Cynthia Jenkins is a professional woman who exhibits great leadership skills. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, her parents relocated the family to St. Petersburg when she was just a young child. She attended local schools, eventually graduating from the historic Gibbs Senior High where integration first began in the Pinellas County school system. At Gibbs, she was a member of the prestigious Future Business Leaders of America Club.
Cynthia joined GLS in 2017 as a part-time receptionist. After six months, she became a Legal Secretary and later a paralegal with the Family Law Unit. Now, she works almost exclusively with clients who have experienced domestic violence. She “hears the pain” of the women who come to GLS for legal assistance. “I try to give them comforting words,” she says.
“While working alongside Cynthia, it is easy to see the support system she provides our clients and the voice of hope and empowerment to our clients in for some, their darkest hour. She is central to our team and most importantly our clients, as they seek the safety and protection they deserve.”
– Mara Feinberg-Brown, supervising attorney for the family law unit
Cynthia says she feels their stories with tears, and that it’s so rewarding when the attorneys are able to bring them in for help. Cynthia is incredibly appreciative of the work the attorneys do, and of all the work being done at the organization while “Changing Lives Through Justice.” She loves what she does, and that is why she is studying to take the Florida Registered Paralegal exam this year.
“Working with Cynthia, I see the compassion she brings to our work and clients. It reminds me that to stop and listen or sit with someone and really hear them is vital to what we do at GLS. I know when a client reaches Cynthia on the phone or when they come into the office, she will provide that kind word for them to hear and an ear to listen.”
– Jena Blair, Deputy Director of the family law unit
Cynthia is a graduate of Eckerd College obtaining a degree in Business Management (Major) and American Studies (Minor). She was interested in all things business, including writing, programming, and leadership. After college, she took many leadership roles at work and was the first black woman in several of her positions. Cynthia has been the first in many roles – she was the first African American to Chair Eckerd College Staff Council, the first African American President of the St. Pete Toastmaster’s Club and the first African American President of the Business and Professional Women Organization of St. Pete and Pinellas. She is involved in the following community organizations:
Before joining GLS, she worked at the Pinellas County Urban League as a Crime Prevention Specialist and Executive Assistant.
Cynthia is a widow of over 30 years of marriage. In her free time, she stays busy with her three children, five grandchildren, and her volunteer work with her church and community organizations. In addition, she is the co-organizer of the annual GLS Black History Month Celebration with her friend and senior paralegal, Brenda Rivers.
Thank you, Cynthia, for your great work at GLS!
