In celebration of Women’s History Month Meet Rancho Cucamonga's Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Kennedy!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your job position
My name is Lynne Kennedy, and I am honored to have served as Councilwoman for the city Rancho Cucamonga for the last 6 years and currently as Mayor Pro Tem. In my role as Mayor Pro Tem, I work collaboratively with the Mayor and my city council colleagues to build on our success as a world class community to create an equitable, sustainable, and vibrant city, rich in opportunity for all to thrive.
My husband and I have called Rancho Cucamonga home for 40-years. Prior to being elected, my professional career spans 40 years as a teacher and school administrator.
2. Who is the most influential woman you’ve known? How has she inspired you?
The most influential woman in my life is my mother. She taught me to be a critical thinker, a strong woman and a woman of courage. She was an excellent role model. She inspired me to follow her footsteps because she too was an educator and served on the City Council.
3. Have you ever experienced a situation at work that was “sour” simply because you were female? How did you handle the situation?
I would rather describe my professional experience as sometimes challenging rather than sour. I entered school administration at a time when very few women held administrative positions, especially at the secondary levels. When first I applied for a position as a junior high school assistant principal, I was told by my (male) principal that I should consider counseling instead because assistant principals and principals were positions for men. Instead of being discouraged, I thanked him for his advice, and continued toward my goal of being a site administrator.
4. What progress for women have you seen in your lifetime?
Although there is still work to be done, I have seen tremendous progress over my lifetime in the areas of expanded societal roles, expectations regarding women’s apparel, equitable salary, and career opportunities.
5. What are some practical ways that modern women can support women’s empowerment?
It is important for women to support and mentor other women and share lessons learned—both good and bad. Also, mentoring young people, both male and female, to create an understanding of the importance/significance of women and the importance of mutual respect.
6. Why do you support gender equality?
I support equity and inclusion at and across all levels of society. Equity and inclusion ensure that every member of society can contribute to and participate in economic, social, personal and professional opportunities that maximize their quality of life, health and financial status.
7. What is the best advice you’ve ever received from another woman of influence?
I have been blessed to have strong women in my life who have spoken words of wisdom into my growth and development as a human being and as a woman. Specifically, my maternal and paternal grandmothers and my mother. They all gave me advice about being a lady and being a woman.
The best advice was from my mother: (1) Never let anyone convince you to do something that you don’t want to do and/or that you know is wrong, and (2) Be your own best friend.
8. Why do we need more women in leadership?
Leadership requires insight, critical thinking, vision, understanding, strength, courage and diversity of thought and voice. You cannot achieve excellence in leadership without gender equity.
9. What advice would you give a young woman entering the workforce?
This is my advice to young women entering the workforce. Prepare yourself educationally, personally and relationally; keep an open mind and an open heart when working with others; continue to learn and grow personally and professionally.
10. What does women’s history mean to you?
Women’s’ history allows us to see our progress, transition and transformation over time. History also allows us to learn from our past mistakes and appreciate the historical contributions and importance of women in the home, in the workplace and as leaders.
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