advice for first-time brand leaders getting ready for a media interview or public appearance.

20 business leaders share their best advice for the next generation

expert panel

For new leaders and entrepreneurs, success depends not just on innovation but on adaptability, resilience, and human connection. The modern marketplace is fast-moving, tech-driven, and constantly evolving. The business landscape looks a lot different than when today's top leaders first got their start, and the lessons they've learned along the way can help inform the leadership approaches of future executives and entrepreneurs. Below, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members share their best advice for the next generation of business leaders. From embracing failure to building authentic relationships, these insights can help rising professionals lead with purpose and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Hiring people with disabilities makes organizations stronger

article

In much of the discussion around diversity and inclusion in the workplace, there is one group that is often left out of the conversation: people with disabilities.

Company details

Easterseals

Company bio

Children and adults with disabilities, families, and communities find high-quality services designed to meet their needs when they come to Easterseals. Through a diverse array of supports and programs Easterseals Network of 70 Affiliates across the country aim to address disparities throughout multiple diverse populations, specifically within the social determinants of health — including access to quality education and health care, stable employment, and community engagement. Easterseals also serves seniors and veterans and provides comprehensive mental health supports and programs to help them thrive. Whether helping seniors re-enter the workforce or helping veterans transition from active duty to private sector jobs, Easterseals is there every step of the way. Each year, Easterseals staff of 32,000, along with thousands of volunteers and advocates lead the way to greater equity, inclusion and accessibility for people of all ages with all disabilities, seniors, veterans and their families and communities.

Industry

Social impact & nonprofit

Company size

10,001 plus