We had the good fortune of connecting with Teri Jade Jenkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Teri Jade, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want my legacy to be that of thoughtfulness and commitment to others. My life’s mission to positively impact a person’s life. If I have done that in any fashion, my mission has been fulfilled. I want people to remember my witty sense of humor but most importantly my willingness to help others in a time of need.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am woman that wears many hats. I am an immigration paralegal by day, mental health advocate always (The Mind Field), an endometriosis advocate forever, and a Reiki Master on the weekends(Girasol Healing, coming soon). I got to where I am my following my passions and not limiting myself to one area of focus. This has not been easy as it requires quite a bit of time management and balance. I have faced a few challenges. I was in a career transition and struggling with what I wanted to do professionally. I learned how to meditate and look inwards to calm my mind and make the decision that was best for me. I have also faced challenges with effectively marketing The Mind Field in way that Black people and people of color want to attend an event focused on mental health. I have learned to overcome this challenge by increasing my network and also changing my expectations. I am person that always has large expectations. I always think I am going to have 50 to 100 people at an event. When in reality, I am happy if just one person shows up, I want the conversation about mental health in minority communities to be ever-flowing. The biggest lesson that I have learned, is to delegate tasks and learn to say no when I am stretched thin. When it comes to The Mind Field, I am so blessed to have a board that is always willing to step in whenever and with whatever I may need. They are truly who keeps me sane with trying to promote mental health awareness within minority communities. What do I want the world to know about me? Hmmm… this is a hard one. I’m not sure what more I want the world to know about me. But I do have a message for everyone, I want the world to be like a sunflower, always reaching for the light when the world seems dark.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, we would do the Dallas Bus Tour that highlights the art district and talks about the assassination of JFK (I’m a history buff), then head on over to Oak Cliff to have brunch at Jonathan’s. After brunch, hit up Northpark for a good walk, then back to the West Village for Paciugo Gelato. During their stay, we would also tour the Dallas Museum of art and enjoy the array of food trucks parked outside of Kylde Warren Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my board members: Caitlin Hodge, Janie Martinez, and Colen Skinner for always supporting me in my ventures with The Mind Field.

Website: www.themindfield.org
Instagram: @theterijade; @themindfieldorg

Image Credits
Caleb Corbett