-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
About Dr. Terri K
| "God brings men into deep waters
not to drown them, but to cleanse them."
-- Aughey
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy ("Terri")
Entrepreneur, Speaker/Host/Author & Human Potential Advocate
Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy is President & CEO of Power Living Enterprises, Inc. - a global media and training company focused on developing human capital in the areas of health & productivity management, sustainable business/living, values-based leadership and individual effectiveness. The company offers consulting and workshops for organizations, executive & life coaching for individuals, and digital media programs/products. Clients have ranged from Deloitte Financial Advisory Services and Right Management to the New York City Department of Education and Bloomberg Media. An advocate for social change through individual transformation, all of Dr. Kennedy's work is focused on helping people live more purposeful, productive and sustainable lives. A former media executive from a family of educators and communication experts, she seeks to reach people in engaging and culturally-relevant ways. With a dual B.A. in Sociology and Studio Art from Wellesley College, an MBA from Harvard Business School, a Ph.D. in World Religions, and multiple certifications in Holistic Health, Fitness, Lifestyle & Weight Management Counseling and Yoga, she offers a unique multidisciplinary approach to success in business and life. She also completed the Global Leadership & Public Policy for the 21st Century Executive Education Program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is a sought-after speaker and host/moderator, and has demonstrated the ability to communicate with many different audiences, from community, religious and youth groups, to corporate executives, politicians and world leaders.
Having grown up in a "green" holistic household and having first-hand experience with transformation, Dr. Kennedy serves as a role model for healthy and sustainable living. She is a National Spokesperson for the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association Search Your Heart program and Power to End Stroke campaign, representing the association in the national media and educating the public about the risks of heart disease and stroke. She is also an Advocate for Power and sits on the New York State Advocacy Committee for the American Heart Association. She is an ambassador for HealthCorps, is on the faculty of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and is the Founder of Ta Yoga, which operated one of the first yoga studios in Harlem. She is on the Board of Yoga Alliance - the internationally-recognized non-profit organization that sets standards for yoga teaching in the United States, and was their first African American Chair.
In 2009, the World Economic Forum named Dr. Kennedy one if its "Young Global Leaders," recognizing her professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential for shaping the future of the world. She is involved in their Global Redesign Initiative which seeks to re-frame how business is done around the world. The program is focusing on six areas of inquiry and their global, regional and industry dimensions: how to strengthen economies, mitigate global risks, ensure sustainability, enhance security, create a values framework and build effective institutions. She has participated in Forums in Brazil, China, Jordan, South Africa and Tanzania, and has been a discussion leader for the Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. She also co-created the Young PWR Brokers program which teaches self-esteem to girls in Harlem, and is part of the curriculum development team for A New Way Forward, a new initiative created by The National CARES Mentoring Movement to "train the trainers" in order to foster the development of African-American mentors for vulnerable Black youth in communities across the United States.
Before becoming a social entrepreneur, Dr. Kennedy had a long record of success in both the business and creative worlds. She started her career as the youngest staff member at the Harvard Business School, where she wrote case studies on Fortune 500 companies. She was also a Creative Consultant for Universal Studios, and spent seven years as an executive at MTV Networks. A pioneer in the new media space, she founded VH1 Interactive in 1994, helped launch six digital cable networks and, as Vice President of Business Development & Operations, she negotiated landmark content/distribution deals bringing in over $30 million for the MTVN digital division – running one of the only profitable interactive businesses at that time. She is the author of three books - Power Living: Think, Eat & Live on Purpose, The Power Living Pledge: An Affirmation for a Purposeful & Powerful Live, and Seven-Day PWR Detox: Cleanse your Body, Mind & Spirit While Living Your Daily Life. She is also producer of Power Living Mini-Escapes: Relaxation Techniques for Any Situation audio program. Called "smart with a heart," she has been featured in media around the world from CNN, Tokyo FM and ARD TV in Germany to Prevention, El Mercurio in Chile, the cover of Yoga Journal and Oprah's book Live Your Best Life!
Her international Curriculum Vitae (CV) is available upon request. Check out the Power Living Today blog for some of her other writing.
