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.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[02:32] Kendra Connor discusses the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation’s crucial mission
[04:53] The 69 Treasure Chest locations across 22 states
[06:52] The funding model behind the Treasure Chest Foundation
[07:54] Kendra’s journey from volunteer to executive director
[10:30] Tips on leadership and nurturing a team with a mission-focused mindset
[16:47] What does it take to fill a founder’s shoes?
[18:36] Kendra’s vision for expanding the Treasure Chest Foundation sustainably

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.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

“Helping kids with cancer, giving them hope, joy, and distraction is just a mission I think anyone can get behind.”
“Our weaknesses are just our strengths out of control.”
“The ultimate goal is to ensure any kid with cancer treatment knows the hope and joy of a treasure chest.”
“Having a different perspective is a strength, but it’s about finding the right way to be taken seriously.”
“Do things bird by bird, one thing at a time, to manage all of the spinning plates effectively.”

Action Steps:

Embrace the legacy while fostering innovation in your leadership role to fuel growth: This helps you acknowledge past successes while driving future improvements.
Cultivate strong one-on-one relationships with team members to bolster personalized leadership: This addresses staff motivation and enhances organizational culture.
Set ambitious yet sustainable growth plans for your organization: It ensures long-term impact and scalability.
Focus on team members’ strengths to convert potential weaknesses into powerful assets: This encourages a strengths-based leadership model.
Implement a step-by-step “Bird by Bird” approach to tackle complex projects and goals: Tackling tasks step by step can prevent overwhelm and enhance productivity, especially when managing complex responsibilities.

Sponsor for this episode…

Today’s episode is sponsored by Paul Gregory Media, an 18-year-old digital marketing agency in downtown Naperville, Illinois.

They are one of the few thousand Certified B Corporations worldwide, demonstrating PGM as a leader of a global movement to use business as a force for good, meeting high standards of accountability, transparency, and community involvement. They have been trusted by hundreds of organizations since 2006.

PGM is recognized as one of the top marketing agencies in the region, earning more awards than many of its competitors combined. They have the passion, commitment, and expertise to get it done.

To learn more about the services PGM offers or how they can support you with your marketing needs, visit www.paulgregorymedia.com or email them at [email protected].

Kendra Connor – Treasure Chest Foundation