Kendra Freeman

Biography: Kendra joined the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) in 2016. With more than 20 years of experience in program development and operations, she held leadership positions in the private and nonprofit sectors with a focus on affordable housing and capacity building. As Director of Community Development & Engagement, Kendra’s oversees MPC’s housing policy and equitable transit-oriented development (eTOD) programs and guides the organization’s approach to community engagement in research, policy advocacy and technical assistance. 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 native Chicagoan and licensed real estate broker. She holds a bachelor’s in sociology and a master’s in public administration from DePaul University. Kendra serves as the co-chair of Elevated Chicago, is on the advisory committee for Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Greater Chicago, and the Board of Directors for Storycatchers Theatre.