Episode
Lead With Optimism or Get Out of the Way: Kendra Davenport on Running a National Nonprofit
- Podcast
- On The Ground
- Published
- Apr 28, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2395
- Processing state
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Summary
Adaptive Show Notes for "Leading with Innovation and Humanity at Easterseals" Podcast Episode Join us as Kendra Ennis Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, shares how the organization serves over 1 million people annually by blending tradition with innovation, storytelling with impact, and optimism with realism. Discover how Easterseals navigates funding gaps, scales care, and advocates for disability awareness with heart and ingenuity. Main Topics: The evolution and ongoing innovation at Easterseals over 107 years Creative models for adult disability services, including the open-air PIAT center Fundraising strategies that humanize and elevate adult programs The power of storytelling and participant agency in advocacy Leaders' resilience in challenging nonprofit environments Building a national brand movement similar to breast cancer awareness Strategies for smaller nonprofits to scale impact and grow support In this episode: Kendra shares how Easterseals combines its rich heritage with innovative service delivery An inside look at the open-air adult day program in Southern California The importance of storytelling and participant consent in advocacy campaigns Lessons learned from a failed gaming program and pivoting with transparency How to foster positivity and resilience in nonprofit leadership Strategies to grow awareness and support for disability issues through example organizations like Susan G. Komen Practical advice for small nonprofits to step out of comfort zones and expand their impact Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Easterseals and its impact on over a million individuals annually 00:31 - Kendra's background and vision for sustaining innovation over 107 years 01:56 - The juxtaposition of tradition and innovation at Easterseals 03:19 - Innovative…