In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, I had the joy of sitting down with someone who is making a lasting mark on Western New York through her leadership, heart, and dedication to helping others grow — Kendra Brim.
Kendra is the Founder and CEO of K. Savannah Consulting, where she partners with organizations to strengthen culture, develop inclusive leaders, and build strategies that drive meaningful, lasting change. Her work blends strategy with empathy — helping people and organizations move from intention to action with purpose and authenticity.
She’s also the creator of Out of Bounds, an initiative born from her experience as a student-athlete that helps athletes navigate life beyond sports. Through Out of Bounds, Kendra helps others translate skills like discipline, teamwork, and resilience into success off the court and beyond the game.
Today, she serves as the Vice President of Programs and Organizational Advancement at Leadership Buffalo, where she’s shaping the next generation of civic-minded leaders and deepening the organization’s impact across Western New York. Her work continues her lifelong commitment to leadership rooted in connection, service, and community.
Kendra is co-founder of Buffalo Black Restaurant Week, a celebration that highlights and uplifts Black-owned restaurants across the region. What began as a grassroots idea has grown into one of Buffalo’s most anticipated community events — bringing people together through food, culture, and conversation.
She’s also the co-host of the Black Gems Dive In Podcast, where she discusses inclusive culture, leadership, and all things diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Kendra Brim is a leader who listens deeply, acts with intention, and inspires everyone around her to do the same. Thank you, Kendra, for an inspiring conversation.
Links to Kendra:
LinkedIn – Kendra Brim, MBA
Listen to the Black Gems Dive In Podcast
About Kendra:
Kendra Brim is a dynamic speaker, strategist, and founder of Out of Bounds, a transformative platform helping student-athletes, professionals, and emerging leaders navigate identity shifts and redefine success beyond traditional boundaries. A proud graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Management, she brings both business acumen and lived experience to her work in leadership and transformation.
A former Division I basketball player and record holder at Colgate University, Kendra’s journey from the court to the boardroom has fueled her mission to help others unlearn limiting beliefs and reclaim their narratives. Her path has also been global — she’s lived in Australia and coached basketball in Thailand, experiences that continue to shape her worldview and passion for cross-cultural connection.
In her acclaimed TEDx Talk, “The Weight We Carry,” Kendra challenged audiences to examine how external validation can mask internal uncertainty. She shared her journey of losing herself in titles and performance — and what it took to rediscover her authentic self. Her message deeply resonates with anyone standing at a crossroads of transition, especially high achievers questioning “what’s next” after success.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Kendra is a dedicated community leader and advocate. She serves on the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County Board, Say Yes Buffalo Board of Directors, and has held board seats with the PGA of Western New York and the Buffalo Urban League. Nationally, she served as Vice President of the National Urban League Young Professionals, advancing leadership and civic engagement among emerging Black leaders across the country.
Kendra is also the co-author of The Six-Figure Athlete and co-founder of Buffalo Black Restaurant Week, an initiative celebrating Black culinary excellence and economic empowerment. Whether she’s facilitating a leadership workshop, mentoring young professionals, or amplifying stories through her podcast, Kendra brings authenticity, warmth, and bold clarity to everything she does.
