Biography

Dennis Kennedy has an unwavering passion for people and works to ensure that all individuals receive equal opportunities in the workplace regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, physical or mental handicaps, physique, gender identity, or sexual orientation. In 2004, Mr. Kennedy walked away from his job to start the Texas Diversity Council because he felt a very strong need to create an organization that would champion Diversity & Inclusion across the state.

Four years later, Mr. Kennedy found himself launching the National Diversity Council (NDC) for the same reasons he started the state council. Currently, the NDC is made up of 16 state and regional councils. His vision is to have state and regional diversity councils in all 50 states. Visit the National Diversity Council for more information.

Along with the state councils, he has launched several statewide conferences focused on diversity, leadership and women. Currently there are conferences taking place in 32 States. Visit the National Diversity Conference or the National Women's Conference for more information.

Furthermore, Mr. Kennedy launched two additional national organizations in 2011 including the National Women's Council which focuses on advocacy for women and the Council for Corporate Responsibility, which seeks to educate organizations on the best practices in social responsibility. In addition, he is the creator of the DiversityFIRST™ Newsletter, a proud product of DiversityFIRST™ Publishing which is distributed in the following 13 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Tri-State (NY, NJ & CT).

Prior to his entrepreneurship, Mr. Kennedy spent several years as a college professor in the business schools at University of Houston Downtown, Texas Southern University, and University of Texas at San Antonio, teaching Business Statistics, Economics, HR Management, Compensation Management, and Diversity Management. He also spent 5 years working in a corporate environment in the field of Human Resources.

A graduate from the University of Houston Main Campus (UofH), Mr. Kennedy earned undergraduate degrees in economics, business management, political science and physical education; he also earned a MBA from University of Houston Main Campus as well. In addition, he was also a scholarship athlete for football. Mr. Kennedy is currently working on his book titled, CreatingYourSignificance™, which is a unique self-marketing strategy that allows individuals to create a successful personal brand. The book is slated for publishing on April 20, 2020.

My Mom

I am forever thankful for my mom; she is the best mom ever. Along with my father Albert Kennedy, who passed in 2004, she raised me in San Antonio, TX. She has been my friend and my confidant. I want to acknowledge her for all that she has done for me in my life.

My senior year in high school, I would describe my mom as a lecture that never ended. I always seemed to be receiving a lecture about something, though half of the lectures were about me cleaning my room. Looking back, I laugh at the number of lectures that I received. At the age of 18, I thought I knew it all. Boy was I wrong.

When I made the decision to walk away from my job in Feb. 04 to start the Texas Diversity Council, my mom was supportive but very very concerned. She talked to me daily just to see how things were going. She was a huge encouragement to me.

Now a retired teacher, she spends her time doing volunteer work at her church. She loves sports. Her favorite two pro teams are the Spurs and the Dallas Cowboys. Also, she loves my high school football team, The Judson Rockets; she has been a season ticket holder for more than 20 years. She has four kids.

My Faith

There is no doubt that the greatest thing that has ever taken place in my life was accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in the summer of 1987. As a 20 year old college student, I prayed to receive Him into my life not knowing how profoundly He would impact me. The Lord has really taken hold of me and has made significant changes in my life. He has guided me down pathways that I never thought I would go. He has given me vision after vision. His faithfulness never ends.

As I look back on my life and reflect on what the Lord has done, I am amazed. I am amazed that the Lord saved me and changed my very being. He gave me direction, peace, and joy that I never had before. All that I have achieved is contributed to me knowing Him and his great mercy. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. His blessings are anew every day.

If you have not received the changing powers of Jesus Christ into your life, I hope and pray that you will give him an opportunity to make you whole. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. He will always have his hands extended toward you. Please reach out to him and accept him as your Lord and Savior.

Matthew 6:33