Kendra Connor - Treasure Chest Foundation

Kendra Connor is the Executive Director of the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides toys and gifts to children and teens undergoing cancer treatment. Since joining in July 2023, she has leveraged her extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, having previously worked at CASA of River Valley and DuPage County Area Project and obtained her master's degree in Nonprofit Management from Grace College. Kendra is an innovative leader who strives to preserve the core of the Treasure Chest Foundation while stimulating progress for the next generation of donors and supporters. In her free time, she enjoys being the Lead Instructor at the nonprofit martial arts school, C3 Martial Arts, leveraging her 2nd-degree black belt in Combat Hapkido and a 1st-degree in TaeKwonDo.

In this episode…

Imagine a world where every painful procedure for a child with cancer comes with a silver lining — a treasure chest full of toys to bring a little joy. But can this heartfelt initiative sustain growth and reach even more children? And how does one lead an organization through such an ambitious expansion?

Nonprofit management expert Kendra Connor exemplifies leadership that combines innovation with empathy. Upon stepping into her role, she shares how she has expanded the Treasure Chest Foundation’s reach, building on the solid groundwork laid over the past 27 years by its founder. Her approach to addressing the challenges includes leveraging her extensive background in the nonprofit sector and formal education in nonprofit management. Kendra discusses her leadership style, focusing on deepening one-on-one relationships with her team and ensuring that each member aligns with the organization's heartfelt mission of providing joy and distraction to children undergoing cancer treatment.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Kendra Connor, Executive Director of the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, about leading a nonprofit with passion and purpose. Kendra discusses how the Treasure Chest Foundation helps children undergoing cancer treatment, its funding model, tips on leadership and nurturing a team with a mission-focused mindset, and her vision for expanding the foundation sustainably.