Interview with Kendra Stearns Drozd

I see myself as someone who shows up for people when they need someone to walk beside them. Whether it’s through Stephen Ministry, volunteering, or simply being present in my community, my role is about listening and helping others feel less alone. I’ve always been most interested in understanding what motivates people and how to support them in meaningful ways.

I’m thinking a lot about how I spend my time and energy. It’s less about filling my calendar and more about focusing on the things that actually matter—my family, the people I’m supporting through difficult seasons, and staying grounded in what I value. I’ve learned that being productive isn’t about packing as much as possible into a day.

The emotional weight people carry has become more visible, and the need for support has grown. Loneliness and isolation are affecting more people than we realize, and being present for someone through that requires patience and consistency. We live in a culture that moves fast, but healing usually happens slowly.

I ask myself whether what I’m doing will matter in the long run. That usually means prioritizing relationships over tasks and being fully present in the moment. It’s about giving my full attention to whatever I’m doing, whether that’s time with my daughters, a conversation with someone I’m supporting, or something as simple as a game of pickleball.

I challenge the idea that you need to be a therapist or expert to care for someone. You can check in on a friend, listen instead of trying to give advice, and make someone feel less alone. Sometimes what people need most is not someone trying to fix them—they need someone willing to sit with them and walk beside them without judgment.

I measure it by showing up, even when there’s no immediate result. Progress in this kind of work isn’t linear or easy to track. Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do is continue showing up, and trust that consistency matters even when you can’t see the full picture.

I’ve learned that success is much quieter than I used to think. It’s about knowing I spent my time on things that actually mattered. Earlier in my career, I was focused on achievements and outcomes. Now I understand that the relationships you build and the way you treat people are what really define your impact.

I try to stay grounded in what I know to be true—my values and faith—while also remaining open to learning and adjusting. There were people who carried me through difficult years simply by showing up, and that changed me. That experience reminds me to lead with humility and recognize I don’t have all the answers.

People don’t always realize how much others are watching and listening, even in everyday moments. The way you respond to someone, the consistency of your presence, and the care you show all carry weight. It’s a responsibility to model what it looks like to treat people with dignity and compassion, especially when they’re struggling.

I hope people remember that they were seen and supported during a difficult time. I want my work to encourage others to offer that same kind of presence to people in their own lives. You don’t have to be a professional to care deeply—you just have to be willing to listen and show up.