30 Sep 2024 Person of the Month: Dr. Tionna L. Jenkins

Posted at 8:41 PMh in Neighbors by
As a public health doctor, I have always been keenly aware of the benefits of decreasing processed foods and increasing whole foods, primarily fruits, vegetables, etc. I have been practicing a vegan lifestyle for 10 years because of personal health challenges. I learned that a plant-based diet improves heart health, weight management and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Secondly, I became more aware of the environmental impact of animal agriculture, including deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions and water usage. Choosing vegan options is one way to contribute positively to the planet.

FAMILY:I have been married to R.J. Jenkins Jr. for 20 years. We have two beautiful daughters, Savannah and Alexandria Jenkins.

CAREER: As a public health doctor/practitioner with over 20 years of executive leadership experience in both corporate and nonprofit sectors, I am dedicated to enhancing community health through research, education and policy development. Additionally, I co-own Plate It Healthy with my husband, a public health and wellness company that offers strategic guidance to executives and organizations focused on strategically improving health and well-being within their company infrastructure and with their employees. We achieve this through education, consultation, strategic planning and engaging through our culinary experiences, including our wellness cooking classes, food demos and our servicing through our food truck, Plate It To Go. Our mission is to empower individuals and organizations to prioritize health through accessible and enjoyable food experiences.

Education: I earned a Ph.D. in public and health policy at the University of Arkansas in May 2015. I earned a graduate certification in nonprofit management (Honors) from the Institute of Government/Public Administration at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in December 2006. I earned a Master of Public Health, Health Policy, and Management (Honors) from the College of Public Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in May 2005. I also have a Bachelor of Science in biology (Cum Laude) from Philander Smith College in Little Rock that I received in 2001. I also have a certification in plant-based nutrition from T. Collins Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies; a plant-based nutrition certificate from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; and a certification in lifestyle and diabetes management, lifestyle coaching and diabetes management from Emory Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta, Ga.

Accomplishments: I was appointed to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Health Equity Council as a subject matter expert in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) by the Alliance for Reaching Community Health Equity. I was featured in Arkansas Business’ 40 Under 40 and was part of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class IX. I was a national fellow with the Association for Black Foundation Executives. I serve on the Board of Directors for Arkansas Children’s Hospital and am the chairwoman of the Board of Trustees for Philander Smith University.

Community activities: My expertise in public health and entrepreneurship has been highlighted in Heart & Soul Magazine, Ebony, FIT Arkansas, Little Rock Soirée, Arkansas Money & Politics and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. I have also been featured on KATV Channel 7, Good Morning Arkansas, KTHV Channel 11, The Vine and KARK News Channel 4.

How do you stay motivated to live an active lifestyle and to eat healthy food: I set clear goals, find enjoyable activities for exercise, plan and prep meals ahead of time (I am not perfect), surround myself with like-minded individuals who support and motivate one another, celebrate progress and remind myself that it’s about balance, allowing for occasional indulgences without guilt, which helps maintain a sustainable lifestyle.

What are your guilty pleasure foods? Mac and cheese, ice creams and the cookies that we make and sell. Of course, everything is vegan and non-dairy!