50 Leading Women: Kendall Rowden

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, Kendall Rowden, Manager, Corporate Partnerships, for Children’s Medical Center Foundation. As the fundraising arm for Children’s Health – the leading not-for-profit pediatric health system in North Texas – the foundation provides philanthropic support through partnerships with individual donors, organizations and corporations. Funds raised by the foundation support Children’s Health by enhancing care, discovering cures and building a healthier community in North Texas. In her role, Kendall oversees various corporate sponsorships, partnerships and overall employee engagement, as companies choose to support the foundation.

Prior to moving to Texas, Kendall graduated Cum Laude from Pepperdine University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology & nonprofit management. She went on to earn her Master’s in public service & administration from Texas A&M University (WHOOP!). Her nonprofit career began at Make-A-Wish where she served as a Program Intern and went on to become a Wish Manager in their Irving office. Kendall began working for Children’s Health in 2018, has since held various development roles, and was a part of the 2021 team awarded “Hospital/Foundation of the Year” by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

We are thrilled to have Kendall serve as the 2023 Young Professionals of Plano Committee Chair! This role allows Kendall the opportunity to have a seat on our Board of Directors as she leads the ongoing innovation of the young professionals program. Outside of her volunteer role at the Plano Chamber, Kendall also gives of her time and talents to City House Inc., the Canton Balloon Festival, & the Junior League of Collin County. Please be sure to introduce yourself to Kendall as you see her at Plano Chamber events and as you see her out and about in our community!

1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others

I believe in an eclectic, adaptive approach to leadership. It’s crucial to understand the personality and values of each individual contributor, then adapt communication and leadership style to create a culture where they can thrive. This flexibility helps deepen interpersonal connectiveness and feelings of inclusion, which in turn helps to foster an environment that empowers individuals to excel through collaboration and innovation.

2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

Identify your preferred learning style, then find, or create, opportunities that align. Developing leadership skills is an iterative process, and I am a proponent of fully immersing yourself in a myriad of different experiences that will contribute to your growth. Don’t be afraid to create your own opportunities through stepping up to lead ERGs, seeking mentorship from someone you admire, and/or serving on a Board of Directors or Advisory Council.

3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?

The most important decisions leaders make far transcend traditional, everyday operational decisions. We have the opportunity every day to make decisions on how we choose to respond to, inspire, and lead others—a decision that directly impacts the quality of someone’s day and company culture. Choosing to be a servant leader is not always the easiest choice, but is always the most important choice a leader can make.

4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

As an extrovert, one of my greatest joys in leading groups is the opportunity to establish strong relationships where we collectively celebrate wins and successes, and also empower and support each other through the more challenging times.

5. What has been your greatest career disappointment? What did you learn from it?

One of my largest opportunities to grow came early on in my career when I had not yet learned how to establish boundaries. I was working in an environment that was not a cultural fit and I was prioritizing work over everything else. I had also placed an outlandishly high level of importance in validation from others. I am grateful for my experience as it has undoubtedly influenced how I manage and interact with team members now. While I don’t believe that our lives will ever be perfectly balanced between work and life, I now acknowledge the importance of flexibility and setting firm boundaries that align with your values and goals, both personally and professionally.

6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?

Embrace different perspectives and strengths through encouraging respectful, consistent, and honest communication. Allow team members to self-identify strengths, as well as opportunities for growth, then help create opportunities to highlight those strengths as well as ones that aid in refining their identified areas for growth.

7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

Advocate for yourself, know the value you bring to the table, and take the initiative to create your own opportunities instead of waiting for someone else to do it for you.

8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Say yes to opportunities that may scare you or make you uncomfortable—that’s where you’ll find the most growth. Additionally, believe in yourself and believe in the inherent good in others. The trick that helped me with establishing confidence in the workplace was getting to know the people you interact with (peers, bosses, clients, etc.) on a personal level and understand that they also have experienced similar internal battles—we’re all human and most people want you to succeed!

9. Who inspired you and why?

First and foremost, my parents, as they played a major role in my decision to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. Growing up, they were actively involved in serving the community—both locally and globally—through our church and I attribute my heart for people to them. Professionally, I’ve also been blessed with countless high caliber leaders at Children’s Health that I look to for guidance and mentorship. I am fortunate to work with leaders like Aracely Muñoz, Paulette Mulry, Laran O’Neill, Brent Christopher, and more that consistently demonstrate model leadership. These leaders emulate what I strive to be, and I am inspired by the strides they’ve made in building out our Foundation team and establishing a culture that values inclusion and innovation.

10. What do you want to be remembered for?

More than any of my successes, I hope to be remembered for the way that I treat others.