Raya Kenney Speaking Engagements

delta Tech-ops veterans day celebration

October 31, 2024, Atlanta, Georgia

Delta TechOps invited Raya Kenney to represent the WWII Women’s Memorial at their 13th Annual Veterans Day celebration where they honored service members, Rosies, and their families, as well as the larger Delta and Atlanta community.

CONGRESSIONAL SERVICEWOMEN & WOMEN VETERANS CAUCUS

July 23, 2024, Washington, DC

Raya Kenney was invited to deliver a presentation to this Congressional Caucus and their guests on the importance of representing women within our Nation’s Capital. She was joined by presentations by representatives from NASA, the Military Women’s Memorial, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Hyde-Addison Elementary, Washington, DC

June 14, 2024

Rosie the Riveter Congressional Medal Award Ceremony Reception Speech

April 10th, 2024

As part of this event Raya Kenney shared the journey, which she began in the 5th grade, to memorialize the WWII Rosies for their unprecedented contributions. Kenney shared her excitement over the progress that has been made thus far and discussed the next steps in getting these women the memorial they deserve.

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

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

“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

“Can I sell it?” (Referring to the autograph.)

“If I ever do anything cool, you’re gonna be the reason.”