Butler Staff Spotlight - Kendra Lowden
What interested you in working for Butler?
After serving in tribal child welfare direct practice for a decade, I wanted to move into a role where I could take what I have learned from the field and share that with people representing other tribal nations. In 2021, I earned a master’s degree in Native American Leadership and soon after started a Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership program. I knew working at Butler would allow me to hone my training and technical assistance skills while also uplifting my doctorate studies. I have had ample support around my research, and a Butler colleague is even offering her time to serve on my dissertation committee.
What is your position at Butler? What do you enjoy most about your position?
I have been a part of the Butler team for one year and serve as a senior program associate. What I enjoy most about my position is building meaningful relationships with people across Indian Country. I have visited six tribal nations so far and appreciate the honor to learn about their people, histories, cultures and communities. One major highlight was a visit to the Shinnecock Nation territory in Southampton, New York. Tribal citizens and employees graciously provided a guided tour of lands, waters and spaces important to their people. As a Potawatomi and Osage woman, I could not be more grateful for this connective part of my work.
What projects are you working on currently? Explain, please!
I work on the Capacity Building Center for Tribes project. The Center for Tribes is a federally funded resource that supports American Indian and Alaska Native child welfare programs that receive Titles IV-B or IV-E funding to build staff capacity, strengthen organizational systems, enhance programs and improve tribal-state working relationships. In my role, I support and facilitate training academies, offer peer networking opportunities and develop supportive products and tools.
What are the outcomes you hope for with this project? How will this project impact the community?
In my time as a tribal child welfare professional, I participated in multiple Center for Tribes services and cherish the full circle moment I am experiencing as I now help provide those services. My hope is that everyone we interact with feels seen, heard and responded to in their unique roles serving Turtle Island’s most precious relatives—our children.
