Minerva Strategies has the privilege of welcoming Kennedy Gregory (she/her) to our team. I got a chance to speak with Kennedy about her journey into communications, her passion for social justice, and what keeps her grounded in both life and work.
Let’s start with the basics. Where do you live and where do you call home?
I’m currently based in Vancouver, Washington, but I always call Portland, Oregon my home. That’s where I was born and raised. I have always had a soft spot for Portland because I have so many memories from there. My grandparents still live there, so it’s always a joy to be able to go back across the bridge.
Where’s one place you would love to live besides Portland, Oregon?
I love San Diego. It’s such a calm but also lively city that has a good balance of nature and city life. It’s also close to other Southern California cities. When I was in high school, I really wanted to move to New York, and then I visited and realized I loved it, but probably couldn’t live there every day.
New York is definitely special. I think it’s one of those places where the city and the people attract each other—they gravitate to each other like magnets. Tell me about your background and what led you to Minerva?
I went to the University of Oregon, where I graduated with a degree in public relations and journalism and a minor in Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies. I was drawn to communications because it’s a powerful way to help tell people’s stories. A friend of mine interned at Minerva and shared with me the amazing work they do. I really wanted to tell stories, specifically those from communities that might not be able to share them or lack the tools to connect with others. So, when I found out about Minerva, I was inspired by the different clients they work with and the intentionality behind their approach. I applied, joined the team—and it’s been a great experience so far.
I’m happy to hear that! You spoke a little bit about it being a powerful way to tell people’s stories. Can you speak a little bit more about that and why you think it’s important?
People can’t know what you do without smart communications, right. There are so many great organizations and people out there that we don’t know about simply because we haven’t heard their story—yet. To me, communications is really a vital tool to be able to connect with other people and bring attention to key issues.
What are some key issues you care about?
There are so many people hurting in our world, so I care about wanting to remedy all of it, if I could. But specifically—inequity. It’s infuriating that people are denied the care or justice they deserve simply because of their race, gender, sexuality, or disabilities. As a Black woman, I know what it’s like to face disparities. But I also know that we are at a point in time where we can properly address everyone’s needs.
Our clients are driven by the same purpose of remedying inequities they see in their communities. It sometimes can feel like heavy work. How do you stay motivated and energized?
Seeing the wins. Knowing that inequities exist—it can be hard to hold but seeing the little wins like when a client’s story does really well, or your client sees action because of our work—that feels empowering. It’s like “okay, this can happen.” The world can feel like a dark place right now, but there are changes happening and people working tirelessly toward solutions. Seeing that and our client’s motivation inspires me to want to work harder.
I have a slightly similar question. Can you share a practice that helps keep you grounded?
I’ve been trying to be really intentional about creating self-care time. Every day, I carve out at least 30 minutes to do something that makes me feel good. I call it my hobby hour. I have way too many hobbies. I need to stop, but I keep finding new ones that I really want to try. I’ve also been enjoying reading. It’s really exciting to be able to sit down and lose myself in a book for a little bit.
Hobbies are fun! They ask nothing of you except that you enjoy them. What was the last book you read?
I finished rereading one of my favorite books. It’s called “Babel” by R. F. Kuang. Without giving too much away: It’s historical fiction with elements of magic. It takes place in the 1800s in Oxford, England. There’s a school for kids who have been impacted by colonization. It goes deep into the links between imperialism and colonialism. It is just a fascinating book. I highly recommend it.
Let’s dive into a rapid round of more introspective questions! If you were looking at yourself from the outside, how would you describe Kennedy?
I would describe Kennedy as a very passionate and exciting person. I connect deeply with things that I value. I would also say Kennedy is curious.
What things are you curious about?
I’ve always been curious about the history of things or how things are made. Whether it’s something small like candy or learning about big historical events, I just find it fascinating!
What events or experiences shaped who you are today?
[Pauses] I’m going through like a montage of like my life right now. For me, it’s education. My parents believed that getting an education was one of the most important things you can have under your belt. I’m the first person in my immediate family to graduate college, which was such a huge deal to them. When I graduated—we all graduated.
What does it feel to be a first gen college graduate?
It feels really empowering! Like I mentioned earlier, my family always stressed the importance of education to me. Growing up my grandmother would always say “Education is something that no one can take away from you,” and that was a huge motivator throughout my educational career. I don’t think I could’ve done it without the support of my family, so when I walked across the stage, it truly felt like we all did.
Last question—what’s something you are really excited about these days?
Something I’m really excited about is opening myself up to new experiences! The new year is right around the corner and there are so many goals I have from getting my passport and traveling more to trying new cafes and restaurants. I’m excited and hopeful for what 2025 might have in store—big or small!
