Meet Jenna Perkins

We recently connected with Jenna Perkins and have shared our conversation below.

Jenna , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I might be the only one in the room who looks like me, but I represent so many women and healthcare consumers who look like me—who rarely see providers, decision-makers, or leaders who reflect them. So I show up with that in mind. I know my voice doesn’t just carry my story—it carries theirs too. I often find that what felt like being ‘the only’ actually becomes a strength—because I’m able to challenge assumptions, reframe conversations, and advocate for more inclusive, responsive care.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At my core, I’m a women’s health advocate—fueled by purpose and grounded in evidence-based care. I’m the founder of DiscovHER Health, a boutique women’s healthcare clinic based in Alexandria, Virginia. We specialize in areas that are often overlooked or underserved in traditional healthcare settings—things like hormone health, pelvic wellness, sexual health, metabolic concerns, and even skin health, which can all be deeply connected.

What’s special about what we do is that we don’t just treat symptoms—we treat women. Our model is called the HER Method, which stands for Healthcare, Education, and Resources. Because real healing and empowerment happen when you combine expert clinical care with access to knowledge and tools women can use to advocate for themselves. That’s where transformation happens.

For me, this work is deeply personal. I’ve seen the gaps in care firsthand—as a provider, but also as a woman navigating a system that wasn’t designed with us in mind. DiscovHER Health is about rewriting that story. Our care is individualized, trauma-informed, and culturally conscious. We listen first, and we build trust before we build a treatment plan.

Right now, I’m especially excited about a few things we’re expanding. Our Pelvic Reset Program has been a game-changer for women dealing with chronic pelvic pain, incontinence, or intimacy issues, and we’re working to make that more accessible virtually. We’re also growing our weight optimization program, which supports metabolic health in a holistic way—without shame or one-size-fits-all plans. And then there’s HERshop, our curated wellness marketplace offering products that support hormone balance, vaginal health, skin care, and more.

Ultimately, DiscovHER Health is about helping women feel seen, heard, and supported—not just in moments of crisis, but throughout every phase of life. That’s the legacy I want to leave: one where women feel powerful in their bodies, informed in their choices, and cared for by people who truly get them.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful things on my journey so far have been: resilience, cultural humility, and strategic communication.

Resilience was non-negotiable. Healthcare—and especially women’s health—is not an easy space to work in, especially when you’re challenging norms or speaking up for underserved communities. There were moments I questioned whether I could really build something different. But I kept going by staying connected to my “why.” For anyone just starting, I’d say: your resilience doesn’t come from being unaffected—it comes from knowing how to rest, reset, and recommit.

Cultural humility has also been a huge one. It’s not enough to be “inclusive” in theory. You have to do the work—listening deeply, challenging your own assumptions, and always being willing to learn from the people you serve. If you’re early in your journey, start there. Don’t wait until you’re in leadership to make equity a core part of how you work.

And then there’s strategic communication—not just being able to speak clearly, but being able to connect. Whether it’s with patients, colleagues, or partners, learning how to share your message with authenticity and intention can open doors that skills alone might not. My advice? Practice speaking in your own voice. Say the hard things with care. And never underestimate the power of knowing how to tell your story.

These aren’t things you master overnight, but they’re muscles you can build. And when you do, they’ll carry you through the moments that matter most.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

A book that has deeply shaped both my personal growth and professional journey is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I come back to it often because its wisdom is both timeless and grounding—especially when you’re navigating spaces that can be high-pressure, high-stakes, and not always affirming.

The first agreement, “Be impeccable with your word,” resonated with me as a healthcare provider and a leader. Words have weight. Whether I’m talking to a patient, mentoring a colleague, or advocating for systemic change, I remind myself that how I speak matters—especially when people are vulnerable or unheard. Being intentional, honest, and compassionate in my communication is part of how I build trust.

“Don’t take anything personally” was also a game-changer. That one’s still a work in progress, but it’s been powerful—especially in leadership, where decisions get scrutinized and not everyone will understand your ‘why.’ It taught me that other people’s projections aren’t always a reflection of my worth or my work. I’ve learned to hold space for feedback, but not let it derail my mission.

The third, “Don’t make assumptions,” has helped me become a better listener. In healthcare, assuming can lead to misdiagnosis—or worse, a missed opportunity to truly connect. That agreement reminds me to ask better questions, pause before jumping to conclusions, and let people tell their own stories.

And finally, “Always do your best”—it sounds simple, but it’s profound. Especially as a woman of color in medicine, there’s pressure to be perfect. But this agreement reframed it for me: doing my best doesn’t mean doing it all. It means showing up fully, honoring my limits, and giving myself grace. That’s enough. And that’s powerful.

The Four Agreements continues to anchor me in who I want to be—both in and out of the exam room.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.discovherhealth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discovherhealth/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-perkins-20178221/