We were lucky to catch up with Alicia Jenkins recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alicia, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
“There’s no lemon so sour that you can’t turn it into something resembling lemonade.” – This Is Us
January 31, 2020, I lost my first son, Isaac Zeus Jenkins. During my grief period, I had a vivid dream of what Isaac would be like, growing from a boy into adulthood. The following day, I wrote down the story in the form of a poem. Months later, I decided to transform it into a children’s book.
After deciding to leave my corporate job of 10 years to dedicate myself fully to my children, Isaiah (age 2) and Zachary (age 1), I committed to publishing “Isaac Can Do It” on what would have been Isaac’s 4th birthday, January 31, 2024. This book, and others I write, serve a dual purpose: teaching self-belief and perseverance through challenges while also encouraging people to turn their pain into a source of creativity and motivation. Through “Isaac Can Do It,” I hope to instill a message that is as timeless as it is powerful: in the face of adversity, the human spirit can achieve extraordinary things.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Alicia L. Jenkins, a devoted wife and mother to my beloved sons, Isaiah and Zachary, and forever inspired by the spirit of Isaac. Proudly hailing from Detroit, I am an alumna of Cass Technical High School and Jackson State University, with an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Global. My personal and academic journey has fueled a deep passion for literacy and empowerment.
In the heart of Detroit, a story of love, loss, and resilience unfolds through the children’s book “Isaac Can Do It.” This book not only imparts crucial life skills such as resilience and self-sufficiency to young readers but also equips parents with tools to foster their children’s confidence and independence. Born from profound personal loss, this tale has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for families.
My journey through grief not only gave life to a cherished children’s book but also ignited a mission to serve others. Through Isaac’s story, I aim to inspire children to conquer any challenge while guiding parents in nurturing their children’s strength and independence. Additionally, I am committed to supporting underserved youth, enhancing literacy in disadvantaged communities, and promoting mental health awareness.
I have been honored to participate in various events, including the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) authors panel and the DPSCD Parents Are Heroes event, author readings, meet-and-greets, career days, and numerous partnerships. One memorable experience was partnering with David Ellis West Academy in Redford, MI, where I engaged over 300 children from kindergarten to third grade. Together, we completed activities inspired by Isaac, including coloring sheets, and my book was featured in their Bookworm vending machine, where students could earn rewards for good behavior. Our shared mantra that day, “I can do it!”, continues to resonate.
I am dedicated to continuing this journey, with my next book, “Isaac Breathes Through It,” set to launch on Amazon on August 1, 2024. For partnerships or connections, please email me at [email protected].
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful in my journey.
Firstly, resilience and adaptability were crucial. Navigating personal loss and turning it into a source of inspiration required a deep sense of resilience and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. These qualities allowed me to face challenges head-on and ensure that my mission remained focused and impactful. To develop resilience, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, practice self-compassion, and maintain a positive mindset. Cultivate adaptability by staying open to change and learning from new experiences, and surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your growth.
Secondly, effective communication played a vital role. Whether through writing, speaking engagements, or personal interactions, the ability to communicate clearly and empathetically has been essential. Crafting a narrative that resonates with both children and parents required clarity and engagement. To enhance communication skills, practice active listening, seek feedback on your messaging, and consider public speaking or writing workshops. Observing skilled communicators and reading widely can also provide valuable insights.
Lastly, a solid understanding of literacy and child development has been instrumental. This knowledge helps in creating content that addresses the developmental needs of children and supports parents in fostering their growth. To gain this knowledge, pursue formal education or professional development opportunities in literacy and child development, stay informed about current research, and volunteer with educational programs. Seeking mentorship from experts, such as those in Detroit’s Ladies Entrepreneur Empowerment Circle, can also provide practical experience and deeper insights.
For those early in their journey, focusing on building resilience, honing communication skills, forming and maintaining networking connections, and gaining relevant knowledge will provide a strong foundation for both personal and professional growth. Embrace continuous learning and remain committed to your mission, adapting as you gain new insights and experiences.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I am actively seeking partnerships and collaborations with individuals and organizations who share a passion for supporting underserved and underprivileged youth. I am particularly interested in connecting with educators, community leaders, non-profit organizations, and businesses that are committed to enhancing literacy and providing resources to children in need.
If you are interested in collaborating to help put more books into the hands and homes of these young readers, I would love to hear from you. Please reach out to me via email at [email protected] to discuss potential opportunities and how we can work together to make a positive impact on children’s lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Alicia-L.-Jenkins/author/B0CTQ4R15J?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.alicialjenkins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrs.alicialjenkins
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicialjenkins/
Image Credits
Fotos Gran LLC (https://www.instagram.com/fotosgranllc/) for photos.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
