Social Impact Heroes: Kennedy Edwards, Miss Texas Teen USA 2019, wants to show every girl that beauty comes in multiple forms
I define leadership as setting an example for others that encourages them to act towards a common good. In my opinion, a good leader shouldn’t have to scream, holler, or create a scene to evoke followers. A good leader only has to live true to their doctrine by showing others what could and should be. This alone can be stimulating enough to not only promote their cause, but get others passionate about it as well.
As a part of our series of interviews featuring prominent female leaders, as well as an opportunity to reflect on Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, I had the pleasure to interview Kennedy Edwards, Miss Texas Teen USA 2019. Kennedy Edwards graduated third in her high school class and earned a Capstone Academic Scholarship at Howard University. She is passionate about promoting voter registration among young citizens. As the first ever African American to hold the Miss Texas Teen USA title, Kennedy prioritizes showing every girl that beauty comes in multiple forms. Kennedy also represents her state of Texas in the Miss Teen USA pageant system.
Thank you so much for joining us Kennedy. You are in a position of great influence. What would you do to encourage the community, society, or politicians to help form a more gender balanced world?
The society and politicians around me can help me in addressing a more gender balanced world by promoting programs, legislation, and political candidates who not only acknowledge, but cater to the issues women are plagued by — the very issues that allow the prevalence of gender inequality.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
I define leadership as setting an example for others that encourages them to act towards a common good. In my opinion, a good leader shouldn’t have to scream, holler, or create a scene to evoke followers. A good leader only has to live true to their doctrine by showing others what could and should be. This alone can be stimulating enough to not only promote their cause, but get others passionate about it as well.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My favorite life lesson quote is “people can only take what you’re willing to give.” As someone who has struggled with feeling used and neglected before, this quote reminds me that I have control of my own life and destiny. While the people around me may not always have the best intentions, I decide how I allow them to affect me and what I allow them to take from me.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would love to have a sit down with Michelle Obama, because I feel that she is such a pioneer for the modern woman. Aside from making history as the first African American First Lady, she has challenged the idea of what a First Lady and classy woman is in her clothing, involvement, messages, etc. As a black woman I connect with her due to my own need for representation. Furthermore, as a political geek I aspire to make a concrete diplomatic impacts as she has.