Historic New England Conference, panelist
About Dr. McKenzie
Dr. Kenann McKenzie is the Founder of the Aspiring Spirit, LLC. She has worked for over two decades in the education sector as a college academic counselor, researcher, lecturer, policy analyst and also as a high school administrator,
Among her professional roles, prior to Aspiring spirit and role at Tufts University, she served as Director of the BU Wheelock Aspire Institute, which provides professional development to Pk-12 schools and related service providers. This remains an important part of her work. Her current education roles include serving as an elected official for Beverly School Committee and Associate Professor of Practice at Gordon College School of Education.
At the Federal education level, she served as Executive Director for the National Board of Education Sciences in the US Department of Education for several years.
In her civic life, she is a Rotarian, serves on several non-profit boards, is an elected official on the Beverly Massachusetts School Committee, and serves as President of the North Shore Branch of the NAACP ‘23-’25.
The Podcast for Aspiring Spirit was created in 2020, and Dr. McKenzie-DeFranza often co-hosts with spouse, Andrew DeFranza. Her new book published in 2023 is available: Learning, Listening and Leading: Taking what you’ve learned to the next level!”
Speaking with civic groups
Expertise
Keynote speaker, Author, Facilitator, Healthcare, non-profit and education consulting; virtual/in-person
Seasoned professional development provider for groups, schools, higher education institutions, and organizations seeking transformation.
Training & Education
B.A., Cornell University
Masters of Education (M.Ed.)., University of Virginia
Ph.D., Columbia University, TC
Harvard Kennedy School, Nonprofit Leadership certificate
Meditation & Yoga Training/certification
“Kenann reminded us all how much power we have as healthcare providers; that we must use our influence in a fair and impartial way, being careful to keep in mind how every interaction may be perceived and how our decisions deeply affect the lives of those we touch.” - International Soc. of Transplant Nurses
“Our team keeps reflecting back to the well of information you gave…it was transformative.” - J. Igkebiku, Chicago, St. Ignatius
Conference Keynotes
Videos & In the News
New Book! Learning, Listening and Leading: Taking what you’ve learned to the next level!”
Happy to have supported professional development at CCC, voted one of the best workplaces in Massachusetts!
Coverage by WGBH on relevant history via our N. Shore NAACP: Racial Covenants in deeds, in partnership with Harborlight Homes
Northshore magazine amplifies the work of the N. Shore NAACP
Podcast Interview for the Fulcrum, 2023 on Listening: Fulcrum Interview 2023
North Shore Juneteenth, Local Black Excellence Awardee, 2023
NAACP Presidency announced, 2023
Venice Biennale of Architecture 2021 - Generous Listening SymposiumSalem News: Opinion- Making Real ProgressBoston University Article: Inspiring Change“Your attention to the audience and effective facilitation skills contributed to the overall positive professional learning experience for all. Participants are still talking about their experiences in your session and sharing their highlights from the discussions.” D. Williams, MA, DYS