Lisa Kennedy: The Builder

BY MARLENA SCHUGT | BUSINESS SOLUTIONS COORDINATOR

Lisa Kennedy’s passion shines as an advocate for greater mental health awareness in communities of color, but her work doesn’t stop there. Her heart and beliefs have led to roles including: Family Resource Partner at the York County Department of Human Services, School Board Director of The School District of the City of York, Chair of the York County Community Foundation’s Racial Equity Fund Committee, Board President of Hope Street Learning Lab, Confronting Racism Coalition member, Co-Chair of PA South Central Citizen Review Panel, Board Secretary of West York Trinity Youth Center, and Co-Chair of Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 Local Task Force.

“My heart and passion has been about service for a number of years,” shares Lisa. “I became a foster parent in my mid- to late-twenties and that’s where my love of service really began,” After fostering, her service grew into the school setting and throughout other areas of her community. “I’ve continued to really love the idea of service and the importance of giving back,” shares Lisa.

Having encountered many others like myself who have had opportunities, I wanted to make sure that I reached back and brought somebody else along. That’s my reason for staying now, for each one to teach one.

Originally from New York City, Lisa relocated to York when she was a child. Going away for college, she hadn’t planned to return to the area, however the desire to help others in her community was drawing her to be in York. “Having encountered many others like myself who have had opportunities, I wanted to make sure that I reached back and brought somebody else along,” she says. “That’s my reason for staying now, for each one to teach one.” Lisa remains here because she believes “there is so much to be done.”

York remains a source of inspiration for Lisa, as she connects with others in the community who are on a similar journey and share her passion and heart for serving. “It is infectious when you encounter people who really see the need and have a desire to want to do something for other people,” she says. “I had the pleasure of meeting so many interesting folks along the way and it’s in that expanding your territory that you really reap the benefits.” Even though she chose to remain in York, she feels her reach is well beyond through the connections and relationships she makes.

I see barriers and push for opportunities, and I don’t take no for answer. And that’s how I see the changemaker-it’s not about me,” says Lisa. “Only what I do for others and for Christ matters.”

Lisa believes that “to whom much is given, much is required,” and rather than looking for a reward, it’s about giving to others and feeling rewarded when others have their “lightbulb moment” or take their next steps. She reaffirms, “I just love the idea of serving others and giving back. There is value in it. It helps to build character.”