Media Reel
Additional Speaking Videos
Recent News and Events
| |
|
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| Health & Productivity Expert |
|
As a researcher at Harvard Business School and then corporate executive, Dr. Kennedy helped companies operate more efficiently. Now, as an Executive & Life Coach she helps people live more effectively. With an MBA from Harvard, a Ph.D. in World Religions, and training in Holistic Health and Yoga, Dr. Kennedy offers a unique multidisciplinary approach to crafting an authentic, healthy, and successful life - whether you are a CEO looking to increase the productivity of your company or a stay-at-home mom trying to find balance, whether you're a looking to change jobs or completely transform your life. She started her career as the youngest staff member at the Harvard Business School, where she consulted with and wrote case studies on Fortune 500 companies specializing in Production Operations Management and Operations Strategy. She also wrote research notes for Harvard Business Review articles, and papers on entrepreneurship and small businesses. As a Holistic Health Counselor trained in Integrative Nutrition, she has also worked with people with specific ailments, ranging from Adult ADD, Asthma, Anorexia and Diabetes to Hypertension, Obesity, IBS and even Leukemia. The common thread for all of those coming to her is the desire to take control of their own lives - from what they do for work to how they manage their physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental energy. She offers individual coaching in-person or by telephone, as well as group workshops on topics such as personal branding, purpose planning, nutrition, and stress management. As a corporate consultant, she can help you set up and achieve a Return on Investment for your Health & Productivity Management program.
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| Dr. Terri Kennedy has led personal development workshops, motivational talks, retreats and panels for a variety of corporations, business associations, and other groups - from the World Economic Forum, National Sales Network and Harvard Business School to Deloitte Financial Advisory Services, Eileen Fisher and the Cruise Lines International Association. Because of her multi-faceted background, she can speak effectively to many different audiences, from CEOs, business executives, politicians, hospital administrators and doctors to a church pastor, a pre-teen, a stay-at-home mom, and a newly-diagnosed patient. Working in Harlem since 2002 has also honed her ability to interface with community, youth and faith-based groups, and deliver practical and culturally-relevant messages to traditionally underserved groups. Check out events and clients for a sampling appearances, or to book her for an event. Read what others are saying.
|
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
| Dr. Terri Kennedy has offered her views on TV, radio, print and online - from commenting on stress management for Katrina survivors on CNN and discussing the growth of Yoga in the U.S. on Fox News... to discussing what it takes to be a woman entrepreneur on Smart Woman TV to being featured in a documentary on time/energy management on ARD TV in Germany and talking about holistic health and youth empowerment on Tokyo FM in Japan. She is a frequent guest on radio from Martha Stewart Living Radio to 98.7 KISSFM, and has contributed to a variety of magazines from The Hallmark Magazine and Yoga Journal to Essence and The Network Journal. She has been featured in magazines such as O: The Oprah Magazine and Prevention Magazine, and in newspapers such as The New York Times and The Daily News. She also writes a monthly "The Power of..." column, blogs for Power Living Today and contributes to Yoga Matters, which goes to over 20,000 yoga teachers and almost 1,000 yoga studios. For more on her media appearances and constributions check out The Buzz.
|
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
|
Dr. Terri Kennedy comes from a family of international human rights activists, and cares about the wellbeing of others. Known for her passion for health literacy, she has offered health education programs on behalf of organizations such as the Congressional Black Caucus, New York City Department of Health, the American Heart Association and Speaking of Women's Health, as well as hospitals and faith-based groups. A graduate from Wellesley College, Dr. Kennedy is a long-time supporter of women's issues and speaks often for women's leadership and empowerment programs. A proponent of youth empowerment, she has also taught positive life skills to youth, working with organizations such as the Thurgood Marshall Academy, The Beacon School, Figure Skating in Harlem and the Harlem Wizards Basketball Camp. Through the Young PWR® Brokers initiative, she has taught self-esteem building skills to youth from 8 to 25 starting with a group of formerly homeless pre-teen girls in Harlem. After almost dying and then healing using an integrative approach, she also supports a move from the current Disease Management Model of healthcare to an Integrative Wellness Model. She educates medical students on the "Body-Mind-Spirit Connection" at venues such as the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Mentoring in Medicine and the SNMA Medical Education Conference, and also works with corporations to implement wellness programs and understand the effects of stress on productivity. She is also on the Education Working Group for the Academic Consortium for Complementary and Alternative Health Care (ACCAHC), where she is contributing to creating educational content and programs which foster cross-disciplinary understanding within the integrative healthcare arena.
Read about our alliance with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and join the cause.
|
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Although she is American, Dr. Kennedy, known as "Terri" to her family and friends, had an unusual international upbringing. She was born in Accra, Ghana; started school in Adelaide, Australia; and as a Stetcher Scholar, studied and lived in Rome, Italy. She tutored high school Italian at the Boston Latin School, and has traveled to over 30 countries around the world and has been on all continents except for Antarctica.
