Andrea Kendall, Board Chair of MLK Montessori School, was recognized as the 2024 David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award recipient at an award ceremony on October 23, 2024!

In 2013, Andrea joined the MLK Montessori Board, where she served as board treasurer before becoming board chair in 2015. A role she has held ever since. Andrea has led efforts to expand the school’s program offerings, diversify and strengthen the organization’s board of directors, and broaden the educational experiences offered by MLK Montessori. Learn more about Andrea below!

What emotions did you experience when you first learned that you were chosen as the 2024 David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award recipient?

I was unable to attend the event because I was in Disney World with my son. We were walking through Magic Kingdom when I received a text that I had won, and I believe my first words were, “You have to be kidding me!” I never thought in a million years that I would win this award. Disbelief was my initial reaction, but I was overwhelmed with gratitude when it sunk in. I am so grateful to work with this organization and the amazing teachers and staff doing this very important, difficult work. MLK Montessori has enriched my life so much through relationships and the sense of purpose it provides me. I am so grateful to Foellinger Foundation for the trust they have provided in us over the years and the trust they continue to provide as stewards of this $25,000 grant. I will tell you that my day at Magic Kingdom became so much more magical when I learned that MLK Montessori was recognized for the great work they do, and I am honored to be a small part of it.

Could you share the story of how you first became aware of board service and what goals did you want to accomplish when you first joined one?

I came to know of MLK Montessori through a volunteer opportunity with a previous employer and Junior Achievement. I immediately fell in love with the organization and inquired about serving on the board. I’ve only had two goals in any role on the board: 1. To create an engaged and credentialed team of educators who are passionate about delivering impactful experiences to the kids and families we serve. 2. To create sustainability so generations to come can continue to benefit from MLK Montessori’s amazing work in our community.

As a board member to MLK Montessori School, what draws you to continue to dedicate your time to its mission?

Seeing firsthand the impact MLK Montessori has had on children and their families, including my own son, keeps me engaged in this organization. My son, who has ADHD, was in another Montessori program that wasn’t a good fit for him. I moved him to MLK Montessori, and within weeks, he was thriving. He was embraced for who he was and his heart—not labeled because of his neurodiversity. He began reading, his speech impairment was remedied through the school speech therapist, he found confidence through the Montessori method, and he felt loved. I know how this school impacts children, especially those who may otherwise not be able to get this type of education, as it’s often cost-prohibitive. MLK Montessori is closing the education gap, creating confident and kind individuals who will lead our community. I will never stop supporting that.

As you reflect on your time with MLK Montessori, what is one of the greatest successes you and your other board members have helped accomplish for the school?

Creating pathways to expand our programming to include 1–3rd grade is one of my greatest joys in the evolution of MLK Montessori. So many of our students could not get into Montessori programs after they finished kindergarten with us, but now, they can stay through 3rd grade. This allows our students to benefit from our programming, wrap-around services, and loving community in a learning style that is individualized to each child.

If you could speak directly to others interested in community involvement, what advice and/or encouragement would you offer them?

Your passion and gifts are needed in our community—please share them! When you give your time, talent, and treasure to an organization about which you care deeply, not only do you impact the community, but you find a deeper sense of purpose and peace. This world is a crazy place—putting your values into action and connecting with others provides such a sense of comfort in a time when so many of us feel powerless.

Congratulations, Andrea, and thank you for being a champion of opportunity in our community!