Saunteel Jenkins was born and raised in Detroit. She is the daughter of a mailman and a sales associate at Hudson’s and is the eldest of three siblings. Her brother died from gun violence.
Jenkins graduated from Cass Technical High School and earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Wayne State University. While attending college, she worked full-time.
She served on the Detroit City Council from 2010 to 2014 and was the first council member in nearly a century to be elected President by her peers. During her tenure, she co-created the Youth Violence Prevention Task Force and participated in policy decisions related to economic development, public safety, and the city’s bankruptcy proceedings.
Before her election to City Council, Jenkins worked as Chief of Staff for Council President Maryann Mahaffey, gaining experience in policy-making and community engagement.
After leaving City Council, Jenkins became CEO of The Heat And Warmth Fund (THAW), a nonprofit providing utility bill assistance to low-income families. She has also worked as Program Director at Mariners Inn Substance Abuse Treatment Center, operated a small business named Petite Sweets Baked Goods, and provided free tutoring to students in underperforming schools.