Kenya Whitaker (she/her/hers) is a recent law school graduate and previous fellow at a Black-led policy advocacy nonprofit organization. Kenya is excited to bring her passion in movement lawyering to her new role as Government Affairs Associate at the National LGBTQ Task Force.
Kenya’s work focuses on advancing systemic change through community and organizational partnerships and policy enhancement. As an active member of the DC Reparations Coalition and the Sex Workers Advocacy Coalition, Kenya leads efforts in facilitating meetings, planning community events, engaging in outreach, and leveraging social media to increase public education and grassroots advocacy.
Growing up in Prince George’s County, MD, Kenya’s deep roots in the DMV area have shaped her commitment to justice and community empowerment. Her legal experience spans a broad range of activities—from representing housing cooperatives and assisting nonprofit start-ups to advocating for parole on behalf of elderly clients. Her dedication as a movement lawyer is evident in her work to create policies that support gender justice and improve the safety and well-being of Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Prior to her legal education, Kenya was an Academic Coach for a private tutoring company, working with DC Public and Charter Schools to boost standardized test scores, including the SAT and ACT. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Trinity Washington University and a J.D. from University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Law, achieving summa cum laude honors in both degrees. Her academic and professional excellence has been recognized with the CLEA’s Outstanding Student Clinic Award and the UDC Law Dean’s Cup Award for Scholarship.
An esteemed member of the D.C. Bar, Kenya spends her leisure time enjoying brunch with friends, thrifting, and immersing herself in novels by her favorite author, Gloria Naylor. She is passionate about teaching and inspiring others to reach their fullest potential.