Kendra Dowen – Why I Chose a Career in Youth, Family, & Community Sciences

Kendra Dowen, a 2019 graduate of NC State, received her Masters degree in Youth, Family, and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Youth Development and Leadership.  She has a personal background that drives her passion for family and consumer sciences.  In a past interview, Dowen stated “Growing up in a rural and low-socioeconomic area, I was given a lot of support that allowed me to accomplish everything I have up until this point – giving back and being that person for a young person was something I was interested in doing as young as 13.”  That is when she began working at Camp Daybreak in Vermont as kitchen staff for VT kids, a camp for children ages 8-12 who had experienced trauma.  She then became a 1:1 “Big Sister” at the camp and said her heart just grew from there!  

Dowen is currently the Teen Program Director for The Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena.  Her organization is working on building out a college/career/work readiness program that serves teens.  She is also working on building out a mentoring program to serve teens with volunteer mentors from the area.  The goal of her work is to teach youth how to be caring, healthy, and responsible citizens while exposing them to new and unique opportunities.  The clubhouses are a fun and safe space for youth to explore their interests, make friends, and learn life lessons.  Dowen says “If you’ve never looked into what Boys and Girls Clubs of America do, I encourage you to find your local club and go visit or volunteer!”  

Dowen credits her father as being a huge inspiration in her life and career.  She stated that “he would often give his last $5 until payday to a person experiencing homelessness in our small town.”  She expressed her admiration for her father’s kindness and willingness to help those less fortunate than he.  Dowen said she always looked up to him “because despite not having much, two young kids to take care of, and a terminal illness, he gave everyone 100% in any way he could.”  She says she keeps herself in check by asking herself daily whether she’s upholding his memory well, and if not, she strives to do better the next day!  Other individuals who have impacted her career are her professors, Maru Gonzalez and Annie Hardison-Moody.  She credits them with putting in extra time and interest to fulfill her potential. 

Her current plans and aspirations are to open her own community center within the next five years.  She hopes to establish the community center in the middle of an urban, low-income city to provide career/educational services, financial literacy, art, music, and sports programs.  Ultimately, the center will reflect the needs of the people they will serve and she plans to open the center with friends and peers she has made in the field.  

When choosing her career path, Dowen said she was just a first generation college student athlete with no idea how to pursue college.  Someone helped her along the way, and she feels that it is now her responsibility to reach out and help the next teen overcome their struggles within their families and communities.  Her “Think and Do” attitude has allowed her to find a way to give back, while working in a field she is passionate about.  She hopes to represent the Wolfpack community in a positive light and we know she will continue to do so by empowering the future generation.  Dowen can be found on LinkedIn if you would like to follow her story.