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Meet the Visionary

 Zakiya Jenkins, BS, MPA, is a seasoned public health leader, community nutrition educator, and holistic wellness practitioner whose work spans nearly two decades at the intersection of health equity, food systems, and faith-based healing. She is the founder of Nourished by Faith, where she integrates evidence-based nutrition education, movement, and spiritual grounding to help individuals and communities reclaim health in ways that are sustainable, culturally responsive, and deeply affirming.

Zakiya’s leadership in public health began in 2009 and includes more than a decade as Director of Primary Healthcare (2009–2017), followed by her role as Founding Executive Director of Grace Fitness (2018–2025). Across these roles, she has designed and led programs that address chronic disease prevention, access to care, lifestyle change, and community wellness—bringing both strategic oversight and hands-on implementation to complex health challenges. Her work reflects a rare ability to translate public health knowledge into practices people can actually live with and sustain.

Her academic foundation is equally rigorous. Zakiya holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University, both earned Summa Cum Laude, and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from North Carolina Central University, also earned Summa Cum Laude. She is additionally credentialed as a CDC Certified Lifestyle Coach, Certified Community Health Worker, and Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, grounding her work in policy, nutrition science, behavior change, and physical wellness.