Dr. Jehnae Jasmine Linkins is a mechanical engineer, STEM advocate, and changemaker who combines cultural pride with engineering excellence. She is a proud graduate of Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, the nation’s first historically Black college and university (HBCU), where she earned her B.S. in Physics. Her academic journey continued at the University of Delaware, where she specialized in biomechanics and movement science, focusing her research on developing prosthetic devices. She later earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she examined equitable design and innovation through a Black-centered lens.

Beyond the lab and lecture halls, Dr. Linkins is deeply committed to service. As a dedicated member of the Southern Maryland Chain Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, she has participated in numerous committees focused on youth development and STEM enrichment. Her community work reflects her belief in the power of collective uplift and education as a pathway to liberation.

Dr. Linkins is also a dynamic pageant queen and currently holds the title of Ms. District of Columbia Black United States 2025. She views her crown not as an accessory but as a symbol of power, pride, and a platform—a means to amplify voices, represent authenticity, and demonstrate what it means to lead with both intellect and heart.

She is the visionary behind Don’t Adjust Your C.R.O.W.N., a nonprofit that encourages individuals—especially Black girls and students of color—to embrace their Character, Rarity, Oneness, Worth, and Novelty. What began as her pageant platform has evolved into a full movement grounded in mentorship, emotional resilience, and STEM exploration. Through initiatives like “Discovering the C.R.O.W.N.” and the newly launched “C.R.O.W.N.ED in STEM,” Dr. Linkins is transforming how we cultivate confidence, cultural identity, and academic access for the next generation of leaders.

What she cherishes most is the chance to extend her impact far beyond her current reach. Dr. Linkins is committed to walking alongside youth and adults alike—building community, affirming self-worth, and creating supportive spaces where everyone can rise, grow, and thrive. Her work is driven by one unshakable belief: when we recognize our crown, we reshape the world.