Exposed to yoga and integrative nutrition by her mom, Terri has followed a natural, holistic and positive lifestyle since she was 4 years old. Her mother was "green" before it was popular. She grew fruits and vegetables, had a composting pile, used an industrial wheat grass juicer, store everything in glass bottles instead of plastic, and even made her own yogurt. Terri also grew up reading spirituality-related books, from The Science of Mind and Emerson's Essays to the Tao Te Ching and The Prophet. The philosophy and habits she learned when she was younger has helped her succeed in business and life, and has greatly informed her current work. She was a dancer and competitive athlete in track, swimming and gymnastics; skipped two grades of school; entered Wellesley College at the age of 16; and was named one of GLAMOUR magazine's "Top Ten College Women in America" in 1988 appearing on the The Today Show with Jane Pauley. With the initial desire to become an entertainment attorney, she was a corporate law and litigation intern at Ropes & Gray in Boston, and a Complaint Mediator for the Department of the Attorney General in Boston. She then became the youngest staff member, and then student, at the Harvard Business School.
| |
|
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
| She spent over seven years as an executive at MTV Networks, becoming one of the youngest Vice Presidents at the company. As a special advisor to the President of VH1, Terri designed the financial structure for the VH1 Strategic Plan, evaluated new business opportunities, and managed cross-departmental projects involving Marketing, Ad Sales, Program Planning, Development, Research and New Business on behalf of the President. She also wrote a monthly competitive research newsletter distributed throughout the company, and supervised the Viewers Services Department, including database management, direct marketing, phone, mail and email support. Working with a new President of VH1, she helped reposition the VH1 Television network in 1993 and managed the building of a new television studio. Then, she founded/created VH1 Interactive (www.vh1.com) in 1994. A pioneer in new media, she negotiated VH1's first deal with America Online and integrated online in on-air events with artists such as Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks and Paul McCartney.
|
As part of the core digital strategy group for Viacom and MTV Networks, she worked closely with the Chairman and CEO, CFO and COO at MTV Networks, as well as the senior business development team at Viacom. She worked on the launch of MTV Networks' digital package of spinoff music video channels, the Suite from MTV and VH1. The Suite included MTV2, hard rock/heavy metal channel MTV "X," Latin music channel MTV "S," R&B channel VH1 Soul, VH1 Country, and jazz/new age channel VH1 Smooth. She also started the Business Development & Operations group for MTV Interactive (www.mtv.com) in 1996 which made the negotiation of music interactive deals more efficient. In addition, she developed/founded the VH1@Work radio network in 1998. As Vice President of Business Development and Operations for the combined MTV and VH1 group, she managed the operations of a 150-person interactive team (including online, CD-ROM & PC/TV applications, and digital cable), created the initial personnel and financial policies, as well as identified business opportunities and negotiated landmark content/distribution deals bringing in over $30 million into the digital division. In addition, she was part of the Viacom due diligence team for the acquisition of SonicNet, and managed such partnerships as Intel, Microsoft, Yahoo!, America Online, N2K/CDNOW, Lycos, and Excite@Home. She also helped to create MTV Networks' Diversity Council, coordinating events with notables such as Betty Shabazz - the late wife of Malcolm X and a family friend. At the start of her cable career, she was selected to be a Walter Kaitz Foundation Fellow and received training in Cable Management and Finance at the University of Denver. She was also involved in and was a speaker for the National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB).
| |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
|
Inspired by her mother, who started practicing yoga in the early 70's, Terri is trained as a Hatha and Chair/Gentle Yoga Instructor from the Integral Yoga Institute in New York, and has done various advanced Vinyasa Yoga and meditation trainings. She has been greatly inspired by teachers such as Srivatsa Ramaswami, Swami Ramananda, Tao Porchon-Lynch, Dharma Mittra, as well as her lineage guru, Sri Swami Satchidananda. Her yoga teachers gave her the spiritual name "TARA," which means "Star and Savior. A Name for Devi the Divine Mother."
In 2002, she founded the Ta Yoga House (www.tayoga.com) to make healthy and positive living physically, culturally and financially accessible to underserved urban communities. It was one of the first yoga studios in Harlem. She offers free yoga classes to the Harlem community through the Shape Up New York program sponsored by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, as well as free classes for cancer patients at the Ralph Lauren Cancer Center in Harlem as part of the PWR Health Initiative. She also became the first African-American to be Chair of the Board and then Interim CEO for Yoga Alliance (www.yogaalliance.org). In addition to her governance duties for YA, she contributes to Yoga Matters which goes to their registry of over 20,000 yoga teachers and almost 1,000 yoga studios, and interfaces with organizations within the yoga community, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) field, as well as organizations in the general health field.
