A Father’s Dream
In 2012, while visiting Ball State’s campus, Kirsten Davenport-Norwood’s father pulled an admissions counselor aside and pressed a sticky note into his hand. On it, he had written Kirsten’s name and told the counselor:
“My daughter must go to this school. Make sure when her application comes through, she gets in.”
Two weeks before Kirsten was scheduled to move into her residence hall, her father tragically passed away in a work accident. What began as a proud father’s dream suddenly became Kirsten’s mission.
“Ball State was my chance to make my dad proud and honor him,” Kirsten said. “It was my time to blossom into who I was supposed to be, and I know my dad would want me to do that.”
Despite the heartbreak, Kirsten pressed forward with her college plans. As a freshman, she leaned on the Ball State community and quickly discovered the power of leadership and connection. She became an orientation leader and tour guide, understanding firsthand how those roles could shape future Cardinals.
Her most significant involvement came through the Homecoming Steering Committee, where she served as both master of ceremonies and chair of Air Jam.
“I organized, planned, and facilitated the largest event on campus,” Kirsten said. “Although it was fun, it was also fundamental to my success and taught me a lot.”
These experiences built her confidence, sharpened her leadership skills, and gave her the resilience she would need for the challenges ahead.
From Corporate HR to a Family Legacy
Kirsten began her professional career with Kroger, where she worked in human resources for nearly a decade. She then joined Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, overseeing college recruitment across multiple universities and traveling nationwide to connect students with opportunities.
At the same time, she supported her family’s business, Greene Thumb Landscape. Her father had founded the company, and after his passing, her mother carried it forward until her own passing ten years later.
In October 2024, Kirsten made the difficult decision to leave her corporate career and step fully into leading Greene Thumb Landscape. Today, she runs the woman-owned, minority-owned, veteran-founded, and disability-inclusive business of 25 employees.
“I love that I get to honor my parents’ legacy while writing my own chapter,” Kirsten said. “Running a business that breaks barriers and pours back into the community is something I’m deeply proud of.”
Kirsten’s leadership extends beyond the business world. She cares for her non-verbal sister with special needs and serves on the Board of Directors for Down Syndrome Indiana and the Patient Advisory Council at Franciscan Health.
“After navigating my sister’s rare brain disease journey, I know firsthand how critical representation, communication, and compassion are in healthcare,” Kirsten said. “Both roles let me use my voice to shape systems that directly affect vulnerable populations.”
A Life’s Purpose in Giving Back
Ball State gave Kirsten the foundation to adapt, lead, and thrive. In gratitude, she established the Ronald Davenport Orientation Support Fund to help families attend orientation without the financial burden. The fund honors her father, who was so determined to see his daughter become a Cardinal.
Her dedication was recently recognized with Ball State’s Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award.
“Receiving the GOLD Award is not just recognition of professional success,” Kirsten said. “It’s validation of resilience, faith, and perseverance through personal challenges and loss.”
Through the highs and lows of life, Kirsten has always returned to her faith and values. She practices the perspective that “leadership is stewardship” and often reflects on her beliefs in understanding when we are called to do something.
From a sticky note on an admissions counselor’s desk to leading a thriving business and shaping lives through service, Kirsten continues to answer the call of her parents while blazing her own trail.
“Your path may not look straight, but every experience prepares you for the impact you’re meant to make,” Kirsten said. “Most importantly, protect your values. Success without integrity isn’t true success.”