Ensuring that everyone is "Seen, Heard, and Valued" is fundamental to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. When individuals feel acknowledged, their perspectives are recognized, and their contributions are respected, they are more engaged, motivated, and empowered. This not only enhances personal well-bein
Impact Statements
Jeronica Michele Harts: Educational Consultant
I am honored to write this recommendation for Dr. Kendrah Underwood, a transformational leader and exceptional mentor who has profoundly impacted my life and career. During my time under her guidance, Dr. Underwood not only elevated my leadership capabilities but also helped me rediscover the joy and fulfillment I had lost in previous professional environments.
Dr. Underwood’s leadership is a testament to the words of Kamala Harris, who said, "Our unity is our strength, and our diversity is our power." Dr. Underwood's ability to recognize and celebrate the unique strengths of each team member created an environment where everyone felt valued and heard. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion is unparalleled, allowing us to thrive both individually and collectively.
In a world where microaggressions often stifle authenticity, Dr. Underwood was a beacon of support, ensuring that each of us could be our true selves without fear. As Oprah Winfrey once said, "Leadership is about empathy. It is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives." Dr. Underwood embodies this philosophy, demonstrating empathy and understanding while nurturing our professional growth.
Through her innovative use of assessments and personalized development activities, Dr. Underwood helped us understand our leadership styles and competencies. Her dedication to our growth was unwavering, and the tools she provided have been instrumental in my current role as Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships at Purpose Built Schools Atlanta. The strategies and practices she shared continue to guide me as I lead my team, creating an inclusive and empowering environment.
Dr. Underwood’s impact is not just limited to her immediate team but extends to the broader educational community. She exemplifies Michelle Obama's belief that "Success isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives." Her legacy is one of positive change, inspiring those around her to reach their fullest potential.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Kendrah Underwood for any opportunity where her visionary leadership and transformative mentoring can make a difference. Her influence in my life has been profound, and I am confident she will continue to inspire and empower many others in her future endeavors.
J. Harts
Jeremy Lo: Director of Equity, Teaching and Learning
It is my honor and privilege to highlight Dr. Kendrah Underwood’s excellence in educational leadership as she embodies the essential values of exceptional communication skills, positive coaching approach, and authoritative yet flexible management style.
A hallmark of her effective leadership is the ability to communicate clearly, succinctly, and in a timely manner. Dr. Underwood or “Dr. K” as her first family fondly calls her has consistently demonstrated her prowess in communication, ensuring that information flows seamlessly across all levels of the organization. She has a remarkable knack for distilling complex ideas into understandable concepts and facilitating effective communication between staff, students, parents, and stakeholders. Moreover, Dr. K recognizes the importance of timeliness in communication. She prioritizes promptness in her interactions, ensuring that pertinent information reaches the relevant parties without delay, enhancing organizational efficiency while cultivating a culture of accountability and responsiveness.
Effective leadership extends beyond the realms of administrative tasks and strategic planning; it encompasses the holistic development and well-being of individuals within the organization. Dr. K always emphasizes positive coaching, particularly in promoting work-life balance and high leverage practices among her team members. She understands that educators are more effective when they are well-rested, rejuvenated, and emotionally balanced. This does not detract from her requiring those around her to utilize high leverage practices that maximize impact with minimal resources. She empowers her team members to identify and focus on strategies that yield the greatest outcomes. Through targeted coaching and professional development, she equips educators with the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to enact meaningful change and drive continuous improvement in student outcomes.
Dr. K has a natural ability to strike a balance between structure and flexibility, providing clear guidance while allowing autonomy and adaptability. She fosters a culture of trust and empowerment, allowing individuals the freedom to explore innovative approaches, adapt to changing circumstances, and exercise discretion in decision-making processes. Moreover, she leverages technology and data-driven analysis to inform her management decisions, enabling informed and insightful responses to emerging challenges and opportunities. By embracing flexibility within a structured framework, she fosters a dynamic and adaptive organizational culture that made me a more resilient and effective director.
Dr. K epitomizes the essence of effective leadership through her exceptional communication skills, positive coaching approach, and authoritative yet flexible management style. Her commitment to excellence, work-life balance, and innovation made her a wonderful leader and one that I can easily recommend to any organization.
