Members in the News
July Member of the Month - Kim Keenan
July 2024Our member profile series continues this month with 2020-2021 IWF-DC president Kim Keenan. Kim led the DC Forum through the first two years of the pandemic with her signature optimism and can-do spirit. A former general counsel and secretary of the NAACP, Kim was the youngest person to hold this position and the 2nd woman to serve in this role.
Q&A with Kim Keenan
Q: Tell us about your background and where you currently work.
I had practiced at traditional law firms for the first half of my career. Then I had a number of opportunities that broadened the spectrum of my career, including serving as General Counsel and Secretary of the oldest civil rights organization, the NAACP, General Counsel EVP of a woman-owned international marketing company, and CEO of a telecommunications non-profit. Currently, I serve as a mediator/arbitrator at JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediations Service) where I mediate and arbitrate business, employment, and entertainment cases throughout the nation. I also teach Negotiation and Trial Advocacy at George Washington University Law School and in the spring of 2025, I will teach Mediation Advocacy at Georgetown University Law Center.
Q: How long have you been an IWF member?
I have been a member of IWF-DC since 2004. I was nominated by Lois Jackson. She would say, "IWF women are smart, well-connected, empowered and most of all, dedicated to seeing women succeed." More than 20 years later, I know this to be true.
Q: How has your career benefited from being an IWF member?
The biggest thing is being in a room and having someone mention IWF. Women are excited to share their stories about their membership. It is an instant conversation starter.
Q: What excites you the most right now?
I am outlining chapters for my book. This is on my bucket list and I will not rest until I complete this challenge.
Q: What are you reading or listening to?
I love smooth easy music. Nothing reverses a crazy day like the sound of relaxing music. It can change the course of your day. I have been listening to the best of Sade on Apple Music. It's hard to decide which is better, the music or her voice.
Q: Any tips or advice for new members?
Select events to attend based on your interests. Don't worry about whether your friends will be there, because new friends who love what you love will be there.
Q: What do you like most about being a member?
I like meeting members from different sectors. Most people only spend time with people who have the same background. It is an eye-opening to experience the world through another person's point of view.
Q: Who/what inspires you?
Women advocates really inspire me. I am very much a student of history and I find the stories of women who took matters into their own hands repeatedly demonstrates that women have the power to control their destiny. We really need to take the lead.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
My hobby is visiting great spas. Some of my local favorites are Salamander, Gaylord at National Harbor, and Balian Springs. Nothing like a little infrared sauna time to make you feel amazing.
Q: Favorite place you've traveled?
My favorite places to travel are Florence, Italy and Athens, Greece, but I love all of the beautiful islands around the world for total relaxation.
Q&A with Kim Keenan
Q: Tell us about your background and where you currently work.
I had practiced at traditional law firms for the first half of my career. Then I had a number of opportunities that broadened the spectrum of my career, including serving as General Counsel and Secretary of the oldest civil rights organization, the NAACP, General Counsel EVP of a woman-owned international marketing company, and CEO of a telecommunications non-profit. Currently, I serve as a mediator/arbitrator at JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediations Service) where I mediate and arbitrate business, employment, and entertainment cases throughout the nation. I also teach Negotiation and Trial Advocacy at George Washington University Law School and in the spring of 2025, I will teach Mediation Advocacy at Georgetown University Law Center.
Q: How long have you been an IWF member?
I have been a member of IWF-DC since 2004. I was nominated by Lois Jackson. She would say, "IWF women are smart, well-connected, empowered and most of all, dedicated to seeing women succeed." More than 20 years later, I know this to be true.
Q: How has your career benefited from being an IWF member?
The biggest thing is being in a room and having someone mention IWF. Women are excited to share their stories about their membership. It is an instant conversation starter.
Q: What excites you the most right now?
I am outlining chapters for my book. This is on my bucket list and I will not rest until I complete this challenge.
Q: What are you reading or listening to?
I love smooth easy music. Nothing reverses a crazy day like the sound of relaxing music. It can change the course of your day. I have been listening to the best of Sade on Apple Music. It's hard to decide which is better, the music or her voice.
Q: Any tips or advice for new members?
Select events to attend based on your interests. Don't worry about whether your friends will be there, because new friends who love what you love will be there.
Q: What do you like most about being a member?
I like meeting members from different sectors. Most people only spend time with people who have the same background. It is an eye-opening to experience the world through another person's point of view.
Q: Who/what inspires you?
Women advocates really inspire me. I am very much a student of history and I find the stories of women who took matters into their own hands repeatedly demonstrates that women have the power to control their destiny. We really need to take the lead.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
My hobby is visiting great spas. Some of my local favorites are Salamander, Gaylord at National Harbor, and Balian Springs. Nothing like a little infrared sauna time to make you feel amazing.
Q: Favorite place you've traveled?
My favorite places to travel are Florence, Italy and Athens, Greece, but I love all of the beautiful islands around the world for total relaxation.