Angie Kendall vividly remembers a recent celebration at Hand In Hand – the nonprofit organization in Bettendorf she leads that provides inclusive programs, such as childcare and recreational events, for children and adults.
Ms. Kendall, the CEO of Hand in Hand, heard people cheering from one of the rooms. It turned out a 3-year-old child in one of the programs had just crawled for the first time. The milestone event sparked an instant celebration from Hand in Hand’s staff.
“We’re always touched by that. … We’re a community of love,” said Ms. Kendall, who grew up in Nevada, Iowa, and now lives in Pleasant Valley.
For the past five years, Ms. Kendall has witnessed many milestones – big and small – take place in the Hand in Hand programs.
Since taking over the top job, Ms. Kendall has “demonstrated exceptional vision, leadership and commitment to empowering children and youth of all abilities,” according to Angela McCombs, Hand in Hand board member.
Another friend recently wrote that her “unique talents allow her to see opportunity where few others would, which in turn has brought enhanced programming and support to Hand in Hand.”
Those comments – and many others – were offered by area residents who nominated Ms. Kendall for the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal’s second annual Women of Influence awards.
When she recently learned she was selected for the honor, Ms. Kendall said she was humbled by the honor.
She added that she is honored everyday in her job at Hand In Hand. “There is no greater honor than when a parent tells us they trust us with their child,” she said.
Ms. Kendall has been helping young people for most of her career. She received a bachelor’s degree in child, adult and family services from Iowa State University, Ames. Before joining Hand In Hand five years ago, she began her career in early care education at ChildServe, an agency dedicated to meeting the needs of children with developmental delays and other special needs.
She moved to the Quad Cities in 2007 and continued her career by working at the Child Abuse Council (now known as EveryChild) and the Genesis Health System Foundation.
When she took over as CEO of Hand in Hand in early 2020, she was quickly hit with a big, unexpected challenge – the pandemic. As one of her nominators said in the Women of Influence nomination: “In the midst of change and uncertainty, Angie took initiative to find effective, affordable and accessible solutions for families in the QC area. Her dedication to excellence and inclusivity in the QC area truly sets her apart as a woman of influence in our community.”
Ms. Kendall said that starting at Hand In Hand as the pandemic hit taught her a valuable lesson: The times are always changing and you have to change with the times in order to best help the community.
“We’ve continued to say ‘What do you need?’ … My role has always evolved based on what the community needs,” she said.
Ms. Kendall added when she helps the community and people who use Hand In Hand, she is often guided by this quote from the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the former associate justice of the Supreme Court: “I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the best of her ability.”
When she is not busy with her job, Ms. Kendall enjoys spending time with her family – her husband, Aaron, and two sons, Breckan and Dax. They like hiking, biking, visiting with friends and being in the Quad Cities. “We enjoy this community,” she added.
Words of Wisdom
“Use whatever skills you have to make this world a little bit better.”
Bio
Childhood home: Nevada, Iowa
Residence: Pleasant Valley
Education: Bachelor’s degree in child, adult and family services, Iowa State University.
Family: Husband Aaron; sons Breckan and Dax.
