Kathleen Kennedy Townsend

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend is a true testament to Kennedy family credo of the value of public service. “Be kind and work for your country,” her father Robert Kennedy once wrote, “as the eldest of the Kennedy children you have a special responsibility.”

Elected the first female Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Townsend worked hard for the issues people cared about most. Stressing the rewards of volunteerism, she proved that activism led to effective government. She explored ethics in education, business, and government, firmly committed to teaching personal and social responsibility. She led Maryland to become the first state in the nation requiring high school students to perform community service to graduate.

Offering results-oriented strategies, Townsend fostered economic development. She established innovative approaches to fighting crime, bringing together law enforcement and community leaders. Deeply committed to youth and family issues, she devoted substantial efforts to ensuring quality healthcare and education for children.

Providing strong and innovative leadership, Townsend made things happen. As a woman in a position of power, she overcame the struggles many women continue to face today. Her experiences are both poignant and powerful, providing rich inspiration for women in the workforce and in leadership.

Townsend’s approach continues to reflect her passion for social issues and community service. Exploring a message of “activist spirituality,” she believes political and civic engagement unleashes the enormous power that exists in each person to make a contribution. It is the responsibility of every person to fight for justice, combining a dedication to helping each other with active community involvement.