July Employee of the Month: Kyna Baker
July 13, 2026
When more than 300 guests are waiting to be served at one of the Food Bank’s biggest fundraising events of the year, staying calm isn’t just a nice quality—it’s essential. Fortunately, that’s exactly what Kyna Baker brought to this year’s Mission in Motion, earning her recognition as our July Employee of the Month.
Kyna, Workforce Program Coordinator for the Culinary Program at our Newark facility, joined the Food Bank a year ago after serving as an APEX counselor with the Delaware Department of Labor. In that short time, she has become known for her ability to bring people together, solve problems with grace, and keep the mission at the center of everything she does.
Those qualities were on full display during Mission in Motion, where Kyna stepped into the role of front of house lead. Acting as the critical link between the catering operation and the event’s logistics, she helped coordinate the details of dinner service while leading a team of 32 staff members, students, and alumni.
Her nomination praised the way she met every challenge “with positivity, professionalism and grace,” ensuring everyone stayed focused on the shared goal. But her leadership went far beyond logistics.
Throughout the event, Kyna made sure team members felt heard and supported. She celebrated the hard work of students and staff, stayed late to help with cleanup, and even modeled the importance of taking time to recover after a high-pressure event.
Behind that steady presence is a surprisingly simple philosophy.
“My mom calls me a minimalist,” Kyna said with a laugh. “I try to be in the moment.”
That ability to stay grounded helped guide the team through one of the Food Bank’s most complex events. Her thoughtful organization—including detailed layouts, timelines, and staff assignments—gave everyone the confidence to step into their roles prepared for success.
Although Mission in Motion was a volunteer assignment, Kyna says the experience reflected what she loves most about her everyday work.
“Every day is an adventure,” she said. “It’s about relationships with people, having conversations, and building relationships in the best way.”
Her nomination echoed that sentiment, recognizing her talent for bringing people together, fostering open communication, and helping others understand the “why” behind the mission. Those qualities, paired with her careful preparation and compassionate leadership, helped make Mission in Motion a tremendous success.
Despite the recognition, Kyna remains characteristically humble.
“I appreciate being acknowledged,” she said. “We have to show up, show compassion, respect others, and build relationships. It’s part of who we are.”
Looking back on the event, what stands out most isn’t the long hours or the challenges—it is the opportunity to lift others up.
“It was a great experience,” Kyna reflected. “When you uplift others, it helps you.”
That spirit of service, teamwork, and genuine care for others makes Kyna an outstanding representative of the Food Bank’s mission.
Congratulations, Kyna, on being named our July Employee of the Month. Thank you for the compassion, leadership, and heart you bring to our team every day!
