Kerry Kennedy is a renowned American lawyer, author, and human rights activist recognized for her lifelong dedication to social justice and human rights advocacy. As the president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, she leads global efforts to defend fundamental freedoms, support human rights defenders, and address issues such as child labor, women’s rights, freedom of expression, and environmental justice. Beyond her activism, Kennedy is an accomplished author, with works like Speak Truth to Power and Being Catholic Now, reflecting her commitment to amplifying the voices of those fighting for justice worldwide. Her work has made her a prominent figure in the international human rights community, continuing the legacy of public service established by her family.
Early Life and Background
Kerry Kennedy was born on September 8, 1959, in Washington, D.C., the seventh of eleven children of U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel Kennedy. Growing up in one of America’s most prominent political families, she experienced firsthand the impact of national events, including the assassination of her uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and the tragic death of her father during his own presidential campaign in 1968. Her childhood was shaped by public service, social awareness, and the family’s commitment to civil rights and justice, which laid the foundation for her future work in human rights advocacy.
Following her upbringing in a politically engaged household, Kerry Kennedy devoted her life to human rights, social justice, and public service. She has led hundreds of human rights delegations worldwide, addressing issues such as women’s rights, child labor, freedom of expression, judicial independence, Indigenous land rights, and environmental justice. As president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, she continues to champion justice, support human rights defenders, and amplify marginalized voices, combining her legal expertise with decades of advocacy to create meaningful change globally.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Kerry Kennedy |
| Date of Birth | September 8, 1959 |
| Age | 66 years old (born September 8, 1959) |
| Place of Birth | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Religion | Raised Catholic |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Lawyer, Author, Human Rights Activist |
| Known For | President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; Advocacy for social justice and human rights |
| Parents | Robert F. Kennedy (Father), Ethel Skakel Kennedy (Mother) |
| Siblings | One of 11 children; notable sibling: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. |
| Spouse | Andrew Cuomo (m. 1990; div. 2005) |
| Children | Cara Ethel Cuomo (b. 1995), Mariah Matilda Cuomo (b. 1995), Michaela Andrea Cuomo (b. 1997) |
| Current Relationship | Single |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts, Brown University; Juris Doctor (J.D.), Boston College Law School |
| Net Worth | Approx. $10 Million |
Education
Kerry Kennedy pursued her higher education with a strong focus on law and public service. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University, where she developed a foundation in critical thinking and social awareness. Building on this, she obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Boston College Law School, equipping her with the legal expertise that would later support her work in human rights advocacy. Kennedy is also a licensed attorney, admitted to practice in Massachusetts and the District of Columbia, which has enabled her to combine legal knowledge with her dedication to justice and social change.
Career
Kerry Kennedy has dedicated over four decades to human rights advocacy, law, and social justice, becoming one of the most prominent voices for equality and justice worldwide. Early in her career, she worked with Amnesty International, investigating human rights abuses and laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to defending those whose voices are marginalized. Her work spans a wide range of issues, including child labor, women’s rights, freedom of expression, judicial independence, Indigenous land rights, immigration, criminal justice reform, and environmental justice.
Kennedy is the president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, the nonprofit organization founded to continue her family’s legacy of public service. Under her leadership, the organization conducts human rights delegations, pursues strategic litigation, supports activists on the ground, and educates future generations on civic engagement and justice. She has led hundreds of delegations in over 60 countries, amplifying the stories of human rights defenders and driving global awareness of abuses. In addition, Kennedy is an accomplished author, with books such as Speak Truth to Power and Being Catholic Now, and serves on multiple boards and advisory councils focused on advancing human rights and social change. Her career reflects a blend of legal expertise, advocacy, and leadership, making her a prominent figure in international human rights.
Achievements
- Eleanor Roosevelt Medal of Honor – Recognized for outstanding contributions to human rights.
- Humanitarian of the Year Award – From the South Asian Media Awards Foundation for global social impact.
- Thomas More Award – Presented by Boston College Law School for excellence in advocacy and justice.
- Awards from Save the Children, World Vision, and the International AIDS Trust – Honoring her commitment to vulnerable populations worldwide.
- Medal for Social Activism – From the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, acknowledging her work empowering communities and advancing human rights.
- Honorary Doctorates – From institutions including Le Moyne College, University of San Francisco, Bay Path College, and Albany College of Pharmacy, recognizing her lifelong dedication to justice and public service.
- Leadership in Global Human Rights Advocacy – Has led hundreds of human rights delegations in over 60 countries, addressing issues such as women’s rights, child labor, freedom of expression, and environmental justice.
