AC Native Jacqui Kennedy Leads Howard University Students to NPR’s Tiny Desk, Bridging Business, Art, and Culture

WASHINGTON – Atlantic City native Jacqui Kennedy is making her mark far beyond the Boardwalk.

Now a marketing major at Howard University’s School of Business, VP of Howard University's Spotlight Network Television, and an independent artist, Kennedy recently led a group of fellow students to NPR’s iconic Tiny Desk series, celebrating the power of music, creativity, and cultural storytelling.

Kennedy grew up surrounded by the sounds and rhythms that define Atlantic City’s vibrant cultural scene. That early exposure to art and performance shaped her passion for music and inspired her to pursue a career that blends creative expression with business strategy. At Howard, she has already become a leader on campus, producing a sold-out showcase for the Howard University ELITE Models talent group that brought together performers, students, and community members in a celebration of emerging talent in fashion.

“Tiny Desk has always represented the kind of artistry I believe in,” Kennedy said. “It’s about authenticity, creativity, and connection. That is the energy I want to bring into every project I lead, whether it’s producing a show, marketing an event, or creating new opportunities for artists.”

The visit offered students a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a small performance series evolved into one of the most respected music platforms in the world. For Kennedy, it was more than a field trip, it was a moment of alignment with the future she envisions, one where creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship work together to open doors for artists like herself.

"I cried. I was just so happy. It felt surreal to be in a space I'd long admired from home, sharing that moment alongside my HU Spotlight Network Television team," said Kennedy.

The group had the opportunity to learn directly from a panel of NPR professionals including Jonas Adams, Gene Demby, Keonna Carter, Esq., and Ayesha Rascoe, who shared their personal journeys and offered invaluable advice about working in media and storytelling.

Chuck Roberts, who led the tour, offered an inside view of the culture and operations that make NPR a global leader in broadcasting. He highlighted the staff’s commitment to excellence, including a 24-hour audio team that listens to NPR programming on five consecutive radios to detect and fix even the smallest imperfections. Roberts also shared stories about the artists who have performed at Tiny Desk and the trinkets and mementos they leave behind, each one a testament to the creativity and history woven into the series.

From Atlantic City to Washington, D.C., Jacqui Kennedy is proving that hometown roots can grow into global ambitions. Her journey is a reminder that artistry and leadership are not separate paths but part of the same story, one that is still unfolding and destined to inspire many more. She graduates from Howard University in May of 2026.

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