Hidden Gems: Meet Rhonda Rene Jenkins, MBA, MHA, QMHP, CNA. of I Was Her Foundation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Rene Jenkins, MBA, MHA, QMHP, CNA.

Hi Rhonda Rene, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a Qualified Mental Health Professional and community advocate, with eight years of experience implementing innovative community outreach programs and services; to help bridge the gap between communities and schools. In April of 2021, I became the Founder & CEO of the not-for profit organization called, I Was Her Foundation, and I am now a YouTube creator of the channel, Heal • Build • Transform• Rebirth, a self-empowerment & lifestyle Vlog. I have two Bachelor degrees, one in Administration of Justice and another in English. In May of 2022, I completed my Master degree in Business with a concentration in Health Administration. I honestly got to where I am today by blood, sweat, and tears. I know it sounds cliche. However, my journey has been long and bumpy, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I began my college professional career in August of 2009. I graduated from Waco High School. While I was just a graduated senior, I left high school with a Certified Nursing Assistant Certification that I received in the 11th grade & worked as a CNA in a local Waco nursing home. I traveled to Houston, Texas on a Greyhound bus with two suitcases. I didn’t have much, but I had a partial ride to THE GREAT Texas Southern University, a dorm room, and a dream. I spent 15 years in Houston, Texas where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice & English. My childhood dream was to be a criminal defense attorney. However, after growing and discussing my passions with my advisor, I came to realize that it was not a passion of mine but simply a nice title. So I pivoted my journey, I look back at my experience; which at this time was all healthcare, mainly direct care at the time. While completing my undergraduate career, I continued working as a Certified Nurse Aide at Memorial Hermann TMC, Bayshore Medical Center, and West Oak Hospital. I supported myself with the earnings from my 12-hour graveyard shifts.

I continued my college career in August of 2014, entering the Jesse H. Jones School of Business to receive my MBA. I completed the dual program of MBA & MHA in May of 2022. During those five years, I worked as a High school English Teacher, a Parole Officer for the state of Texas, a Case Manager for a Residential Treatment Center, and a Psych Tech for several mental health facilities. If you notice the pattern of my work history, it screams social service. Even as I worked as a teacher, I often found myself teaching the students about resilience and overcoming obstacles rather than teaching the appropriate content. Although I received one of the highest STATE EXAM SCORES in my district that year, I knew that it takes a holistic approach. I opted to only work with at-risk youth because I Was Her. It gave me a sense of fulfillment to know I could help positively pivot the outcome of someone’s life. After many years of social service, I took a track on becoming a mental health professional because this is where my passion lied. I could wake up every day and teach others how to keep going no matter their circumstances. I have now been a QMHP since 2017 and worked with many community organizations. One of the most inspiring social service positions I held was at a small Houston Residential Treatment Center in 2017. I worked as a lead case manager alongside the owners and two retired teachers. We began discussing my aspirations during a debrief. As I told them my story, I ended one sentence with I Was Her. From that statement, one of the owners suggested that it was inspiring, and I should title my not-for-profit that. And that is where the vision started.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
During my 15 years in Houston, I was a victim of domestic violence, armed robbery, and poverty. I encountered hardships that left me homeless a few times. I remember driving around in my car with all that I owned in the trunk, still showing up to class as if nothing had happened. I knew that education was my only ticket out. I faced most of my obstacles alone. There’s a life lesson in that as well.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that being your authentic self will yield the best results. I’ve learned that you could do it by yourself, but there are people out there who are waiting to help; those people are your people (soul tribe). I’ve learned that pain tells some of the best stories. I’ve learned that freedom does exist, and you deserve it. I’ve learned that one of the best forms of self-love is putting yourself first. I’ve learned that self-love will attract everything meant for you. I’ve learned that it is important to know when to leave the job and or relationship. I’ve learned that comparison is the root of depression. I’ve learned that healing and transforming is conducive to true success.

Although I had the idea and passion seven years ago. I didn’t take that leap until 2021. Fear of failure, lack of support, and lack of direction kept the idea stuck for a few years. I now know if God gave you that thought, you should do it scared, broke, and tired.

I Was Her Foundation was created to educate and promote resilience to young girls and women through effective programs because I Was Her.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about I Was Her Foundation?
I Was Her Foundation is a leading non-profit community-based social service organization servicing the Greater Houston and Metro-Atlanta areas, built with a team of highly qualified mental health professionals, which include: social workers, licensed professional counselors, and psychiatrists. I Was Her offers the unemployed, low-income, and people struggling with an extensive amount of aid and financial support, including information on free new or gently used clothing, uniforms, work attire, back-to-school assistance supply programs, and more. Job training and career services are offered too. I Was Her Foundation includes a host of Certified Teachers and Community Activists who collectively work together to educate under-served communities on solutions that drive their success.

Mission: I Was Her Foundation provides hope and healing to at-risk girls and disadvantaged women through effective outreach programs and mental health services.

Vision: I Was Her Foundation is to address the mental, physical, financial, social, and vocational wellness of girls and women from lower-socioeconomic areas by building government partnerships, establishing housing support, utilizing effective data analysis, driving collaboration amongst the board of directors, and educating the public on solutions.

I Was Her Foundation has invested in land in Sierra Leone, Freetown where we built a seminary school for those who wish to learn and practice spirituality. I Was Her Seminary school currently lodges over 125 students. We are taking donations to help with basic needs for those students.

SERVICES WE OFFER BELOW:

Basic Needs
Emergency Housing/Shelter, Rental Assistance, Clothing, Food Resources

Legal Services
We offer resources for free legal assistance in Harris County, Fulton County, and Cobb County. Rental,
Immigration & Criminal Legal Services

Mental & Physical Health Resources
Counseling and Psycho-Therapy-Case Management Resources, Dental and Vision Resources

Educational/Vocational
School Supplies, Tutoring Services, Extra Curricular Activities Resources, Gainful Employment Resources

Pricing:

• CASUAL Her V-Neck Blouse $15.15
• FIT Her Dri-Fit Polo $22.22
• CORPORATE Her Button Down Dress Shirt $33.33

Contact Info:

• Website: www.iwasher.org
• Instagram: _Iwasherfoundation_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IWHINC/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/i-was-her-foundation-73843528a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
Photo Cred: Chase Gozy @chasegozy (IG), Kermit @noregretmedia (IG) Website & Media Production @ Kermit www.noregretmedia.com