Articles - Sharon L. Kennedy

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon L. Kennedy spoke to members of the Ohio Women's Bar Foundation Leadership Institute during one of its sessions held on Friday, March 6, 2015, in Columbus.

The Leadership Institute was created in order to focus on "the particular challenges that women face on their career path" and "assist women lawyers in developing their leadership skills."

During her presentation, Justice Kennedy shared experiences from her career journey and stressed how much of leadership is actually mentorship.

"My success is tied to the fact that I have had mentors along the way," she said. "Leadership is really mentoring others to achieve success and accomplish their own dreams."

She also spoke about the power of positive thinking and viewing obstacles or challenges as opportunities to rise. This is the type of outlook, Justice Kennedy said, that allows someone to not only make advances themselves but also help others in the same pursuit.

"Leaders are people who know how to reach goals and inspire others along the way. Leadership is not meant to be a focus on you. You become a leader by focusing on others and helping them to achieve their dreams," Justice Kennedy said.

Justice Kennedy is serving her second term on the Supreme Court of Ohio. Prior to joining the Supreme Court, Justice Kennedy served on the Butler County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division from 1999 to 2012. She served as the administrative judge there from 2005 until December 2012. Justice Kennedy began her career in the justice system as a police officer in Hamilton, Ohio. She received her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.