Raya Kenney Speaking Engagements
Rosie the Riveter Congressional Medal Award Ceremony Reception Speech
April 10th, 2024
Raya Kenney with the original “Rosies” at the US Capitol.
BURGUNDY FARM DAY SCHOOL, MIDDLE SCHOOL
ALEXANDRIA, VA
“Hi Raya,
On behalf of the Burgundy community, I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for joining us this morning. Your presentation was perfectly on point for this age group, and I know they gained a lot from hearing your story.
Stay in touch! “
Jared Givarz, Middle School Head
THE LANGLEY SCHOOL, 8TH GRADERS,
MCLEAN, VA
"Big thanks to Raya Kenney @workingwwiiwomen for inspiring our Grade 8 students @thelangleyschool with her dedication to raising awareness about the incredible contributions of women on the home front during WWII. Her efforts towards establishing a memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor these women are commendable.
As a proud Rosebud, granddaughter of a Rosie Riveter, I wholeheartedly support the foundation’s mission to ensure these remarkable women receive the recognition they deserve.”
Laura Dixon, Technology & Innovation Teacher (Grades 5-8), Student Council Association Advisor
Photo by: Sharon Vipperman
Washington, DC Public School, 5th grade CLASS
I was so pleased to have Raya visit our class. I showed the children the news segments about Raya prior to her visit and they were so exited to meet her. She was engaging, inspirational, charming, and took the time to answer all of my students’ questions (they had many). My fifth graders couldn’t believe this started with a 5th grade project. They asked her to sign autographs at the end, and of course she happily obliged.
Like the Rosies, Raya’s journey is inspiring. She showed my students what’s possible as long as you’re willing to work hard to make it happen.
Katie Roth
quotes from the students
“My mom said you can sign my back pack.” (She didn’t.)
“Has anyone ever doubted you?” (Yes.)
Montgomery County, MD Business and Professional Women + Montgomery County, MD NOW
Raya signing autographs
“You smell like sunflowers.”
“You’re the first famous person I ever met.”
“Raya presented her story and vision to our group with such love and passion, while totally enjoying and incorporating the stories of the local “Rosies” into her speech. Her journey is especially interesting because she is a young woman who sees the value of honoring the women of this important era of our United States history. She laid out all the steps she has taken, with a clear path to building the monument as the final goal. Raya’s admiration of these women and commitment to building this monument are totally inspiring. Many of our attendees made contributions immediately after the program.”
Jeannette Feldner, President
Montgomery County, Maryland, Chapter of the National Organization for Women
Alicia Hannon, President
Montgomery County (Maryland) Business and Professional Women
Raya and Mr. C
“Can I sell it?” (Referring to the autograph.)
“If I ever do anything cool, you’re gonna be the reason.”