We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jemier Jenkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jemier, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
The love and support I’ve received from my family, friends, sorors, and community empower me to speak up in rooms when I’m alone. I’ve learned how to be more effective in my approach in those spaces through trial and error, but more often than not, I am proud of my voice and grateful for the opportunity to speak for those who can’t.
It’s definitely a habit that’s been hard-won. My understanding of self-worth and self-confidence are shaped by my spiritual beliefs and cultural connections. I was taught to love myself and have continued that practice into adulthood. My worth is not determined by the world’s definitions and I don’t evaluate “Success” and “Failure” through the lens of capitalism or patriarchy. I work every day to dismantle the boxes society tries to place in me so that I may reach my full potential. This work is the fuel for my voice.
There have been several instances that my peers have voted me into leadership positions. Those experiences helped foster the self-confidence I needed to develop my voice. I believe self-confidence is the foundation on which all leadership skills are built. Without it, we drift towards people-pleasing; which serves no one.
As a teacher, I work to instill these concepts into my students.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a teaching artist, writer, and director. Formerly the Education Fellow with American Stage Theatre Company, but I remain committed to nurturing the next generation of aspiring artists. Currently, I’m a member of the Drama department at John’s Hopkins Middle School’s Center for The Arts; our theatre magnet program. Please support our production of Elf Jr December 6-8th. And we always need volunteers!
I’m passionate about my students! Seeing them progress and learn new skills is what I enjoy most.
In addition to my educational endeavors, I Co-Host the Black Hand Side Podcast with Patrick Arthur Jackson. I love telling Black Stories and collaborating with Black Artists. Patrick and I frequently work in spaces where we’re minorities so our Podcast was a catalyst for Black connection in a time that we really needed it.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure to breathe life into a range of memorable characters. Some of my favorite roles include Molly in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone & Miss Pat in The Colored Museum at American Stage Theatre Company. Rena in Jitney & Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar Named Desire with African-American Shakespeare Company. I will continue my collaboration with American Stage Theatre Company this December in Acts of Faith.
I’m a proud member of the Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. You can also catch me onstage on December 14th in A Sketchy $hit Show at The Factory.
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?
Authenticity – In order to be good at my craft I needed to learn myself; intimately. Self-discovery, Self-love, and Self-acceptance allowed me to be my full self. In interviews and auditions, my authenticity is my superpower. I don’t tell people what I think they want to hear. I work constantly on being myself and that acceptance and pride in who I am has impacted my journey through my ability to network and build trust in both my personal and professional relationships.
The Pivot – I always have a goal or plan but I don’t go down with it. When I example situations I’m not afraid to adjust course. I have amassed a variety of additional skills through pivoting to different careers and opportunities. When productions shut down due to COVID I pivoted and used my skills to become a Flight Attendant & Instructor. My ability to diversity has helped me get out of the box.
Resilience – Life is hard. I have supported my mother through 2 bouts with cancer and had a major surgery to remove 13 fibroids almost 2 years ago. Last week my car wouldn’t start after I completed a volunteer event and I had to get a jump in the parking lot. There’s literally always something… But I refuse to give up. I have my “why” and I remind myself every day of my “why” when things get difficult or life gets hard.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The book Radical Forgiveness really helped transform my relationships. It helped me release negative feelings about past events and people so that I could attract opportunity and happiness into my life. It helped me accept that “People can’t give you what they don’t have.” Self-acceptance has also helped me accept others; that too is a form of forgiveness. But forgiveness doesn’t mean a continued relationship. It could, but not necessarily. Learning to honor myself and forgive without the pressure of reconnection is a self-love practice that has served me well.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jemierjenkins
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JemierJenkins
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jemierjenkins/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsJemierJenkins
- Other: https://linktr.ee/jemierjenkins
Image Credits
Lance Huntley (lancehuntley@gmail.com) in collaboration with African-American Shakespeare Company
