I realized I'm allowed to choose differently. Changing my mind didn't mean I failed. It meant I grew. That's not a weakness, it's growth.
When She Realized She Was Allowed to Change Her Mind
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Failure taught me that leadership isn't about being perfect. It's about accountability, integrity, and resilience, and that the greatest growth comes through adversity.
Kendra Hatcher · In Her Own Words
From How She Did It
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Her Story
About Kendra
Kendra Hatcher is a dedicated Human Services professional with more than a decade of experience serving individuals facing mental health, substance use, and other complex life challenges. Her career began in 2010, working with at-risk youth, specifically adolescent males with problematic sexual behaviors—a role inspired by her personal experiences growing up in a family that faced significant challenges. This early work ignited Kendra's passion for supporting individuals during some of the most difficult seasons of their lives and laid the foundation for her commitment to compassionate, trauma-informed, and person-centered care.
Over the following decade, Kendra expanded her expertise in the substance use field, working with adults and advancing from Substance Use Technician to Clinical Supervisor. Along the way, she earned her Master of Science in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling and completed post-master's training in Trauma Counseling at Grand Canyon University. Her professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, leadership, and empowering individuals to overcome barriers and achieve stability.
Today, Kendra serves as a Family Services Specialist with Adult Protective Services (APS) for the City of Newport News, Virginia. In this role, she advocates for vulnerable adults by conducting assessments, coordinating long-term services and supports, and connecting individuals with the resources needed to promote their safety, dignity, and independence. Her work requires collaboration with healthcare providers, community partners, and families to ensure adults at risk receive the protection and support they deserve.
Guided by integrity, compassion, and her faith, Kendra remains committed to serving others and creating meaningful change in her community. Whether advocating for vulnerable adults, mentoring others, or building strong partnerships, she believes every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and hope. Her life's work reflects a deep commitment to empowering others and leaving a lasting impact through service.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kendra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my mother. From her, I learned the true meaning of hard work and the importance of never limiting oneself. She approached every challenge with determination and consistently encouraged me to believe in my own abilities. Her example taught me to always put my best foot forward and reinforced the confidence that there is nothing I cannot accomplish when I set my mind to it.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was to be faithful where God has placed you. Every role has prepared me for the next one, and I've learned that when you work with excellence, integrity, and a heart to serve, opportunities naturally follow. My focus has never been on climbing a ladder it has been on making a meaningful difference wherever I'm called to serve.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in your ability, even before you have all the answers. Human services is meaningful work, but it can also be emotionally demanding. Lead with compassion, listen more than you speak, and never underestimate the impact of treating people with dignity and respect. Continue learning, seek mentors who will challenge and encourage you, and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself as confidently as you advocate for others. Most importantly, remember that your integrity is your greatest asset. The lives you touch may never forget how you made them feel, and that is one of the greatest measures of success in this profession.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in human services is meeting the growing needs of individuals and families while navigating limited resources, increasing caseloads, and workforce shortages. At the same time, these challenges create opportunities for innovation, stronger community partnerships, and more person-centered approaches to care. I believe the future of our field lies in collaboration, early intervention, and ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. By investing in professionals, strengthening community resources, and advocating for those who are most vulnerable, we can create lasting, positive change.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are faith, integrity, compassion, and service. My faith provides the foundation for how I lead, make decisions, and interact with others. I believe in treating every person with dignity, respect, and empathy, recognizing that everyone has a story and deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. Integrity is essential to me. I strive to do what is right even when no one is watching. Whether I'm advocating for vulnerable adults, supporting colleagues, or serving my community, I want my actions to reflect compassion, accountability, and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
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