We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Risa Jenkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Risa, 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?
From kindergarten I knew being different would be a challenge. I start there because my family’s church had various standards concerning dress code which automatically made me stick out like a sore thumb! I stood out in church because I couldn’t conform to their rules, I stood out in H.S. with my sexuality while others was still trying to figure theirs out, I stood out in social settings and even within my family. Changing who I was to fit in became a daunting task so being successful and effective was a skill I had no choice in acquiring if I wanted to be heard.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Trauma, Depression, Violence and Anxiety ruled my life for a very long time. I was living through the motions of simply surviving life while juggling generational curses, inherited characteristics and vibrating on a low frequency. Common solutions such as suicide, drug abuse and self mutilation wasn’t a successful plan.
For most of my teenage into adult life I was involved in abusive relationships. It wasn’t until I had my daughter that I start having coming to Jesus moments and wanted quickly to change my ways. I didn’t walk away until she was 6yo and now a victim as well. After escaping, we began our healing journey.
While on our new path we began going to counseling and therapy. We quickly grasped the concept that we were in that situation to help others. After 3 years of intense repair God gave Rhianna the vision to start an organization who focuses on aiding and empowering victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Two years into business Breakthrough was founded. It’s our mentoring program who targets traumatized youth in urban communities in effort to provide services that assist in their success such as educational support, family support and personal development.
Overtime I have worked in schools serving as a Paraprofessional, Online Facilitator, Servant Leader and Educational Consultant. I also published two books (“Maybe I Shouldn’t Tell” & “It’s Just Emotions”) both available on Amazon. I’m brand ambassador for Spotted Peacock, a brand that focuses on healing through art and clothing brand represents mental health awareness/suicide prevention. I’m currently a certified Life Coach and by Sept 2023 I will have the additional title of NLP Practitioner.
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?
3 skills that are most impactful are the following: 1. Choice
2. Chance
3. Change
You have the CHOICE everyday to be/do/feel however you desire so why not take advantage of the CHANCE you have to CHANGE the narrative in ways that better align with your life’s mission.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents have done was letting go and letting God. Through their tough love I experienced life in a way that was conducive to my life’s journey. The lessons I learned are now tools I implement in my practice. Being transparent with my experiences serves as autonomy with my clients.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: risa_sheri_j
- Facebook: Risa Jenkins
Image Credits
Drew Michael Photography Mike
