For Kennedy Roberts, being the only Black senior at Nikola Tesla STEM High School didn’t mean staying silent—it meant standing tall.
Throughout her high school experience, Kennedy often found herself in classrooms where she was the only student of color—a reality that could feel isolating. But instead of shrinking back, she leaned into that challenge with courage and purpose. “It has fueled my passion to make sure students like me feel seen, valued, and heard,” she shared.
This spring, Kennedy was recognized as one of the recipients of the Students of Color Conference Scholarship. The conference, hosted by Lake Washington School District’s Equity & Family Engagement Department, brought together over 150 students at Cascadia College for a day of leadership workshops, cultural identity exploration, and meaningful conversation. The event also featured live music and a celebration of the diverse cultural backgrounds of students throughout the district.
The conference theme—Rooted in Legacy, Rising in Power—deeply resonated with Kennedy, who draws strength from the generations of resilience behind her. “I carry the stories of success and struggle of those who came before me,” she wrote. “Knowing I am rooted in the legacy of resilience and determination from past generations has motivated me to stand tall. It is my duty to continue building that legacy for future generations.”
She’s already begun doing just that. Through her #1000BrownStories Book Drives, Kennedy has donated diverse books to local elementary and middle schools. “Growing up, it was rare to see characters who looked like me in the stories we read. I want young students to know their voices and futures matter.”
Her passion for equity extends far beyond the page. As a leader on her school’s equity board and a graduate of the UNCF Portfolio Project, Kennedy has actively worked to expand access, inclusion, and opportunity. “Access to quality education shouldn’t be a privilege,” she said. “It should be a right.”
This fall, Kennedy will attend Norfolk State University, where she plans to study Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing and Public Relations. “With my degree, I want to help businesses and organizations connect with diverse communities—especially those underrepresented in media and tech,” Kennedy explained. “I hope to become a public relations officer or marketing manager, creating campaigns that inspire change and build belonging.”
The Students of Color Conference Scholarship, made possible by longtime LWSF donors Ben and Nancy Remak, will directly support her college tuition and reduce the financial burden on her family. “It brings me one step closer to pursuing my education with fewer barriers,” she said, “and allows me to focus on leadership opportunities and building my future.”
Outside of school and service, Kennedy is a Varsity Cheerleader at Redmond High School, a singer, painter, and small business co-owner through her family’s venture, LBK Customs.
“If I could give my younger self advice,” she reflected, “I would tell her to be authentic, confident, and to take up space. She’s capable of so much more than she knows.”
From Chicago to Redmond and now on to Virginia, Kennedy’s journey continues—rooted in legacy, rising in power, and paving the way for others to do the same.
