“Afterglow”
In the heart of Jackson, Mississippi, on November 19, 1966, a force to be reckoned with, Jennifer Arlnice was born to Sebetha and Rufus Jenkins. From the moment she entered this world, her parents knew they had been graced with a special child—bright, dynamic, inquisitive, energetic, and determined to fulfill her dreams.
Jennifer excelled at Starkville High School with honors and never ceased her pursuit of knowledge until she completed her post-doctoral program. A gifted scientist and mathematician, she earned a prestigious position as a Senior Scientist at the global and pioneering biotech company, Allergan Pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Jennifer Arlnice Jenkins Diotallevi began her teaching career at Kentucky State University, where she quickly became one of the most beloved professors on campus. Her passion for education extended to engaging young scholars in anatomy, physiology, parasitology, microbiology, and bioethics. True to her persona and guided by her mentors, Jennifer completed her doctoral degree in behavioral pharmacology at UNT Health Science Center. Despite facing major health challenges, she also worked briefly in Dallas and completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
Jennifer’s accomplishments were nothing short of spectacular, considering the immense health hurdles she overcame during these monumental academic and career pursuits. Beyond academia and professional affiliations, Jennifer was deeply involved in service organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
She furthered her intellectual pursuits through affiliations with the Society of Neuroscience and her appointment to the HBCU STEM Leadership Team. Jennifer published multiple research articles in highly respected academic journals and patented an assay measuring the potency of pharmaceutical substances in animal models.
In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Jennifer’s passion for helping children became increasingly evident. Her desire to nurture and develop a strong family with her devoted husband, Dennis Diotallevi, led to the adoption of three children: Carmen Semaria, Trinity Camille, and Lola Josephine. Her three angels were the joy of her heart—a major purpose for which she tirelessly modeled and instilled strength, determination, love of God, and perseverance.
“Never, never give up” was Jennifer’s philosophy—a gifted daughter, a brilliant scholar, a loving wife, a devoted mother, a strong, daring woman, a Child of God, a force, and a servant whose job she never left undone.
Jennifer’s enduring legacy thrives through her foundation, Arlnice, crafting a divinely impactful presence that resonates, making a profound difference in the lives of children in need across the world.
Best,
Dennis
