Stories of Impact:
Kendra Jo Grindle

“My leadership development, being able to speak in front of a select board, knowing what it takes to bring things forward in a community—Islesboro really showed me that.”  – Kendra Jo Grindle, Island Institute Fellow Alumnus

Kendra Jo grew up in rural West Virginia, and since moving to Maine, she has crafted a career focused on working alongside rural communities. With a major in human development and family studies and a focus on low-income and rural families, Kendra Jo was a perfect fit for her island fellowship. After two years working with island families on Islesboro, she stayed in the field of community development, working for Island Institute partner, Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association. A few years later, she applied once more for an Island Institute position. This time, she lead Island Institute’s broadband work throughout some of its most transformative years. She also spent time working with communities on issues like sea level rise, community energy, and even supported the Island Institute Fellows program—this time as a mentor.

Kendra Jo’s broadband work impacted many rural communities throughout Maine, and she eventually transitioned to a position with another Island Institute partner, Maine Connectivity Authority, where she widened the scope of her broadband work. As their Community & Regional Partnerships Senior Manager, Kendra Jo does what she does best—collaborate directly with communities to make sure they have the information they need and are on a path towards achieving their identified goals. To this day, she continues to use the community development skills she learned as an Island Institute Fellow.