Kennedy is a prominent human rights activist. She focuses on issues ranging from women's rights to judicial independence and has lead over 40 human rights delegations into more than 30 countries. In addition to her numerous leadership positions in organizations that include the Amnesty Leadership Council and United States Institute of Peace, she established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights in honor of her late father. The RFK Center has made enormous strides in human rights by supporting local activists around the world. Kennedy is also the author of Speak Truth to Power and Being Catholic Now.