Emmanuel Jenkins

Emmanuel Jenkins is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, advocate, and community leader who has spent more than two decades using his voice to inspire change. Through powerful storytelling and lived experience, he encourages audiences to embrace resilience, leadership, and inclusion. Emmanuel has spoken at the White House, Procter & Gamble, and conferences across the country, challenging people from all walks of life to stand for something greater and recognize their ability to create lasting impact.

Beyond the stage, Emmanuel is the Founder and Executive Director of We Stand 4 Something, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building stronger and more inclusive communities. He is the Community Relations Officer for the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council and Vice-Chair of the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Services Advisory Committee. In addition, Emmanuel serves on the Board of Directors for the Delaware Housing Alliance, supporting efforts to expand equitable and inclusive housing opportunities throughout the state.

A graduate of the Partners in Policymaking program and the University of Delaware’s LEND Program, Emmanuel continues to influence policy, leadership development, and advocacy at both the state and national levels. He serves as Chair of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) Leaders with Lived Experiences Committee, a member of the NACDD Board of Directors, and a member of the Advisory Committee for the Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center. In 2024, he was appointed by Joe Biden to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, further advancing his commitment to creating meaningful change and ensuring all people have opportunities to be heard, valued, and included. (Contact Emmanuel at ejenkins@westand4something.org)