Personal Life
Parents: Kerry Kennedy is the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, former U.S. Attorney General and Senator, and Ethel (Skakel) Kennedy, making her a member of the prominent Kennedy family.
Siblings: She is one of eleven children, with siblings including well-known figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and several others who have been active in public service, law, and philanthropy.
Spouse: Kerry Kennedy was married to Andrew Cuomo, who later became the Governor of New York. The couple married on June 9, 1990, and divorced in 2005.
Children: The couple has three daughters:
- Cara Ethel Cuomo (born June 11, 1995)
- Mariah Matilda Cuomo (born June 11, 1995)
- Michaela Andrea Cuomo (born August 26, 1997)
Current Relationship: Kerry Kennedy is currently single and not publicly reported to be in a relationship.
kerry kennedy Net Worth
Kerry Kennedy, the renowned American lawyer, author, and human rights activist, has an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million. Her wealth reflects a lifetime of work in human rights advocacy, including her leadership of the nonprofit Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, as well as her earnings from authorship, public speaking engagements, and other professional endeavors. While her focus has always been on social justice and philanthropy rather than personal wealth, her career achievements and contributions have also contributed to her financial standing.
Kerry Kennedy Now
As of 2026, Kerry Kennedy continues to be a leading figure in human rights advocacy and social justice. She remains the President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, the nonprofit organization dedicated to defending basic rights, supporting activists, and advancing justice worldwide. Under her leadership, the organization actively engages in litigation, advocacy, and educational initiatives, focusing on civil liberties, women’s rights, freedom of expression, and environmental and social justice issues.
In addition to her nonprofit work, Kerry Kennedy is an active public speaker, delivering lectures on topics such as “speaking truth to power” and engaging with students, policymakers, and global audiences on human rights and ethical leadership. She is also preparing a new biography of her mother, Ethel Kennedy, set to be published in October 2026, highlighting the life and legacy of the matriarch of the Kennedy family. Beyond her professional work, Kennedy remains a visible voice in public discourse, commenting on social, cultural, and political matters, and continuing the Kennedy family tradition of civic engagement and advocacy.
Legacy and Impact
Kerry Kennedy has built a lasting legacy as one of the most influential human rights advocates of her generation. Through her decades-long leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, she has championed justice, equality, and the protection of basic freedoms across the globe. Kennedy has personally led hundreds of delegations to over 60 countries, exposing human rights abuses, supporting local activists, and advocating for systemic change in areas such as women’s rights, children’s rights, freedom of expression, judicial independence, and environmental justice.
Beyond her direct advocacy, Kennedy’s impact is also evident in her role as an educator, author, and public speaker, inspiring new generations of human rights defenders and raising global awareness of social justice issues. Her work has advanced strategic litigation, informed public policy, and strengthened international human rights frameworks. By combining legal expertise, leadership, and moral courage, Kerry Kennedy continues to carry forward the Kennedy family’s tradition of public service, leaving an enduring mark on the global human rights community and empowering others to “speak truth to power.”
Conclusion
Kerry Kennedy’s life and work reflect a profound dedication to human rights, justice, and social change. Through her leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, her global advocacy efforts, and her writing and public speaking, she has championed the causes of marginalized communities, defended civil liberties, and inspired countless individuals to take action for equality and justice. Kennedy’s enduring commitment to amplifying the voices of human rights defenders and promoting systemic reform has solidified her place as a leading figure in international human rights, ensuring that the legacy of the Kennedy family continues to influence and shape a more just and compassionate world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kerry Kennedy?
Kerry Kennedy is an American lawyer, author, and human rights activist. She is best known for her leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, advocating for civil liberties, women’s rights, child labor issues, freedom of expression, and environmental justice.
When and where was Kerry Kennedy born?
She was born on September 8, 1959, in Washington, D.C., USA.
Who are Kerry Kennedy’s parents?
Kerry is the daughter of U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel Kennedy, members of the prominent Kennedy family.
How many siblings does Kerry Kennedy have?
She is the seventh of eleven children, with siblings including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and several others active in public service and philanthropy.
What books has Kerry Kennedy written?
She is the author of works including Speak Truth to Power and Being Catholic Now, highlighting human rights, social justice, and ethical leadership.
Who was Kerry Kennedy married to?
She was married to Andrew Cuomo, former Governor of New York, from June 9, 1990, to 2005.
Does Kerry Kennedy have children?
Yes, she has three daughters:
Cara Ethel Cuomo (born June 11, 1995)
Mariah Matilda Cuomo (born June 11, 1995)
Michaela Andrea Cuomo (born August 26, 1997)
What is Kerry Kennedy’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is approximately $10 million, accumulated from her leadership in human rights advocacy, authorship, public speaking, and professional endeavors.