Montgomery Donuts, a precursor to Dunkin’ Donuts, was never the same after Judy Kent ran the storefront. I discovered in this first job that I was much more interested in “manufacturing” (i.e., the donut making process) than retail/customer service, much to the customers’ dismay! Unfortunately, this discovery was reinforced by several subsequent jobs, including my 2nd job at Corset World, the lingerie store in the mall, and my 3rd job, which put me in charge of the ringside VIPs in New Orleans’ brand-new Superdome. This is the reason why I have not worked in retail in the 4+ decades since.
HERE to HERE is a network of high schools, post-secondary programs, community colleges, CBOs and employers who are pioneering multiple pathways to family-sustaining careers, beginning in the South Bronx with in-school teens and young adults.
For over 30 years, Judy has focused on cost-effective, cross-sector, scaled solutions to help young people overcome the challenges poverty imposes on their lives, learning, and futures. In 1994, she helped establish the National Center for Community Schools (NCCS) with the Children’s Aid Society. Since 1994, NCCS has assisted in the establishment of over 15,000 community schools. In 2000, she co-founded The Campaign to Expand Community Schools in Chicago. A $50 million public-private partnership, the Campaign successfully transformed approximately 20% of Chicago public schools into Community Schools, with enhanced programming for students and parents, including extended hours and on-site health care. Prior to founding HERE to HERE, Judy helped develop South Bronx Rising Together, a network of program providers and community stakeholders focused on supporting the lifelong success of families and youth in the community.
Judy began her career in consulting at Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. and later in financial services at Shearson Lehman/ American Express. She holds a bachelor’s from Tulane University, a master’s in psychology from Catholic University and an M.B.A. from Harvard University. Her previous and current board memberships include: The Children’s Aid Society, Families and Work Institute, The Center for Arts Education, The Institute on Education and Government at Columbia University, National Center for Children in Poverty (Columbia University), The Chicago Public Education Fund, The Harvard Graduate School of Education Visiting Committee, The School of Social Service Administration Visiting Committee (University of Chicago), Trinity College Board of Visitors (Duke University), Board of Advisors Harvard Business School, The Latin School of Chicago, Ballet Hispanico, and After-School Matters.
