Kendra Root-Samples, MA
Kendra Root-Samples, MA is a Citizen of the Muscogee Nation and a Euchee descendant, and a respected strategic leader in Indigenous research, advocacy, and community-driven change. Her work is deeply grounded in the social and political dynamics of Indian Country, where she advances truth, justice, and healing through policy advocacy, culturally responsive research, and Indigenous-centered systems transformation. Kendra brings a strong academic foundation, holding a Master of Arts in Native American Studies from the University of Oklahoma and currently pursuing a PhD in Social Foundations within the College of Education and Human Sciences at Oklahoma State University.
Professionally, Kendra has led and supported large-scale initiatives requiring rigorous fiscal management, cross-functional collaboration, and vision-driven leadership. She currently serves as Tribal Development Manager at Connect Advisors, where she supports tribal nations through strategic planning and development efforts. Previously, she spent nearly six years as a Research Associate with the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, contributing to national efforts focused on sovereignty, safety, and justice for Native women and children. Her expertise includes trauma-informed and culturally grounded methodologies that center Indigenous communities as knowledge holders and decision-makers, ensuring sustainable and measurable outcomes.
At the heart of Kendra’s work is a commitment to Indigenous sovereignty, accountability, and long-term community wellbeing. She is a published author, including her contribution We Are Still Here: Decolonizing Native Data in Service of Socially Just Relations with the Urban Institute, and was recognized with the NCAIED 40 Under 40 Award in 2023. Beyond her professional life, Kendra is married and the proud mother of a daughter, whom she enjoys supporting at softball and basketball games; she also coached her daughter’s softball team for four years. In her personal time, she finds joy in hummingbird watching, gardening, and spending time outdoors—practices that reflect her deep connection to land, family, and community across generations.
• University of Oklahoma - MA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to transformational resilience—the ability to adapt, persevere, and grow through challenges. Everything I do is grounded in this mindset, guiding my decisions, strengthening my resolve, and continually pushing me to evolve both personally and professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mother: go to school, get your education, and trust that you will find your way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering any industry is that it doesn’t matter what field you choose—integrate internships, hands-on work experience, and ongoing education into your career path, and be intentional about building meaningful connections. Set clear goals for where you want to be in one year, five years, and ten years, and let those goals guide your decisions and growth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating a male-dominated industry as an Indigenous woman, particularly within construction, which has historically been shaped by Western-dominated systems and perspectives. At the same time, this presents an important opportunity to bring diverse voices, lived experiences, and cultural perspectives into the industry, helping to drive more inclusive, equitable, and innovative ways of working.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are spirituality—my relationship with my Creator—and family, including my extended family and community. These values ground me, guide my decisions, and shape how I lead, serve, and build meaningful connections with others.