Lauriel Bristol: Network Director of Student Experience
Education is about development -- about deepening the knowledge and experience of others for the purpose of progress. As a chief developer, Dr K actively and equitably leverages the tools, experiences, and learning necessary to help others achieve their fullest potention. Living into an "you win - we win" attitude, the evidence of the development Dr. K pours into her team is illustrated by the progress made by each individual she leads. Never have I ever developed as I have under the leadership of Dr. K. There are still moments that I find myself surprised at my readiness and confidence around tackling challenges I would have avoided just one year ago. While I have learned a number of skills related to project management, leading through influence, and instructional excellence, the greatest growth has been in my own self efficacy and productive mindsets about what can be accomplished. Dr. K's refrain is that her success is actualized through the success of others, and this belief shows in all that she does to see others successful. She works tirelessly to drive results that are not the product of an individual, but an entire organization working together, collaboratively, bought in, with clear vision, values, beliefs around what can be accomplished.
Adaure Nduka: Principal at Kairos Academies
Dr. K was instrumental in my development as a Principal in Residence. Her personalized coaching approach significantly enhanced my skills in organization, operating mechanisms, crucial conversations, and effective observation and feedback cycles.
What sets Dr. K apart is her remarkable ability to meet each team member where they are, championing authenticity and fostering a genuine sense of team. She expertly balances professional development with team building, using thoughtful outings and personalized gestures to create harmony and cohesion.
Any aspiring school leader would be fortunate to have Dr. K as a mentor and coach. Her guidance not only develops essential skills but also inspires a leadership style that is both effective and authentic
Khalil Graham: CEO, Kairos Academies
I am privileged to write this letter of recommendation for Dr. Kendrah Underwood, who has served with distinction as the Managing Director of Schools at Kairos Academies over the past two years. Dr. Underwood’s tenure with us has been marked by significant achievements and innovative leadership, particularly in her role as the pioneer of this position within our organization.
Dr. Underwood’s leadership was instrumental in the evolution and success of our academic program. She played a crucial role in mentoring two new school principals and was a driving force behind the opening of our new high school. Under her guidance, we witnessed notable growth in student achievement and the successful renewal of our school charter. Her ability to steer our academic efforts towards such accomplishments amidst the myriad challenges that come with organizational expansion speaks volumes of her capability and dedication.
Dr. Underwood’s team expanded significantly during her time with us, growing from two school leaders to a more robust assembly of professionals at the network office. Despite these changes, she maintained a focused and nurturing leadership style, ensuring that both groups remained aligned with our ultimate goal of enhancing student results. Her skill in managing this balance has been nothing short of exemplary.
Coming from a background in larger charter management organizations, Dr. Underwood seamlessly adapted to the unique dynamics of our smaller setting at Kairos. Her outside-the-box thinking and efficient resource utilization have been critical in our operational success and growth. Furthermore, her readiness to provide constructive feedback and her eagerness to implement innovative ideas and practices have contributed significantly to the continuous improvement of our team and the services we offer.
Although it is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Dr. Underwood as she moves to be closer to her family, I am genuinely excited for the next chapter in her professional journey. Her impact on Kairos Academies has been indelible, and I am confident that she will continue to achieve greatness and inspire those around her in her future endeavors.
Dr. Kendrah Underwood is an outstanding leader with unparalleled passion, intelligence, and commitment to educational excellence. I wholeheartedly recommend her for any leadership role she aspires to, as she will undoubtedly bring the same level of success and innovation to her new environment.
Tambra Pendleton: Founder and Principal at Believe Academy
I highly recommend Dr. Kendrah Underwood for her exceptional dedication as an educator. Throughout her tenure, she has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering academic growth and personal development among her students. Dr. Underwood's teaching philosophy centers on creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. Her innovative approach to curriculum design and teaching methodologies not only engages students but also inspires them to think critically and creatively. Dr. Underwood's unwavering passion for education is evident in her tireless efforts to cultivate a positive learning culture that nurtures both academic excellence and holistic well-being.
Dr. Underwood's leadership is characterized by her ability to foster a positive culture within the educational community. She actively promotes collaboration and mutual respect among colleagues, creating a cohesive team dedicated to advancing educational goals. Her supportive demeanor and approachable nature make her not only a respected mentor but also a trusted confidant for students and fellow educators alike. Dr. Underwood's advocacy for inclusivity and diversity enriches the educational experience, ensuring that all individuals feel valued and appreciated. Her unwavering commitment to fostering a positive culture underscores her role as a transformative educator who leaves a lasting impact on the lives of those she interacts with.
