Kendra joined the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) in 2016 and assists with project management, research and policy development for MPC’s work in housing and community development. Her work includes engaging external partners in new and ongoing projects, including the Cost of Segregation and community-based planning efforts for transit-oriented development through the Corridor Development Initiative.

Prior to MPC, Kendra spent more than 15 years in affordable housing development and management, where her work focused on investing in people to improve the quality of life in their communities. She held various roles, from direct service to senior management. As executive director of Holsten Human Capital Development, NFP, Kendra was responsible for oversight of daily operations with an annual budget in excess of $1.5 million and 25 staff serving more than 1,200 households living in subsidized housing.

Kendra is a native Chicagoan and licensed real estate broker. She holds a bachelor’s in sociology and a master’s in public administration from DePaul University. She serves on the Board of Directors for Storycatchers Theatre and advisory board for the Near North Unity Program, and is a volunteer tax preparer for the Center for Economic Progress.