Quinnie Jenkins-Rice: The Double Take

“I’m not sure if the surprise is that I’m black, young – or a woman,” Southwest Airlines Regional Leader of Community Affairs and Grassroots, Quinnie Jenkins-Rice, tells PINK.

Working alongside top business, political and community leaders, she’s charged with making important, thoughtful decisions for the Fortune 500 staple. But, she, sometimes, finds herself confronted with hesitation on the other side of the table.

Jenkins-Rice, however, isn’t fazed by what she refers to as the “double take.”

“Growing up I was almost always the only, or one of few, black girls in school,” she tells PINK.

“I was elected Sweetheart Queen my senior year of high school,” continues Jenkins-Rice, “The color of my skin was never really a factor and I think that prepared me with the confidence needed to overlook the double takes.”

She’s also determined to set the bar higher for young, black women by being a tangible example for girls like her 16 year-old sister.

“I want her to always have positive images of successful, hardworking black women in her life, no matter what she sees on TV.”

In our exclusive interview with Jenkins-Rice she reveals one of her lowest moments and why she doesn’t play respectability politics.

Little PINK Book: How has being a woman, being black, and also being young interfered with accomplishing business goals?

Quinnie Jenkins-Rice: I’ve been very blessed in the fact that most Atlanta business leaders have completely embraced me and respect that I am the decision-maker for what they need in this market. However, I can remember one instance where a very powerful figure pretty much refused to communicate with me because I was not the CEO of Southwest Airlines.

My leaders at Southwest supported me from the beginning and communicated to him several times that I was his contact and he needed to speak to me concerning anything related to the company, but he just couldn’t do it! He was very kind to me when we would see each other at events but when it came down to decision making, he didn’t want to deal with me because I didn’t have a more powerful title. 

LPB: How often do you find that you are the only person in the room who looks like you?

QJR: In situations where I am the only African-American in the room, of course I notice it but, it doesn’t change the level of professionalism and respect that I give to my counterparts. How I behave in a business setting and how I represent myself remains the same no matter who is in the room.  I think that’s a mistake that a lot of people make – being “better” or “having a game face on” when surrounded by certain people. The truth is, you should be the best and bring your “A-game” all of the time. No one group of people deserves the best me any more than the other.

To whom much is given much is required.

LPB: What motivates you? What keeps you driven to achieve?

QJR: I want to be the best at what I do, no matter what the position. Every morning, I pray that God will give me the knowledge, drive and determination to be the best Regional Leader of Community Affairs & Grassroots that I can be.

I also work very hard so I can always make my parents proud. I recognize the sacrifices they made to send my sisters and me to the best schools and colleges so I never want them to feel like their sacrifices were in vain. Lastly, I have a 16 – year –old sister that is growing up in the age of social networking, bullying and lack of work ethic. I want to do well because I want her to always have positive images of successful, hard-working black women in her life, no matter what she sees on TV.

LPB: What’s your personal mantra?

QJR: To whom much is given much is required.

LPB: What would your advice be to a young black woman entering the business world and hoping to rise up the ranks?

QJR: Focus on your dreams. Make sure you love what you do or you will never put forth 100 percent.  I also advise young women to consume yourselves with learning all you can about your industry – knowledge really is power.  Find a mentor, someone who is doing exactly what you want to do, and learn from them.  Lastly, don’t ever let the color of your skin or gender limit your dreams.

LPB: What will it take to see more black women in positions of leadership?

QJR: Decision-makers will have to acknowledge the lack of diversity and then decide to do something about it and give black women a fair chance. It is my hope that in the near future, more leaders will take a stand and decide to be the catalyst for the change that’s needed in C-Suites across America.

By L. Nicole Williams