“FSU has shaped me into a dedicated, compassionate and driven professional ready to make a difference in the world.”
Fast Facts
- Nature Lover: Loves hiking, swimming and kayaking outdoors
- Swimmer: Has been a lifeguard supervisor and swim instructor for Campus Rec
- Photographer: Loves taking pictures of her travels and community work
- Sustainability: Enjoys learning about environmental sustainability
- Proud Seminole: Her favorite memories are of FSU game days
Kennedy Hewitt is committed to making public health more accessible through community service and leadership. Her outreach efforts have helped connect Florida State University students and residents to better health resources.
As a graduate and teaching assistant in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s Public Health program, Hewitt helps students navigate their academic paths. She helped organize the Public Health Professions Conference, which brought together over 300 students and professionals from across Florida to share ideas and build connections.
Through Ability 1st, a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities, Hewitt helped build wheelchair ramps across Tallahassee. She also collaborated with the Department of Urban & Regional Planning to develop a cultural resource center for the Frenchtown community.
Why did you choose to attend Florida State University?
From the moment I toured the campus, I knew Florida State University was where I was meant to be. The welcoming community and opportunities for growth immediately stood out to me. FSU’s commitment to innovation, leadership and service inspired me to push myself and pursue my passions. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I wanted to continue learning, growing and making an impact, which led me to apply to the Master of Public Health program. This program has empowered me to become a stronger advocate for health equity and community well-being.
What have been your most valuable academic experiences?
Serving on the planning team for FSU’s annual Public Health Professions Conference has strengthened my leadership, collaboration and professional skills. I managed finances, outreach, sponsorships and promotion of the event to ensure a strong turnout and engagement. This experience enhanced my organization and communication skills while teaching me how collaboration is essential to public health education.
I worked on an interdisciplinary project with the Department of Urban & Regional Planning to develop a new cultural resource center for the Frenchtown community. Our team partnered with local leaders and residents to build a center that reflects the community’s heritage, needs and future. This project taught me the importance of community-based planning and inclusive public health initiatives. These experiences were instrumental in shaping my commitment to fostering equity, sustainability and empowerment within the communities I serve.
How have you given back to your community?
I serve the Tallahassee community through leadership and volunteering that reflect my passion for health equity. As treasurer of the Master of Public Health Student Association, I managed the budget and coordinated volunteer events, socials and professional development seminars.
Volunteering with Ability 1st reinforced my belief in the importance of accessibility and inclusion. I also worked at the Florida Department of Health in the STD Surveillance section as a data analyst, where I completed a 10-year epidemiological study on trends of congenital syphilis across the state of Florida. I examined patterns of race and ethnicity, if there was any drug use present, and if these cases could have been prevented. I helped the STD Surveillance team conclude why we are seeing this increase in cases and how we can make an impact.
These experiences have strengthened my leadership and deepened my commitment to serving others.
How have you seen the impact of your work on the Tallahassee community?
As a graduate assistant, I worked with the accreditation coordinator to collect and analyze data that supports continuous improvement of FSU’s public health programs. My work helped enhance academic standards and ensure future students receive a rigorous education.
As a teaching assistant, I mentor and assist undergraduate students, helping them understand complex public health concepts, guiding them through coursework and encouraging their academic and professional growth. I have created an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages student success. My involvement in community projects, such as volunteering with Ability 1st and collaborating with the Frenchtown community, has strengthened ties between FSU and the local community. These experiences reflect my dedication to advancing education, equity and public service, while upholding the values that make FSU a leader in academic excellence.