Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins

Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins is an educator, author, and speaker whose work focuses on civil rights, voting rights, women’s rights, African American history, and racial equity. Her career in public and higher education spans five decades.

Since 1998, Jefferson-Jenkins has participated in the U.S. Department of State Speakers and Specialist Program, engaging audiences on topics including the democratic process, elections, women’s empowerment, women’s history, the legacy of enslavement, African American history, and the impact of policies and laws on people of color worldwide.

Jefferson-Jenkins was the first woman of color to serve as president of the League of Women Voters of the United States. During her tenure, she led initiatives such as The Future Plan, which focused on campaign finance reform, health care reform, education reform, and empowering women of color to pursue elected office. She also directed nationwide Get Out the Vote and voter education efforts related to election reform and redistricting, positioning the League as a prominent voice on voting rights.

Jefferson-Jenkins is the author of "One Man, One Vote: The History of the African American Vote in the United States" and "The Untold Story of Women of Color in the League of Women Voters." Her work highlights the contributions of women of color in the suffrage movement and its legacy organizations. She lectures on the history and future of voting rights, the role of Black women in democracy, and strategies for strengthening civic participation.

Jefferson-Jenkins has been recognized in Notable Black American Women, Who’s Who Among Successful African-Americans, and Who’s Who in American Education. Her honors include the Distinguished Alumni Award in Civic Leadership from Cleveland State University, the Making a Difference Award from John Carroll University, and the National Coalition of Black Civic Achievement Civic Leadership Award. She has also received the Trailblazer Award from the League of Women Voters of Ohio and the Freedom Summer ’64 Award from Miami University, Ohio, for her work in civil rights activism. Jefferson-Jenkins is frequently featured as a keynote speaker and panelist for universities, foundations, and civic organizations, focusing on the centennial of women’s suffrage and ongoing efforts to protect and expand voting rights, and is recognized as an expert on democracy and equity.