Over the past 6 months, I have had the privilege of working closely with Kendra developing and expanding our Vascular Access Team at Paulding Hospital. In my 16 years in healthcare, Kendra has, by far, been the greatest exemplification of excellence in leadership I've ever had the pleasure of working with. In all her interactions, Kendra exudes a level of positivity that is contagious. Not only does she truly listen to her team members, but she cultivates a safe space where these crucial conversations feel welcomed and encouraged, and never a burden. Even when opinions may differ, Kendra shows she values her team members' feedback. But most importantly, Kendra tirelessly demonstrates integrity through her actions.

When Kendra tells her teams she will do something, there's a great level of trust in knowing she will hold herself accountable as well as ensure her solutions are actionable. You would never know Kendra manages four departments simultaneously; when speaking with Kendra, she has a way of making you feel like you are her one and only priority.

Another one of Kendra's qualities I value is her encouragement and enthusiasm in seeing her team members succeed and professionally develop. Kendra has taken me under her wing and has been a wonderful role model and mentor in leadership. Kendra is a wealth of knowledge and has never once allowed her credentials or title to demand respect. Instead, she earns your respect through collaboration and having mutual respect for everyone she works with. I aspire to have the opportunity to lead others in the way she has led me. Kendra has demonstrated excellence in nursing through her continued evaluation of the ever-shifting dynamics of nursing, especially in a post-pandemic state of healthcare. She frequently discusses the importance of remaining innovative in our approach to nursing to not only retain nursing talent but also achieve quality outcomes and the highest level of patient satisfaction. Through this, Kendra has demonstrated a great deal of compassion for the patients, the staff, as well as the organization and her community.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly believe Kendra is deserving of this DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Kendra's exceptional leadership skills, dedication, and positive influence have made such a lasting impact on our team as well as this organization.