Kennedy McKinney

I am a journalist with a passion for news and love for writing. I am known for my organization, ability to meet deadlines, and creative and compelling storytelling.

10107 Sandler Road

Jacksonville, FL 32222

(904)-415-6867

kennedylauren96@gmail.com

EXPERIENCE

Fall Internship at Young, Hot, and Modern Magazine  Remote — Editorial Intern

September 2020 - December 2020

The Paradigm Press, Boca Raton FL — Founder and Editor-in-Chief

March 2020 - Present

•When I came to college, they only had one newspaper. I joined but noticed that they overlooked the minority community at Florida Atlantic University. I decided to leave and start my own newspaper. The Paradigm Press is the first black newspaper at FAU and we focus on highlighting the black community. As EIC, I manage a staff of 15 people, edit stories weekly, write stories, administer  staff  training, and interview prospective members. I also built the website (www.theparadigmpress.com)

The Bolles Bugle, Jacksonville FL— Editor in Chief

May 2018- May 2019

•Online Editor-In-Chief from May 2017-May 2018

•Staff Writer August 2015-May 2017

•Duties included reporting, news/feature writing, researching, fact-checking, proofreading, and layout design

•Singled out for my ability to get to the point and tell the important part of the story

Summer Internship Action News Jax, Jacksonville — Shadow Position

May 2016 - August 2016

•I shadowed a news anchor for the summer and had the opportunity to learn what happens behind the scenes and what all goes into broadcast news production. I sat in on pitch meetings, the newsroom, and the studio.

Summer Internship at RYSE Magazine, Atlanta Staff Writer

May  2015 - August 2015

• Assigned stories and had 1-2 days to execute them

• Editing and Fact Checking

• Moderated Weekly Pitch Meetings

EDUCATION

Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL

August 2019-Current

I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Multimedia Journalism with a minor in Business Law.

The Bolles School, Jacksonville FL

August 2015 - May 2019

Activities

• I ran a personal blog (www.kennedy mckinney.com). I’ve had the opportunity to interview social media personalities, conduct product reviews, and record my own podcasts. (January 2013-March 2020)

• President of Black Student Union at Florida Atlantic University (March 2020- Present)

•Member of the National Council of Negro Women (October 2020-Present)

•Member of National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ) (December 2020-Present)

SKILLS

  • News Writing
  • Copy Editing
  • Organization  
  • Social Media Management/Marketing
  • Adobe InDesign/Premiere
  • iMovie
  • Photography
  • Research and Fact Checking
  • Podcast Editing
  • Logo and Flyer Design

AWARDS

Dean's List  - To receive this award an undergraduate student must complete a full-time load (at least 12 credits) with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must rank in the upper 10 percent of the students enrolled in the college

Gold Key Recipient from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards - The very best works submitted to local programs. Gold Key works are automatically considered for national-level recognition. I was recognized for my news and creative writing.

Greatest Contribution Award -I received this award from my Highschool at graduation. This was the highest non-academic award at the school. The criteria was involvement, service hours, and leadership roles.

Creative Writing Award from Hollins University (2018)