Kendra Parkman graduated from Turn 2’s Jeter’s Leaders program in 2018 and now has returned as the Kalamazoo Jeter’s Leaders Program Coordinator, where she empowers young leaders to drive meaningful change.
As a Jeter’s Leader, Kendra embraced transformative opportunities that shaped her leadership skills and deepened her passion for social impact. Throughout the four-year program, she actively volunteered in her community and took part in Turn 2’s Social Change Projects, helping to create lasting impact beyond her hometown. In her sophomore year, she earned a Turn 2 scholarship to attend UCLA’s prestigious Summer Discovery program. There, she gained college experience, took courses, and participated in enriching extracurricular activities.
Even after graduating high school, Kendra’s commitment to Turn 2 remained strong. While attending Wayne State University on a Kalamazoo Promise scholarship, she stayed connected by mentoring students, chaperoning trips, and recruiting future Leaders. Her dedication to youth development and leadership paved the way for her return to the Foundation in a professional capacity.
Now, in her role as Program Coordinator, Kendra provides guidance and support to Kalamazoo Jeter’s Leaders, fostering an environment that nurtures their growth. She helps them develop into confident role models, instilling in them the same values and leadership skills that shaped her own journey.
Kendra is one of the latest Turn 2 success stories, demonstrating how the program not only cultivates young leaders but also inspires them to give back.
This story comes from Frank Jamison Fellow Kehinde Oladeji
Learn more about Jeter’s Leaders at
www.mlb.com/turn-2-foundation
