Meet Vanity Jenkins

We recently connected with Vanity Jenkins and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanity, 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?

Being the only one in the room that looks like me is less of a demonstration of my personal success, and more to do with the anti-Blackness that’s upheld in so many spaces. Research has shown that Black women have better job outcomes when we work on teams with more Black colleagues. So being the only one in the room is not only an isolating experience, it’s one that sets Black women up for failure.

When I do find myself in this scenario, leaning on the support of mentors, colleagues, and friends who have experienced the same thing keeps me grounded. I also remind myself to not internalize anything, and to take nothing personally. By staying focused on my greater purpose in life, which is to see racism and anti-Blackness abolished, I’m given the courage to keep going.

I also believe it’s my responsibility to hold the door open for other Black women when I do find myself being the only one in a space. There’s no benefit in gatekeeping opportunities, because our success is collective and connected. To me, that’s where true success lies: transforming a space not just for my own success, but for more Black women to occupy that space and thrive.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder of ShiftED Consulting, an organization I created with the vision of abolishing racism and anti-Blackness from organizations across America. On a day to day basis, I support leaders and organizations in their journeys to becoming equity-centered, and have more inclusive, productive, and thriving teams.

ShiftED will be five this August, and I’m proud of the growth it’s experienced so far. At the time that I started my business, I had experienced a string of jobs that didn’t work out. I was burned out, sick of the games that Black women are forced to play to succeed in corporate America, and ready to do work that was more aligned with my values. While it took courage to leave the security of a full-time role, I’m grateful I took the leap because it’s transformed my quality of life.

One thing I love most about what I do is getting to know so many dynamic Black women by serving as their career and business coach. I lead the Authentically Me Fellowship with my friend Rachel Vicente, which is a six-week virtual fellowship designed for mid-career women of color looking to define their authentic self in their career and explore how both White supremacy culture and internalized racial oppression impact their competence and confidence at work. We had our first in-person retreat in Houston earlier this summer, and it was the motivator I needed to expand this work to more women, and to continue creating safe spaces for women of color to find community and be their authentic selves.

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?

My strong sense of self, pride in my Blackness and knowledge of its history, and courage to speak up have been most impactful in my journey. In every professional experience I’ve been in, I’ve had to call on all three of these qualities to guide me and set the tone for how I respond to racism and microaggressions. Clarity on my values has also opened me up to doing work that I truly enjoy, and that most fulfills me.

For people early in their journey, and especially for Black women looking to take on leadership roles at work or as entrepreneurs, I would encourage them to develop these qualities by first getting clear on what your personal values are. Knowing without a doubt what matters most to you will guide you to the right places and communities where you can thrive.

One way I’ve coached clients through identifying their core values is to sit with a long list of adjectives and circle or highlight each word that speaks to you. Begin to narrow that list down until you land on five core values. Let’s say yours are integrity, faith, justice, kindness, and humor. If you’re interviewing for a new job or deciding on a new client to take on, if the opportunity doesn’t represent all or at least most of those values, you have your answer on how to proceed.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

As a business owner, single mom, and PhD student, I’m no stranger to overwhelm! I manage it by always making sure that my cup is filled first. As the oldest daughter in my family, it took me a long time to learn this skill, but self-preservation and self-care are the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves.

Traveling, spending time with friends, and leaning into mindfulness and my faith all help to keep me grounded. To other women, and especially women of color who are in a similar position, I would encourage you to put you first on your schedule. Block out the time you need in your daily work schedule to take walks, eat a good meal, or to just breathe and be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shiftedconsulting.com
• Instagram: @shiftedconsilting
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094016089971
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanity-y-jenkins/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanityjenkins3500/featured

Image Credits

Sydney Murdock