She teaches at various events across the country and has moderated panels at Yoga Journal Conferences, presented for the Yoga Research Society, as well presented on yoga and stress management for the National Institutes of Health.
|
|
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Terri comes from a family of high achievers and is the third generation in her family to be involved in social change and pioneering work around the world. Her parents, journalist/entrepreneur Janie Sykes-Kennedy, and the late playwright/professor Dr. James Scott Kennedy, were international media trailblazers. For more than five decades, they worked on five continents teaching cross-cultural communications and leadership development, and introducing new and positive concepts of people through theatre, television, radio, academia and the pulpit. In the 1950s, they owned and operated one of the first multicultural theatre companies in New York City. In the early 1960s, as Dr. Kennedy taught at Brooklyn College, Mrs. Kennedy founded and operated ID: Inner Dignity in Brooklyn, New York, a learning center focused on promoting self-esteem in girls.
|
 |
| Dr. James Scott Kennedy |
|
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
 |
| Janie Sykes-Kennedy & Dr. James Scott Kennedy |
|
|
In the late 1960s, they lived in Africa, working at the University of Ghana and producing for the 1966 First World Festival of Negro Arts in Dakar, Senegal, and the First Pan African Cultural Festival in Algiers, Algeria in 1969. In the 1970s, they were invited as Fulbright scholars by the Prime Minister of Australia to live in Adelaide and introduce new concepts of African-American and African people to that continent. The Kennedys were the first African-American family to live on the continent of Australia. They produced three plays for the Papau, New Guinea Independence Arts Festival in 1973. Later in the 1970s, Mrs. Kennedy was the Title I Coordinator of a pilot program for the State University of New York for "Learning Through The Arts" and taught acting at The College at Old Westbury in New York. In the late 1980s, Mrs. Kennedy was invited by the U.S. Housing & Urban Development and the Department of Commerce as one of 14 delegates to go to the People's Republic of China on the first trade mission of American women. After that trip, she secured a contract from the China Building Technology Center and started a new company, China Today, Inc., which for five years, distributed Building in China. In the 1990s, Dr. James Scott Kennedy taught at the United States International University - Africa in Nairobi. All of the Kennedys spent time in Kenya. They also worked in the United Kingdom and the Middle East.
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
Terri's uncle, Dr. Joseph C. Kennedy, was co-founder and former International Director of Africare, which has delivered over $710 million in aid to Africa since 1970 impacting 36 countries Africa-wide. He was also instrumental in developing the Peace Corps in Africa and Asia under President John F. Kennedy and Sargent Shriver. Her aunt, the late Dr. Lillian Kennedy Beam, was Vice Chancellor of the United States International University Africa in Kenya. The school in Nairobi was founded in 1969 when it was granted a Presidential Charter by President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta making it the first and only secular university in East Africa. Dr. Beam built U.S.I.U.-Africa from a 60-student school located in a hotel into a fully accredited American University with 14 buildings spread over five acres of the 20-acre campus and over 2,500 students today. The library is named after Dr. Beam and now U.S.I.U.-Africa has become the best and most prestigious private university in all of Africa.
|
 |
| Jayne Kennedy Overton |
|
|
|
Terri's great uncle, James A. Atkins, was a member of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Black Cabinet," advising on education. He was a pioneer in the school system in Colorado, writing The Age of Jim Crow (1964), and the widely-referenced book Human Relations in Colorado: 1858 - 1959 (1961). The family's emphasis on education and achievement started with her great grandmother, Mary Atkins, who graduated from Knoxville College in the late 1800s. Other well-known relatives include Adrienne Kennedy, the Obie Award-winning playwright, and Leon Isaac Kennedy and Jayne Kennedy Overton, the film & TV personalities. As a sportscaster for The NFL Today in 1978, Jayne was one of the first women to infiltrate that male-dominated profession.
|
 |
| Leon Isaac Kennedy |
|
|
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
 |
| Muhammad Ali and Terri |
|
|
An artist, photographer, writer and former model with a unique mix of creative and business skills, Terri has also worked in film development at Universal Studios, and worked as an Assistant Buyer for a fashion merchandising company. She has lent her expertise to various consulting projects including creating the financial model and private placement for a new film company and advising on a film festival in Cote d'Ivoire. She has shared her business and marketing knowledge as an Adjunct Professor at Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (LIM), a fashion college in New York. She was also privileged to grow up around such cultural greats as Muhammad Ali and Smokey Robinson, and hear dinner table stories about her parents' friendships and work with people like Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington.
To honor the passing of Terri's father, Dr. James Scott Kennedy, read the Tribute to Dr. K.
View photos of family and friends in the gallery.
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
 |
| Get tips on the Power Living Blog |
|
|
 |
| Visit the Power Living Website |
|
|
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
|
