SMART & BOLD IN ACTION: Lauren Jenkins

Profile of a Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell Alumna

Lauren Jenkins, a 2025 graduate of Rainey McCullers School of the Arts and a proud alumna of Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell, is emerging as a scholar, artist and advocate whose achievements reflect the organization’s core values of being Strong, Smart and Bold.

Jenkins graduated in May with a 4.2 GPA, earning repeated placement on the principal’s list and receiving multiple top student awards, including recognition in science. Her academic honors include membership in the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society, designation as a Horatio Alger State Scholar, and several awards for leadership and creative excellence.

At Rainey McCullers, Jenkins held multiple leadership roles, serving as president of the Student Government Association and the Thespian Society, and vice president of Toastmasters. She also worked as communications director for the Mrs. Florence Toy Drive Foundation and served as president of the Youth Advisory Board for the Northward Bound Community Outreach Program.

Her civic engagement extended beyond campus through competitive internships in government and law. Jenkins served as a page in the Georgia House of Representatives under Rep. Teddy Reese, worked as a research intern at Page, Scrantom, Sprouse, Tucker & Ford PC, and assisted Magistrate Judge LaRae Dixon Moore with Columbus Consolidated Government. In those roles, she supported legislative processes, conducted legal research and assisted with court operations.

Now a student at Alabama A&M University, Jenkins is pursuing a degree in communications media with a minor in pre-law. She is also an accomplished hip-hop artist, writing and performing socially conscious music aimed at empowering young people—particularly girls—to use their voices and lead with confidence. Her music is available on major streaming platforms.

Jenkins has earned recognition at both the local and national levels within the Girls Inc. network. She is a national scholarship recipient, a brand ambassador, and has been named Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell’s Girl of the Year. As a social media content contributor for the organization, she shares her college journey with younger Girls Inc. members, offering mentorship and encouragement.

“Lauren’s journey exemplifies how Girls Inc. equips young women not only to succeed academically, but to lead creatively, advocate boldly, and give back intentionally,” said Danita Gibson Lloyd, CEO of Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell.

As a scholar, artist and leader, Jenkins is forging her own path—while helping light the way for the girls following behind her.