About Me

Kennedy McKinney is a dynamic storyteller with a background in journalism and law, seamlessly blending creativity with strategic insight. She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Journalism and a minor in Business Law from Florida Atlantic University and is currently pursuing her Juris Doctorate at West Virginia University College of Law while obtaining a Certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy from Harvard Business School.

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Kennedy’s journalism career began in 2017 as a Contributing Writer for The Bolles Bugle in Jacksonville, Florida, where she was later promoted to Editor-in-Chief. There, she interviewed NFL athletes, covered major events, and gained early experience in investigative reporting. For her work with The Bolles Bugle, Kennedy received the Creative Writing Award from Hollins University and was a Gold Key Recipient from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. She also received the Greatest Contribution Award, the highest non-academic award at her high school, recognizing involvement, service hours, and leadership roles.

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During her undergraduate years, after noticing the lack of media representation for the minority community in South Florida, she founded The Paradigm Press, the first Black newspaper at a predominantly white institution. Now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, The Paradigm Press continues to amplify diverse voices in media, culture, and entertainment. Kennedy has mentored young writers, photographers, and editors while fostering conversations on social justice, pop culture, and industry trends.

Building on her early success, Kennedy worked as an Investigative Reporter for NBC News Miami and a Digital Content Producer and Reporter for CBS 12 News in West Palm Beach. Since 2019, she has served as a columnist and editor for Out South Florida (formerly South Florida Gay News), where she reports on current events affecting the LGBTQ+ community and edits weekly issues.

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In 2023, Kennedy embarked on a new journey: Law School. At West Virginia University College of Law, she has honed her analytical skills through legal writing, advocacy, and litigation work. She has gained hands-on experience as a Summer Associate at Jackson Kelly PLLC, where she assisted the litigation team with legal research, regulatory analysis, and client matters. She currently competes nationally on her law school’s Moot Court and Trial teams. This summer, Kennedy will continue sharpening her legal expertise as a Summer Associate at Tucker Arensberg.

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Kennedy currently works as a Legal Content Writer for Romano Law, where she writes content on legal issues impacting clients, providing clear and accessible explanations of complex legal concepts. She develops content to drive business by addressing client concerns and showcasing the firm's expertise in legal matters, researching and analyzing jurisdiction-specific laws to ensure accurate and relevant information for the firm's clientele.

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Beyond academics and career success, Kennedy has always been deeply involved in leadership and service. During her time at FAU, she held various positions and earned numerous accolades, including:

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• President of the Black Student Union (BSU)

• FAU Student Government Executive Vice President of NPHC

• Amazon Prime’s College Tour Spotlight Student

• April 2021 Cover Star for Legacy South Florida Magazine

• Spring 2021 Initiate & Chapter President (2021-2022) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

• Student Representative of the National Association of Black Journalists (South Florida Chapter)

• Student Government's Executive Leader of the Year

• NAACP's Agent for Change (2021)

• FAU’s Organization of The Year, Most Impactful Organization, and Event of the Year (While Serving as BSU President)

• 2022 FAU Homecoming Queen

 

Kennedy has also been recognized for her excellence in journalism, leadership, and advocacy. In 2021, she was honored as a Legacy Magazine 40 Under 40 Award recipient and featured in publications including CNN, WPTV, and BocaFirst for her contributions to journalism.

While law has sharpened Kennedy’s critical thinking and analytical skills, her passion lies at the intersection of social media, branding, and entertainment. With a deep love for music, celebrity culture, and digital storytelling, she aspires to become a social media manager or tour content creator for artists. She offers a wide range of services, including:

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✔ Content creation
✔ Strategy planning
✔ Press outreach
✔ Social media management
✔ Influencer campaigns
✔ Fan engagement

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Kennedy’s ability to merge creativity with strategy makes her an invaluable asset to any team—whether building a brand, executing a content rollout, or crafting a compelling narrative. Adaptable, innovative, and driven, she thrives in fast-paced, collaborative environments where storytelling and cultural impact take center stage.