Kendra Freeman

As Vice President of Programs and Strategic Impact, Kendra provides strategic leadership, management, and guidance to the MPC’s policy and systems change initiatives through collaborative research and advocacy, meaningful community/stakeholder engagement and intentional technical assistance to support policy implementation.

With more than 20 years of experience in program development and operations, Freeman has held leadership positions in the private and nonprofit sectors with a focus on equitable development and capacity building. Prior to MPC, Kendra worked in affordable housing development and management, where she invested in people to improve the quality of life in their communities. As executive director of Holsten Human Capital Development, NFP, she oversaw the nonprofit’s daily operations, including an annual budget of more than $1.5 million and 25 staff serving more than 1,200 households living in subsidized housing.

Kendra is a Chicago native and licensed real estate broker. She holds a bachelor’s in sociology and a master’s in public administration from DePaul University.  She serves on the steering committee  of Elevated Chicago, is on the advisory committee for Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Greater Chicago, and as Chair of the Board of Directors for Storycatchers Theatre.