Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins

Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins is an award-winning racial health equity strategist and academic, known for transforming conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). As a Lecturer in the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and Principal Partner at Konquered Healthcare Solutions, Kevin works with organisations to address systemic inequities, particularly within healthcare and corporate environments. Motivated by a personal commitment to dismantling structural racism, he focuses on addressing racial disparities in health outcomes, workplace discrimination, and institutional bias. Kevin’s speaking topics cover a wide spectrum, from racial bias in healthcare and the role of cultural competence to leadership accountability and fostering inclusive environments.

Kevin’s journey to becoming a leading racial equality speaker has been shaped by a life deeply affected by racial injustice and personal adversity. Growing up in Eastern North Carolina, he experienced first-hand the complexities of racial dynamics in the American South. His early passion for storytelling and social justice earned him two national journalism awards at just 17 years old. Later, while pursuing graduate studies at Florida A&M University, he focused on medical and legal history, gaining insight into the systemic roots of inequality. Despite facing significant challenges – including being unjustly dismissed from a doctoral programme and supporting his mother through a second kidney transplant – Kevin’s resilience led him to complete his PhD and ultimately channel his experiences into advocacy and education.

In recent years, Kevin has been recognised nationally for his contributions to health equity and racial justice. In 2017, he was honoured as one of the Nation’s 40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health by the National Minority Quality Forum. Alongside his academic work, he has mentored nearly 30 students in critical racial disparities statistical methodologies, fostering a new generation of scholars and professionals dedicated to health equity. His unique ability to communicate complex issues with clarity and empathy has made him an in-demand consultant and keynote speaker across sectors.

Organisations hire Kevin not only for his expertise but also for his authentic, transformative approach to tackling difficult conversations. His lived experiences, coupled with his academic knowledge and leadership, empower audiences to challenge systemic racism and implement meaningful change. Kevin equips leaders with the tools to foster truly inclusive cultures, making him an essential voice in advancing racial equality today.