Nicole Jenkins’ journey from crisis to success at Veterans Advantage Urgent Care embodies resilience and strategic leadership.
In the heart of St. Louis, a city rich in history and resilience, Nicole Jenkins stands as an attestation to determination and perseverance. Born and raised in the inner city of North St. Louis, she was undeterred by the challenges that surrounded her. Jenkins’ passion for education, community, and justice led her to seize the opportunity presented by the voluntary desegregation program, allowing her to attend public schools in more affluent areas. Yet, she remained grounded in the stark realities of her upbringing, using them as motivation to propel herself forward. Today, she is the founder of Veterans Advantage Urgent Care (VAUC), the first privately owned sub-specialty urgent care center exclusively serving U.S. veterans.
Jenkins’ journey was far from easy. She spent six years in Atlanta, immersing herself in the art of building Black enterprises before returning to St. Louis five years ago with a vision—to build a business that would address the disparities in veteran healthcare. With over 23 years of experience in healthcare, she saw a gap in the system that no one else had dared to fill. “I saw a disparity in veteran health care. No one stepped out to take advantage of what was going on and to help them see what was going on. So I created it,” she states. This drive led her to establish VAUC under the Veterans Community Care Program (VACCN), ensuring that veterans receive medical and mental health care from local providers at no cost to them.
However, the road to success was paved with immense obstacles. Her first VAUC location, situated on Washington Avenue, had to shut down just a year and a half after opening due to rampant crime in the area. The closure was devastating. “I cried… it literally took me under. I had to pray in the window. I prayed and called my family, and they said, ‘We are not gonna let you fall,'” Jenkins recalls. Legal battles, financial turmoil, and uncertainty loomed over her. Yet, she refused to give up. “I had a vision… my vision was bigger. I had to see if I was gonna sink or swim. I reconstructed a whole building, so my accomplishment was the bounce back. I went from zero to climbing to the top at almost a half-a-million-dollar business in two years.”
What fueled her resurgence was her phenomenal acknowledgment of her employees and the veterans who stood by her side. Their loyalty and contributions reinforced her mission, reminding her that VAUC was more than just a business—it was a lifeline for those who had served their country. She actively advocates for veterans, ensuring their voices are heard on a social level.
Jenkins’ work extends beyond urgent care. She serves on the board of the St. Louis College of Health Careers, where she mentors inner-city women, helping them gain the necessary hours to advance in their careers, along with the Community Action Agency of St. Louis County, furthering her commitment to community upliftment. Her advocacy has led her to navigate the complex political landscape, working with government officials across party lines. “I have faced political challenges… People don’t understand that my facility is a veteran-based facility. I have to work with whatever President we have and Senators who are in the house. I have to go to Republicans to try to get support. I’m an African American woman in St. Louis, working in a male-driven industry, often feels like I have been thrown to the wolves.”
Despite these hurdles, Jenkins remains steadfast in her mission. Nicole has ambitious plans to open 35 more urgent care centers in the next five years starting with Las Vegas, Savannah, California, and Memphis. Her business acumen and dedication have garnered the support of key figures,
including her Organizational Development Team:
Danny Hughes – Corporate and Capital Development, Impact Investor/Advisor/Strategist, Partner of LOHAS Advisors.
Kevin Burnett – Executive Director of Partnerships, Former NFL Player, Real Estate Investor/Developer, Medical Tech/Imaging/AI specialist.
John M. Harrington III – Sheffield Corporation, an expert in structuring and arranging financings, mergers, and acquisitions globally.
One of her supporters is Congressman Rep. Mike Bost – Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, also serving on the Transportation & Infrastructure and Agriculture committees.
Jenkins and her team have been in talks with key leaders in Memphis to open up a VAUC location, further cementing her influence in veteran healthcare. Her team has also begun working to secure crucial funding through grant programs and private investors to ensure the sustainability and expansion of VAUC’s mission.
When asked what legacy she wishes to leave behind, Jenkins states, “I’m a chameleon… I’m my own person. I don’t go with the wind. I will fight for whatever mission that I believe in. I approached every obstacle with hope in my heart. I’m for my community. I’m no pushover.”
From being thrown to the wolves to emerging as a leader in veteran healthcare, Nicole Jenkins’ story is one of resilience, faith, and an unyielding commitment to those who have served. She has not only built a thriving enterprise but has also paved the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity, proving that with vision, tenacity, and a great spirit, anything is possible.