Krystal Evans: Founding College Counselor
I had the honor of working under Dr. K during the founding year at IDEA Victory College Prep. As a founding principal, Dr. K instilled a sense of culture and pride in our scholars and celebrated their successes. They were eager and excited to come to school knowing that they were being led by a principal that cared for them and their academic journey. She empowered her lead team and teachers to also foster this sense of belongingness within the classrooms and hallways. Each day, she encouraged students to affirm themselves and exclaim their intent to become their “ancestors’ wildest dreams”. Dr. K is truly influential in setting precedents that carry on.
Nilesh Patel: School Leader Kairos Academies
Dr. Underwood (or affectionately known as Dr.K) was my direct manager the past two years at Kairos. The thing that always held true was the constant support I felt from her as my manager. I knew that whenever I had to navigate a particularly tricky student or staff decision, she was there to provide guidance and support. I always said that during tough situations whenever Dr. K entered the space, I felt immediately more relaxed.
Dan Turk: Mental Health First Aid Facilitator
The leader’s leader and the educator’s educator. There’s nothing Dr. K can’t accomplish, regardless of funding, manpower, or overall resources.
She oversaw the record-breaking launch of a charter school, where I was privileged to be employed by her. She’s taught me to never give up, and when my back is against the wall, she taught me to lean on myself.
I pray our paths cross again.
Christa Thomas: Regional Director of Staffing | Headquarters Tampa Bay
Kendrah, I had the opportunity to pop in on your culture session today and wanted to share just how incredibly impressed I was (still am!) with the powerful leadership that underscored your high-quality facilitation today. Your execution of each key point throughout the session was explicit and actionable. You named the core components and direct application for teachers to transfer into their execution. Moreover, the level of familiarity that you had with staff members when cold calling them by name to share their voice and engagement during the session was a reflection of you having a high bar of excellence for not only for the culture and vision for the school, but also your power as leader to truly “see” your teachers/staff. This was especially powerful in a virtual environment. Moreover, the core ideas that you underscored each cultural key point with were relevant, explicit and can be directly applied to the work that teachers will carry with them for years to come as leaders within their classrooms. I especially loved your quote, “Parents send us the very best that they have…” – WOW! So powerful and such a poignant takeaway from a session that is anchored by the equitable mindsets of teachers/leaders interacting with our students each day. Your overall facilitation was reflective of a deep level of expertise, confidence as a leader and high-quality leadership. As a former school leader and participant in the session, I left the session knowing that you will be an amazing model of leadership on your campus.
Janet has also shared with me that you have a deep love and passion for DEI work - as evidenced through your EdD in the area - and I was so excited to hear this and our region is truly blessed to have your influence, impact and expertise. I also have a deep passion for DEI work and it is the anchor for why I answered the divine calling to become a leader in education. I would love to connect with you 1:1 around your areas of expertise in DEI, brainstorm alongside you about ideas for us to partner alongside others in our region to actualize on a robust DEI vision for our staff which will directly impact our students, families and communities and, most importantly, provide a platform for your many areas of expertise to shine within our region! I also currently have engaged in brainstorming around a staff recruitment strategy to incorporate a DEI/ed inequity series in partnership with key influencers/organizations throughout Tampa Bay to engage in this work alongside us, so I’d love to share more with you about my thinking there.
I am excited to have the opportunity to get to know you better as a person and leader within our region over the course of our journey in founding IDEA Tampa Bay. I know that you truly have powerful coaching and development from the truly phenomenal expertise of Janet. Know that I am also here as a support for you as you continue to navigate your journey, influence and impact the lives of others through your work as an IDEA leader.
All my best,
Christa Thomas
Brian Riddick: Principal at Butler College Prep
Kendrah was a dynamic team member at Butler College Prep. In addition to being a stellar teacher, Kendrah was an incredible adviser and led her advisory team for two years. Among students, she is often credited with pushing students to exceed in and beyond the classroom. Kendrah is dedicated, vivacious educator who leaves her mark wherever she goes.
Alicia Watson: Educator, Writer and Team/Content Lead
Kendrah is a determined leader with divine creativity and strategy. She cares about everyone she interacts with and is constantly working on ways to grow herself. When it comes to education, she is passionate and driven. She wants every student to embrace the benefits of learning every subject matter possible. She truly is changing the world one student at a time.