Tyanna Jennings
Tyanna Jennings is a very determined and busy woman who knows the path may not always be easy but is willing to take it on to reach her goals. No path? No problem, she'll create one. Innovative, creative, focused. This woman of purpose is just getting started and is already making a difference in the community and becoming a role model.
Tyanna Jennings is an 18-year-old 2021 high school graduate of the Nursing Foundations Program of Study at Dauphin County Technical School. Her passion for the healthcare field began shortly before entering high school; however, it was not always clear which specific path to follow. All she knew was that she wanted to help people.
Within the last three years, she received the following certifications: Occupational Safety Hazards Administration (OSHA), Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT), Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Bloodborne Pathogens, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), and BLS CPR. Tyanna also took two classes at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) through the Dual Enrollment/College in the High School Program, allowing her to graduate with six credits towards higher education and her plans to become a Pediatric Registered Nurse.
After starting at Homeland Center as a volunteer in 2017 in the Activities Department, Tyanna became a part-time employee in 2020 as an Activities Assistant and a Supportive Aide in Nursing. Through Homeland Center, she also obtained a CNA certification and now works at Helen M. Simpson Rehabilitation Hospital.
Tyanna is a graduate of the Young Women's Empowerment Academy. She now serves as an intern, assisting with social media outreach, planning, and more for her mentor, Mrs. Lisa Lickers-Ricks, the founder and CEO of the program.
In addition to being a full-time student at HACC (nursing program), CNA, and Intern, Tyanna owns a business called "Body By Ty," where she sells handmade body butter, sugar scrubs, and beard oils. Tyanna's overly sensitive skin prohibited the use of commercial skin-care products and motivated her to research other options. When she saw her homemade products work without any adverse skin reactions, she knew that other people could benefit from them. She started with body butter, which is a little thicker than lotion, then expanded to sugar scrubs and beard oils. Having a business has introduced Tyanna to so many people she would not have met otherwise, and she is inspired by hearing what they have been through - starting from the ground up to where they are now. Like most business owners this past year, Tyanna has faced some challenges but continues to work on ways to grow her business.
Tyanna knows how fortunate she is to have people who support her and her goals. She believes that attending a technical school and being a part of many community programs for students going into nursing has benefitted her in her quest to fulfill her dreams.