Kelly McKenna

Kelly McKenna is the IEEE REACH (Raising Engineering Awareness Through the Conduit of History) Sr. Program Manager with the IEEE History Center and is responsible for the program’s development, implementation, and distribution. Kelly works with educators, administrators, IEEE historians and IEEE volunteers on this innovative multimedia journey that provides a different lens for students to think about the consequences of change particularly in relation to the role technology and innovation play in global events and in addressing social problems. Self-described as passionately curious, Kelly aims to bring the same type of elevated inquiry and interest to students through the free resources found in the IEEE REACH program with the goal to improve students’ technological literacy skills and engagement in the diversity of the human experience. Kelly has presented at the United Nations, and at numerous national, regional, and international education conferences in both the STEM and Social Studies disciplines. Based on the success of IEEE REACH, Kelly has co-authored several academic conference papers that highlight how the IEEE REACH program engages students in the social relevance of technology, providing a new STEM education pathway, especially for girls. Kelly has an MFA in Documentary Film from Wake Forest University, a BA in Communication Arts (Broadcasting) from the University of Dayton and holds a certificate in IDM (Inquiry Design Model) from the NCSS and C3 Teachers’ IDM Summer Institute. She received the UNESCO OER Implementation Award for Excellence, 2021 OE Global.