Wendy Leveillee Reflects on Six Years of Service

Wendy Leveillee has long believed in the power of making an impact at the community level. As her second term on the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation Board of Directors concludes this March, she reflects on her six years of service with deep gratitude and immense pride.

Early Roots in Service

Wendy’s connection to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation began through her role as Senior Vice President at National DCP (NDCP), the supply chain management company supporting Dunkin’ franchisees through sourcing, purchasing, and distribution. But her passion for giving back began far earlier.

“My parents were always deeply involved in the community,” she shares. “They served on local nonprofit boards and modeled what it means to give your time and energy to others.”

Growing up, Wendy carried that example forward. As a camp counselor at the Attleboro Norton YMCA, she helped campers maintain fruit and vegetable gardens that provided fresh food to local children in need – an early lesson in service, impact, and community responsibility. She later served on the same YMCA’s Board of Directors, and her husband carries on that same role today.

Inspired by Foundation Impact

Wendy had long hoped to join the Foundation Board of Directors, but timing and other commitments made it difficult – until COVID-19 hit. Watching the Foundation respond with speed, empathy, and creativity was a turning point.

“I was so impressed by how nimble the Foundation was during COVID,” Wendy says. “Seeing that level of responsiveness and compassion made me want to prioritize it.”

During the pandemic, the Foundation donated coffee to frontline organizations and worked with schools to provide grants so families could continue accessing food while children were home and not receiving school meals. This reaffirmed Wendy’s desire to get involved.

A Period of Remarkable Growth

Since Wendy joined the Board six years ago, the Foundation has seen tremendous expansion. At the start of her tenure, annual grantmaking totaled about $3 million. In 2025, the Foundation awards more than $10 million through over 500 grants – dramatically growing its reach and its ability to bring joy to children battling hunger or illness.

Strengthening Partnerships and Supporting Fundraising

Wendy’s primary role on the Board is soliciting vendor support, leveraging and strengthening Dunkin’ relationships to drive fundraising. Through her leadership at NDCP, she has encouraged deeper company involvement as well.

NDCP CEO Stephen Down is a strong advocate for the Foundation, and Wendy says the entire organization takes pride in supporting its mission. Many members of the NDCP sourcing and commercial teams are personally connected to the work and actively seek ways to contribute.

Each holiday season for example, instead of hosting a traditional celebration, they volunteer at Digger Foods in Norton, Massachusetts – a nonprofit providing fresh, local, organic food to underserved families across Southeastern Massachusetts. Wendy also helped secure a Foundation grant for the local nonprofit, expanding the organization’s ability to serve the community.

She counts other highlights among her proudest achievements: selling out the NDCP golf tournament in recent years, with all proceeds benefiting the Foundation, and adding Foundation branding to NDCP trucks, bringing greater visibility to the mission on the road.

Embracing the Closing of One Chapter

As her term winds down, Wendy is focused on ensuring a smooth handoff to her successor. She credits Board Chairman Victor Carvalho for his inclusive, generous leadership and for personally guiding her during her early days on the Board.

“He took me under his wing and continues to guide the Board with such authenticity,” she says. “He truly lives and breathes the mission.”

Though her formal term concludes this March, Wendy’s involvement is far from over. She plans to continue volunteering and finding new ways to support the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, carrying forward her lifelong commitment to community, compassion, and ensuring every child experiences simple moments of joy.

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation is deeply grateful for Wendy’s years of dedication, leadership, and heart.