We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kendra Atkins. Check out our conversation below.
Kendra, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Being the leader of Bel Inizio still feels surreal. I started as a volunteer with the organization in 2017 and then did contract work for the organization for two years. When I first saw the role as the Executive Director posted, I honestly didn’t believe I was qualified and had serious doubts about applying. I am a strong believer in my faith and I felt a peace when I finally made the decision to apply. This past year as the leader hasn’t always been easy as there were adjustments getting to know the staff and work with the board, but it has all been worth it. I have a great support system and rely on my past experiences, research and other nonprofit leaders to brainstorm ideas with. I am quick to admit that I don’t know everything, but I have learned so much this past year about myself and various processes. Each day I am growing in my leadership and for that I am proud!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the Executive Director of Bel Inizio. Bel Inizio—Italian for “beautiful beginning”—is a Houston-based nonprofit that empowers women to build self-esteem and confidence by fostering positive life changes through fitness, nutrition, and goal setting. Through our eight-week Foundational Program, participants train to complete a 5K, experience healthy behaviors in action, and gain tools to support their success long after the program ends.
Following the Foundational Program, participants can continue their journey through Beyond the Finish Line (BTFL)—a secondary program designed to provide ongoing support and a lifelong community. BTFL reminds each woman that she never has to run her race alone.
Houston is home to a generous giving community and an abundance of support services, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and halfway houses. Our partner agencies offer case management, recovery support, and job skills training. But what’s often missing—and critically needed—is the boost in self-worth and confidence that comes from engaging in a consistent fitness and nutrition routine.
Bel Inizio was founded in 2010 to help fill that gap. We partner with organizations such as Santa Maria Hostel, Dress for Success, Angela House, Star of Hope, New Hope Housing, and The Women’s Home. Our clients are women who have faced significant challenges, including sexual abuse, substance use disorder, and homelessness. Most are in recovery, and all are working hard to re-enter the community with purpose and strength.
With Bel Inizio, many women achieve what they never thought possible: they set a healthy goal and accomplish it. We show each woman that she matters and prepare her for the ultimate race—the race for a better life.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader. I grew up as an only child and she would literally brag to me about anyone she could talk to. As a kid I was so embarrassed. Now as an adult I learned that all parents love to brag about their kids, maybe not as much as her, but they still love to brag. I am grateful that although our relationship wasn’t the best, that she was very affirming because that isn’t something that all kids received.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self it would be that I am capable more than I think. Although I received a lot of reassurance from my mom, I always struggled with feeling inadequate and would think I wasn’t good enough or smart enough to achieve my goals and ambitions. I remember applying for college and having so much doubt about getting accepted. I can’t even imagine now with social media how much kids deal with comparison, but looking back I wish I knew about affirmations and unconditional acceptance. I think it is vital for parents to let their kids know how much they love them and how great they are without falling into toxic positivity because there is so much negativity and comparison in the world.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
A person I admire is Alicia Keys. When I think of radical acceptance and a pure spirit she comes to mind. She is an extremely talented artist and I love her music. From Girl on Fire championing women empowerment to A Beautiful Noise with Brandi Carlise sparking people to raise their voice for voter turnout. She shares that she had to get to a point in her career where she had to stop listening to what people told her worked and start truly believing in herself and I love that. Even now in her beauty care line she incorporates affirmations encouraging people to love on themselves more.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say that I was helpful. In everything I do I am always trying to figure out how to bring value. I sometimes walk away from meetings or events still pondering how I can connect people I meet or give them a resource that might be helpful. I love it when I hear success stories from people I’ve connected or helped along the way, that brings me true joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bel-inizio.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belinizio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atkinskendra/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bel.Inizio/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beliniziohouston
Image Credits
Baumeyer Photography and Scott F. Kohn Photography
