2020
Larissa Kennedy
- Age: 24
- | She/her/hers
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Student and youth organizers are often mislabeled as "too radical," but Angela Davis’ words remind us that "radical simply means grasping things at the root." Students and young people are often best placed to grasp at the root of structural inequality in all its forms. Together, we can reimagine a better future.
- Larissa Kennedy
Bio
Larissa Kennedy was born and raised in the United Kingdom, with heritage in Barbados, Jamaica, and St. Vincent. She is a student at the University of Warwick reading politics, international studies, and Hispanic studies. As the National President-elect of the National Union of Students (NUS), Larissa is the primary point of contact between NUS, politicians, and the wider education sector. She is responsible for choosing NUS’ priority campaign and leads the officer team in achieving its objectives. She is currently Advocacy and Campaigns Officer at Plan International where she is responsible for the implementation of the political advocacy work for the campaign at the global level, as well as development and implementation for the relevant strand of the campaign through corporate advocacy, brand activism, and relevant impact partnerships.
Additionally, Larissa is a trustee to the British Youth Council, a member of the UK Secretariat at a global youth-led project, Youth for Change, founder of Talawa, and founder of the Warwick Decolonise Project.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
Since I was little, I have been infuriated by injustice, but as a student, I gained the language and the tools I needed to turn that anger into action. My passion for Black feminism is often reignited through my lived experiences or the experiences of those in my community and by a need to drive change.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
As a student activist, I was a key organizer against sexual violence at my university, leading my Students’ Union’s response: successfully lobbying for an independent review of the University’s disciplinary system, a permanent contract for an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor, halving waiting times for mental health services, and securing a public apology.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
If I'm not at a protest, writing policy, or speaking to people about a campaign, you can usually find me dancing to soca, dancehall, or reggae.
Languages Spoken:
- English (Advanced/Native)
- French (Intermediate)
- Spanish (Intermediate)
- French (Intermediate)
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