Kendra with her husband, Carl, and their granddog, Rudy
“We had friends from Virginia who had moved to State College five years earlier and raved about the town and all it had to offer. We figured it was time to discover what made this area so special!”
Kendra Kielbasa is relatively new to State College but has fallen for it quickly. In April, she was hired as our town’s first Retail and Commercial Business Advocate for the Downtown State College Improvement District where she attracts and supports businesses to enhance the vibrant appeal of downtown. After the youngest of her children left for college, she and her husband, Carl, decided to escape the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia and the D.C. area.
Day to Day
On a typical weekday, you’ll find me at the Downtown State College Improvement District office at MLK Plaza or out visiting fun and fabulous downtown businesses. In the evenings, I cheer on SCASD boys lacrosse where my husband is a coach. In the fall, I can be found watching SCASD girls field hockey.
And the weekends are for family, friends, and getting out and exploring! We get a lot of out-of-town guests. They love attending sporting events, hiking, and going downtown.
If State College had its own TV show, my character would be the one who is always making connections. I love connecting people and organizations to each other and resources.
Awesome Local Alert!
I’m probably best known around town as a resource or connector. You may find me on the golf course or volunteering in various capacities. I have been active with several organizations and boards, currently serving as a board member for Leadership Centre County.
Kendra at the game with her out-of-state friends Jennifer and Biz
Favorite Things
To me, a perfect day in State College looks like: An early morning hike at Shingletown Gap, then Sowers Harvest Cafe for breakfast. I love an afternoon pick-me-up, and the iced strawberry oat milk latte from Elixr Coffee Roasters is currently my go-to. A fabulous end of the day is dinner at Central Reservation, followed by listening and perhaps dancing to one of our local bands. There are so many great venues to catch live music!
The season I love most in State College is summer! It is absolutely beautiful here. Plus, there are so many fantastic events downtown and throughout the area. I always look forward to WingFest and Arts Fest and time on one of the area lakes.
One downtown restaurant that I just can’t get enough of is: Lupita’s! The flavors are amazing and reminiscent of my time living in Austin, TX.
Favorite local park? Colyer Lake and Black Moshannon Lake. Both are great when taking my stand-up paddleboard.
Something I didn’t think I’d like about living here that has really grown on me is…the people. They are really pretty special here. There is an energetic, can-do vibe that reverberates throughout.
Kendra and her family. From left is son Connor and his fiance, Nique, husband, Carl, son Danny, son-in-law Justin and daughter Kelsey
The Local Experience
On game days, you’ll find me: Tailgating with friends and out-of-town guests!
A neighboring town that I love to explore is: Bellefonte.
The 3 things I’d miss most about State College if I had to move are: Berkey Creamery, the gorgeous views, and little to no-traffic
The coolest, under-the-radar thing in State College is: We have incredible, take-your-breath away sunrises and sunsets.
My personal list of State College hidden gems includes: Penn State Lacrosse and Field Hockey games, Kiwanis Blueberries, and quiet time on Mt. Nittany overlooking the area.
If I had to sum up life in State College in 3 words? Energetic, Engaged, Vibrant
Kendra and Carl in New Orleans for a college reunion
Connect with Kendra on LinkedIn or catch her downtown!
For more information, check out the DSCID event page, and Instagram account.
