While pursuing her PhD, she worked as the Director of Critical Care and Emergency Services at a hospital that was intensely affected by COVID-19 and has been on the frontlines of the pandemic since it began in 2020. She was also at the forefront of the protests following the death of George Floyd and traveled to San Diego County to provide supplies and first aid support to activists. Amidst her work, research, and activism, Jenkins has been raising her three lovely children.

Jenkins was selected to be the 2021 Commencement Speaker and has received several prestigious awards including the 2021 President’s Award for Health, Equity, and Social Justice, 2021 Community CORE Award, 2020 Public Impact Fellowship, and the Nurse Leader of the Year Award.