Her Story
About Kindra
Kindra Samons Dunn is the Assistant Vice President of Annual and Class Giving at the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she leads fundraising initiatives that support the Academy, its cadets, graduates, and the broader Long Blue Line community. In her role, Kindra develops and oversees annual and class giving strategies, donor engagement efforts, and campaigns designed to strengthen philanthropic participation and long-term support for the institution.
Kindra has built a career in higher education advancement, fundraising, and philanthropic strategy. She began her professional journey at The Ohio State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and gained early experience in annual giving and fundraising operations. She later held roles with Ruffalo Noel Levitz, The Ohio State University Alumni Association, and Legends, progressing from program management and digital fundraising to leadership positions focused on engagement, philanthropy, and strategic fundraising. Her experience includes digital fundraising, donor communications, alumni engagement, campaign strategy, data-informed fundraising, and relationship management.
Beyond her primary role, Kindra has demonstrated a strong commitment to mission-driven organizations and community impact. She has served on the Board of Directors of Pets Without Parents Columbus, a no-kill animal shelter dedicated to connecting animals with caring homes, and has remained active in the broader philanthropy and advancement community. Through her leadership in annual and class giving, Kindra combines strategic thinking, relationship building, and a passion for philanthropy to create meaningful opportunities for donors to support organizations and causes that make a lasting difference.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kindra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to strong relationships, resilience, and trusting myself. Mentors who believed in me helped open doors, while I learned that meaningful professional relationships are built through trust, consistency, and genuine connection. I also developed the confidence to recognize that my age or experience level does not define the value I bring. Staying adaptable, curious, and committed to learning has allowed me to grow as a leader and approach my work with strategy, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Ultimately, I measure success not only by my accomplishments but by the relationships I build and the people I help become stronger leaders.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received was to trust myself and the knowledge I have gained. I learned that I do not need to know everything to contribute meaningfully—I simply need the confidence to share what I know. I was also encouraged to view leadership from the perspectives of my peers, managers, and direct reports, recognizing that each group experiences leadership differently. This has helped me become more intentional in how I communicate, build trust, give feedback, and lead others. Ultimately, effective leadership is not just about achieving results but understanding the impact you have on people along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to use your voice before you feel completely ready. Put yourself out there, start small, build meaningful relationships, and let others see what you can do. Seek mentors who will challenge and champion you, and remember that confidence is not something you need before you begin—it is something you build by taking the next step.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in higher education advancement is rethinking leadership, philanthropy, and engagement to reflect changing generations of donors and professionals. While women are well represented in the field, there is still an opportunity for greater representation in senior leadership. As experienced leaders retire and a new generation emerges, I believe women have an important opportunity to step forward, use their voices, and help redefine leadership in philanthropy.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family, honesty, trust, integrity, service, and meaningful relationships are at the center of my life. I believe authentic relationships require vulnerability, candid communication, mutual respect, and seeing people as whole individuals. Whether I am leading a fundraising strategy, mentoring others, supporting colleagues, or spending time with my family, I strive to lead with generosity, gratitude, accountability, and a genuine commitment to helping others thrive.
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