2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Rahni N. Jenkins

Jenkins has led the Geller Law Group’s operations and human resources since 2023, but she worked with the firm as a contract consultant beginning in 2020. Before that, Jenkins held leadership roles at the March of Dimes and advised Microsoft and other organizations. She holds DEI credentials from Cornell and is a doctoral candidate at the University of Illinois.

FIRST JOB: Martial arts instructor

WHY I CHOSE MY PROFESSION: I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work in various sectors and made the choice of human resources and operations because I could apply skillsets such as my expertise in DEI, communication, conflict resolution and operational management to improve the communities I serve.

HOW I GIVE BACK: I give back to communities both nationally and internationally. I travel to communities in Europe and Africa to teach self-defense to kids who face a world working against them. Nationally, I host self-defense workshops, mentor, sponsor STEM events for youth in underserved communities, and work with multiple community organizations to break down barriers.

MOST MEANINGFUL AWARD: The Heroines of Washington Award from the March of Dimes. It was the most meaningful because I was recognized for my work in the public sector, supporting the communities I grew up in, as well as surrounding areas. My community is my heartbeat, and being recognized as such a valuable changemaker meant so much to me.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Being able to educate over 40,000 health care professionals on dismantling bias in maternal and infant care settings.

HOBBIES: I also hold a degree in geology and love minerals, jewelry making and handcrafting other goods.