As a professional genealogist and U.S. Army Reserve veteran, Megan Kennedy has devoted herself to bringing the stories of women’s service to light—stories often overshadowed or lost in the pages of history. For Megan, the passion for genealogy runs deep, intertwined with her own military service and family heritage.

Representing women’s desire to serve in the U.S. military as volunteers stands out as a proud achievement from her time in uniform. Megan’s journey is enriched by a profound connection to her ancestry; she is a descendant of Revolutionary War patriots. “Knowing my family has defended the ideal of freedom for generations made my military service all the more meaningful,” Megan shared, displaying her insignia from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as a symbol of her family’s legacy. Her story is a continuation of a long line of service, stretching back to America’s fight for independence.
Megan's work as a genealogist isn’t just about tracing family histories; it’s about reclaiming the narratives of women whose contributions have been overlooked. “Women veterans have a rightful place in history,” Megan asserted. "Yet, so many stories are overshadowed by those of their fathers, husbands, or sons." Through her work, she ensures that the voices of women patriots are heard and celebrated. For members of DAR, discovering that their female ancestors contributed to the cause of freedom is a powerful affirmation of their own place in history, and Megan is at the forefront of helping them make these connections.

As an alumna of the Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLP), Megan’s commitment to empowering women veterans extends beyond historical research. She recognizes that women are still often overlooked or silenced in organizational settings and believes in creating inclusive environments where all voices are heard. “WVLP helped me realize how important it is for everyone to feel valued and to be given the opportunity to lead,” Megan explained. Through her experience with WVLP, she learned to reflect more on how her words and actions affect others. One moment in particular that stands out was receiving the results of a leadership assessment, which uncovered her understanding of different leadership styles, and gave her a better grasp of how she could adjust her approach to foster a more compassionate and effective team dynamic.
For Megan, WVLP’s impact extends far beyond the confines of the program itself. It represents a legacy of leadership passed from one cohort to the next, continually evolving and expanding its reach. "This program is so much bigger than one idea, person, or organization,” she noted.
The support and belief in WVLP’s transformative potential come from a diverse array of stakeholders who share a common vision: to see women veterans thrive as leaders and change-makers
in their communities.

A year after completing the program, Megan has witnessed remarkable growth in her confidence, leadership skills, and veteran identity. She has expanded her role in DAR, taking on volunteer leadership positions at local, state, and national levels. Her initiatives include building a community within the organization for DAR members who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. It’s a space where women who answered the call of duty can connect, share experiences, and support one another in their journeys. Megan’s community service also encompasses efforts to help marginalized groups explore their family histories, shining a light on the often-overlooked contributions of Black, Indigenous, Jewish, and other diverse communities to America's past.
The ripple effects of WVLP didn’t stop at her volunteer work. It also gave her the courage to embrace a career change aligned with her passion for history. This October, Megan will begin a new role as an Archives Specialist with the National Records and Archives Administration (NARA). “I never could have envisioned this professional path for myself without the support of my WVLP cohort,” Megan shared. The program empowered her to advocate for her mental and physical well-being, enabling her to pursue a career where she can continue to uplift the voices of those whose stories deserve to be told.
Today, Megan Kennedy stands as a proud supporter for WVLP, dedicating herself to the ongoing mission of ensuring that women veterans are seen, heard, and celebrated. Through her genealogical work, advocacy, and leadership, she is not only uncovering the past but also shaping the future—one where women’s contributions to history are recognized and valued.
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About Beneath the Service
Beneath the Service is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Washington, D.C., dedicated to building upon the exceptional qualities of military veterans and their families in their professional and personal reintegration. Beneath the Service focuses on the psychological components of social reintegration, helping veterans embrace identity, ignite purpose, and strengthen connections with their communities. Beneath the Service is committed to creating a lasting legacy of leadership and community impact by helping veterans and their families honor their past while shaping their future.
Please consider a donation to invest in women veterans' leadership development.
For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:
Email: press@beneaththeservice.org
(718) 496-7536
Washington, D.C.
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