| Tionna Jenkins, Ph.D., MPH, has a significant impact in Arkansas while it inspires individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Jenkins, a former former Arkansas University for the Medical Sciences (UAMS) Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health’s Health Policy and Management Program, is a public health professional, consultant and owner of Plate IT Healthy, a plant -based plant food company. His catering truck, he says to go, brings healthy and delicious options to communities.
Souheurizing his mission to promote well-being, Jenkins associates with companies, businesses and communities to help fill the gaps in terms of health, provide nutrition solutions and approach food deserts.
“I always knew that I wanted to help people to follow health care,” she said. “But I never imagined that it would be through public health or the management of a food and well-being food company.”
Originally from Little Rock, Jenkins spent much of her childhood in Camden, Pine Bluff and Magnolia. These four various places have played a crucial role in training his career in public health.
“From a very young age, I became aware of the differences in lifestyle between rural and urban populations,” she recalls. “I realized that people in certain areas and populations had better access to health care, healthy foods and quality education. See what people have done – or not – have access because of their postal codes and their neighborhoods have left a lasting impact on me. »»
Raised in a middle -class house where her two parents were educators, Jenkins’ life radically changed when his father died of a heart attack in the thirties. She was just a pre -adolescent at the time. In 2021, she underwent another significant loss when her mother died of diabetes and kidney failure.
The death of his parents due to chronic diseases feeds the passion of Jenkins to help others lead a healthier life.
“I always wanted to find solutions to chronic health problems,” she said. “I want it to be part of my inheritance. This is why I chose public health. »»
Jenkins, who obtained a diploma in biology from Philander Smith University, a doctorate. In public policy with a health specialization of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and a certification of graduates in non -profit management from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock – was among the first group of people to obtain a master’s degree in public health from UAMS College of Public Health.
She considers her journey to public health as Sérendie.
After graduating from Philander Smith University, Jenkins worked on a project with her mentor at UAMS, when she noticed a book on public health on her desk. It sparked a conversation that changes life.
“My mentor, Dr. Billy Thomas told me that he was going back to school to win a MPH,” she said. “He explained that as a doctor, he could only see patients in-head, but working in public health, he could change his system and influence entire communities. It could also have an impact on public policy and help people change harmful behavior. It was then that I decided that I would continue a MPH too. »»
Jenkins described the pursuit of his diploma as difficult, especially since few people knew the MPH program at the time.
“It was intense,” she said. “In the early 2000s, most people did not know what the MPH program was, with the exception of those already in the medical field. Most of my classmates were older professionals with established careers. The transition from the first cycle to higher education with classmates much older than me was difficult. But through prayer and perseverance, I finished the program, specializing in health care policy. »»
She attributes to her undergraduate teachers and mentors and graduates of their role in her success.
“I had incredible teachers who helped guarantee that we were well balanced and well informed about the health of the population,” said Jenkins. “They were deepened, intense and made sure that we master the material.”
His education at the UAMS laid the foundations for his work in public policy.
“Thanks to my public health education, I had the opportunity to work alongside national leaders, including American presidents, legislators and in various philanthropic spaces,” she said. “It also allowed me to become a public health practitioner and a consultant. As an entrepreneur, I was able to specialize in the food industry, emphasizing well-being, approaching food deserts, identifying gaps in access to nutrition and health care and providing practical solutions.
“The UAM have taught me to apply public health to all these areas, which is why I am so passionate to serve healthy foods for the community.”
After graduating, Jenkins worked with Joe Thompson, MD, MPH, when he was the general surgeon of Arkansas, focusing on obesity policy and legislation. Thompson is the emeritus president of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (Achi).
Jenkins also occupied various roles concerning health policies at local, state and federal levels. However, it was her vegan food activity, co -owner with her husband, who collected her most recognition.
Tionna Jenkins’, Ph.D., MPH, Vegan Food Truck has become a popular source for healthy meal options during community events through Arkansas.
The company emerged from Jenkins’ own transformation after using plant -based foods to lose 80 pounds.
“After having our second daughter, I had trouble losing weight,” she said. “I was overweight, stressed and I started to feel chest pain. I didn’t want to have a heart attack like my father. A doctor advised me to change my lifestyle. I have set limits and changed my environment.
“I stopped eating processed foods and I started looking for food that could help me lose weight and prosper internally,” she continued. “Finally, I adopted a plant -based diet, gradually removing meat, cheese and other unhealthy processed foods. I lost weight and started to share my trip with others. People asked me to teach cooking lessons, and it led to the company we have today. »»
Jenkins, a vegan for more than a decade, is grateful that her personal experiences and her studies have aligned themselves to help him achieve his goal of promoting a healthy life.
“Food dependence is real,” she said. “I am grateful that the supply of healthy food options has become part of the work of my life. I love to show people that there are solutions to health and well-being through the food we choose to eat and how we consume it. »»