Kendra Charisse Smith

About Kendra Charisse Smith

Bonton Farms — an innovative nonprofit that leverages philanthropy through a myriad of social enterprises to address systemic inequities in the Bonton Community. My service at Bonton Farms aligns with my belief that true transformation happens when strategy meets service, and when sustainable solutions are built alongside the communities they aim to uplift.My work centers on turning vision into structure and structure into sustainable impact through clarity, communication, and alignment across every level of the organization.I lead enterprise-wide operations with a focus on efficiency, collaboration, and accountability. By strengthening systems, streamlining processes, and optimizing tools, I help teams work cohesively and deliver measurable results. My goal is to ensure every part of the organization operates in harmony, driving both performance and purpose.At the heart of my leadership is a commitment to creating intentional spaces for innovation, integrity, and social impact. I bring a heart-centered approach to operational excellence, fostering a culture where structure supports creativity and progress is grounded in purpose.Let’s connect to exchange ideas, collaborate on transformative projects, and explore new ways to drive meaningful change.

Experience

1. Director of Operations

   Bonton Farms

   Jul 2025 — Present · Dallas, TX, US

   I’m a heart-centered operations leader driven by purpose, people, and the power of transformation. My career began in corporate aerospace, where I spent over 15 years at Boeing leading negotiations and operational strategies valued at over $1 billion. Those years taught me how to think strategically, manage complexity, and lead with precision, skills I now bring to my role as Director of Operations at Bonton Farms.At Bonton, I focus on turning vision into structure and structure into sustainable impact. From launching the sq. ft. Bonton Wellness Center to modernizing IT operations and managing enterprise-wide initiatives, my work centers on building systems that expand opportunity, equity, and access.Beyond operations, I’m a community advocate, Kundalini Yoga teacher, and lifelong student of holistic wellness. I believe true leadership integrates heart and discipline, and that sustainable change happens when people feel seen, supported, and empowered. My purpose is simple: to help communities and organizations operate in alignment with clarity, compassion, and integrity.

Education

• Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

  MBA

  2007 — 2008

• Talented & Gifted Magnet High School

  H.S. Diploma

  1997 — 2001

• Dillard University

  B.A.

  2001 — 2005

Skills

• Marketing
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Earned Value Management
• Organizational Development
• Strategic Planning
• Employee Relations
• Organizational Behavior
• Government Contract Management
• Non-Disclosure Agreements
• Networking
• Business Planning
• Program Development
• Management
• Team Building
• Event Management
• Access
• Employee Engagement
• Management Consulting
• Enterprise Software
• Far
• Budgets
• Project Planning
• Leadership Development
• Finance
• Government Contracting
• Business Development
• Project Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Dod
• Sales
• Financial Analysis
• Human Resources
• Recruiting
• Staff Development
• Negotiation
• Proposal Writing
• Business Strategy
• Analysis
• Contract Management