Connie E. Jenkins-Pye has lived by her philosophy, “to whom much is given, much is required,” and has illustrated this, particularly through her work as a social worker. She has spent the past 23 years with the Tallahassee Police Department’s Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Plan (SHOCAP) as a case manager working with at-risk youth that have had encounters with law enforcement and the Department of Juvenile Justice. Ms. Jenkins-Pye has provided supervision and counseling, worked with their families, helped identify their needs and referred them for treatment and other services.

“Sometimes these youth are seen as the lost, the worst of the worst,” she said. “Every child has the opportunity to be successful.”

Ms. Jenkins-Pye expresses her interest in not only community service, but in enhancing the quality of life for youth, families and communities. She is an active member in the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Black Social Workers – North Florida Chapter, Leon County Juvenile Justice Council, Fairview Middle School Advisory Council, Springwood Elementary School Advisory Council, Bond-Wesson Elementary School Advisory Council, the Steering Committee for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life (Leon Unit), Delta Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the FSU Extra Point Club.

This year, the Tallahassee Democrat recognized her exemplary dedication to service and community. Ms. Jenkins-Pye was honored as one of the Tallahssee Democrat’s 25 Women You Need to Know for 2015. These women are honored in their profession for their leadership and civic pursuits that better Tallahassee and the surrounding communities. In addition to this honor, Ms. Jenkins-Pye has also received the Tallahassee Branch of the NAACP’s Black Achiever Award, the Leon County Community Coalition’s Member of the Year award and several other awards for her community service.

She received her Bachelor’s degree in social work (1983) and sociology (1984) from Florida State University and earned her MSW from FSU in 1985. Her service and dedication to the local community and University was also recognized by Florida State University. Ms. Jenkins-Pye has received the FSU Black Alumni’s Outstanding Alumni Award and the FSU Alumni Association’s Circle of Gold Award that recognizes individuals that personify the University’s tradition of excellence through their service and achievements.

Click here to read the Tallahassee Democrat’s article on Ms. Connie E. Jenkins-Pye.