Leah Kennedy
Chicago,IL
Summary
Proven leader in community development and government relations, known for fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Skilled in adapting strategies to meet community needs and to solve community problems. A self-starter with a strong inclination toward a team-oriented environment.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Policy Director
City of Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2024 - Current
- Researched, developed, and drafted legislation on behalf of the Alderman to introduce at the City Council level.
- Collaborated with local policy organizations to identify community needs and implement initiatives to address them.
- Conducted outreach to City departments to align policy objectives with departmental capabilities.
- Reviewed and analyzed municipal policy proposals, advising the Alderman on potential impacts.
- Delegated research opportunities to part-time, student, or intern staff with a policy focus.
- Provided policy-related communications to 1st Ward constituents via newsletter sections, website updates, and email correspondence.
- Specialized in immigration-related matters, leading the 1st Ward office's community response, volunteer mobilization, and policy priorities to protect immigrant rights.
Community Development Director
City of Chicago
Chicago
09.2022 - 01.2024
- Developed community engagement strategies to enhance neighborhood volunteer participation in local initiatives.
- Designed and planned an average of 12 events per year on behalf of the Alderman to foster relationships with the communities he represents.
- Acted as the Alderman's liaison with City departments, local businesses and Chambers of Commerce, and nonprofit partners to ensure available resources were connected with their target populations.
- Served as the Alderman's representative at necessary neighborhood events, resource fairs, meetings, and other community-led engagements.
Co-Counsel Relations Specialist
Brown & Crouppen Law Firm
St. Louis, MO
06.2019 - 05.2022
- Consolidated and circulated digital file materials to a network of over 100 co-counsel attorneys, tracking their progress weekly to ensure timely review.
- Provided updates to the legal teams on the status of the co-counsel review process, advising when to communicate with clients or providers to ensure smooth case transition.
- Distributed client correspondence regarding the transfer of their case at four case checkpoints.
- Communicated with hundreds of clients about the status of their cases to address concerns or case developments, and conducted a biannual evaluation of average client experience about their case results.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology, Spanish, & Russian Studies
Saint Louis University
St. Louis, MO05.2019
Skills
- Volunteer coordination
- Government relations
- Policy advocacy
- Verbal and written communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Relationship building
- CRM
- Microsoft Office
Certification
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate - 140-hour course
Languages
Spanish
Russian
Timeline
Policy Director
City of Chicago
01.2024 - Current
Community Development Director
City of Chicago
09.2022 - 01.2024
Co-Counsel Relations Specialist
Brown & Crouppen Law Firm
06.2019 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology, Spanish, & Russian Studies
Saint Louis University