Ellington

Theresa Kennedy is an active member in too many Jackson metro organizations to list. "I want to create my life, not just to let it happen," she says. "That's a lot of the reason that I am as involved as I am."

Kennedy is most active as a board member for the Young Professionals Alliance of Greater Jackson, an organization that hosts monthly luncheons and other social and business events for young professionals. She is also opening an online boutique at the end of the month--all of this while managing a full-time job and an active social life.

When asked how she balances such a busy life, she laughs. The secret, Kennedy confides, is taking catnaps and keeping a 
detailed calendar.

A graduate of Alcorn State, Kennedy, 30, earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and, in 2006, a master's degree in agricultural sciences with an emphasis in agricultural economics.

After briefly working in South Carolina, she returned to Mississippi. Today, she works as a credit analyst for First South Farm Credit Bank in Ridgeland, and she wears the title "young professional" with pride.

The Moss Point native attributes her success to her parents. Her mother, a teacher, taught her to work selflessly. Her father instilled in her a diligent attitude, sociable nature and an unwillingness to accept mediocrity.

This attitude has pushed Kennedy to work hard to improve the Jackson metro community for young professionals. From business opportunities to social events to shopping options, when she sees an area of Jackson that could be improved, she does 
something about it.

As a YPA board member, Kennedy's responsibilities include building relationships between young professionals and local businesses in the city.

"I think people have a very strong interest in young professionals now because they know that we're next up," she says.

On the social scene, Kennedy is involved with the jb Entertainment Group, which hosts social events in Jackson and on the Gulf Coast. The group's monthly First Friday and Third Tuesday events provide festive atmospheres at various venues for locals to mingle and have a good time.

Red August, Kennedy's online boutique, launches Aug. 26, and she will sell accessories, shoes, handbags and jewelry. She classifies her business as global, yet local, because while it is online, it provides many products from local and small-business designers. Customers will be able to shop online at shopredaugust.com or schedule appointments to check out the products in person.

Kennedy enjoys Jackson's nightlife in her free time. She says the city offers a variety of things to do yet maintains its small feel.

"Jackson is almost like 'Cheers.' ... Everyone knows your name," she says. "I like that personal-ness."