Administrative, instructional and programmatic expertise expand into broader educational and community-based initiatives, including founding the Kennedy Approach: Education & Communication Consulting, LLC. Through this work, Dr. Kennedy supports curriculum development, organizational strategy, and communication design for educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. She also contributes to early childhood and youth focused intiiatives, including developing curriculums and application oriented engagements for faculty to emphasize access, equity, culturally responsive, and inclusive pedagogy
Education
2005-2008
University of Southern California
Ed.D.
Educational Leadership and Educational Psychology
Doctoral training focused on leadership in educational systems, organizational behavior, and the psychology of dimensions of teaching and learning. Dissertation focus emphasized institutional practice, equity, and the role of educational environments in shaping student outcomes. Developed advanced expertise in qualitative research, policy analysis, and program design within academic institutions.
1998-2000
California State University,
Los Angeles
M.A.
Communication Studies
Graduate study in organizational and intercultural, communication, including critical approaches to discourse. Training emphasized how meaning is constructed across cultural, institutional, and public contexts, with particular attention to race, identity, and power in communication systems.
1994-1997
California State University,
Los Angeles
B.A.
Speech (Communication Studies)
Undergraduate foundation in public speaking, operformance, argumentation, and communication theory. Developed strong competencies in oral presentation, persuasion, and audience engagement, with early emphasis on educational communication and cultural expression.
