Lorna Jenkins is the founder of My Learning Studio, a tutoring center dedicated to helping students of all backgrounds succeed. What began in 2006 as a space for arts and science projects quickly transformed into a trusted academic resource, providing one-on-one tutoring for students of all ages. Seeing a greater need in the community, she launched My Learning Studio OUTREACH, a nonprofit that has since provided over 12,000 hours of free and reduced-cost tutoring for foster youth, at-risk children, and families in need.
A longtime Riverside resident, Lorna has dedicated herself to uplifting her community, from co-producing TEDxRiverside to serving on the Fox Performing Arts Foundation board. She is also the driving force behind Explore Riverside Together, an initiative that encourages residents to discover the city's hidden gems and historic landmarks—work that inspired her to publish a guidebook by the same name.
Lorna and her husband Richard have been married for 36 years, have five children, and are proud grandparents to seven. Whether mentoring local leaders, championing the arts, or creating opportunities for students, she brings passion and creativity to everything she does—always believing she has the best job ever.
What does Riverside mean to you? Everything. It’s been my home for 22+ years. What you don’t know about me is that we moved almost every year of my childhood. I was at a different school every year except for high school—though I lived in three different homes during that time. I stayed in the Costa Mesa/Newport area until I met my husband in 1987. We chose to leave Orange County in search of "wholesome" place. Riverside has been the BEST choice for raising my kids. The schools are top-notch, and the teachers care.
What is your Mt. Rubidoux summit count (estimated)? Less than 15 times. I love taking visitors up for the hike, then heading to Tio’s Tacos for the atmosphere and picking up vegetables, fruit, and flowers from the farmers market.
What is your favorite restaurant outside of Downtown or Magnolia Center? Grapow, hands down. We've been regulars for 15+ years. They never make us leave! We bring our friends, and they always take care of us. The food is delicious, and the wine is only $6 a glass!
What is your favorite Riverside small business? My Learning Studio! I love helping students succeed and build confidence. Some students have been with me from elementary school through college—like Candice, who’s now a junior and has been with us since 2012!
What is your favorite Riverside nonprofit organization? My Learning Studio OUTREACH, of course! Did you know we’ve provided more than 12,000 hours of free or fee-reduced tutoring since our inception in 2008? And all of this with just one part-time employee.
The Festival of Lights: Every year on opening night or maybe on a Tuesday? Honestly, I’ve never been to opening night.
What is your favorite spot for a date night? So many great restaurants for a night out! I love trying new places to support them—like The Dapper and The State. But my go-to favorites are Grapow and Flat Top, where I love the lamb chops, seafood stacker, or seared ahi salad. I can’t wait to try Shindigs in my neighborhood. I like staying close to home.
What is one place in Riverside you would bring back if you could? Fresh & Easy on Bountiful Lane, for sure! I’d also bring back Steinmart.
If you could put one message on a billboard on the 91, what would it be? Actually, I do have a billboard up right now—for the Pardi Gras Pub Crawl! Help support My Learning Studio OUTREACH. Buy a ticket, donate funds, or contribute a prize for our silent auction or raffle.
Finally, what are you working on right now, and how can our readers support you? Two things:Pardi Gras Pub Crawl – Attend and bring your checkbooks for the silent auction! We have incredible prizes, including a week in Hawaii, foursomes at various golf courses, and hundreds of dollars in restaurant certificates. If you can’t attend, you can still donate funds or items for the silent auction or raffle.And Promoting Our Nonprofit – We’ve partnered with the Assistance League of Riverside and the District Attorney’s Office Asset Forfeiture Special Fund to offer a free Reading Assistance Program and free Math Tutoringfor students struggling with Algebra 1 & 2, Integrated Math 1 & 2, or Geometry. If you’d like to partner with us, please reach out!
Neighbor of the Week is our way of celebrating the hidden heroes of Riverside—those who go above and beyond to make our community stronger, kinder, and more vibrant. We believe every remarkable Riversider deserves their story told. Know someone who’s making a difference? Nominate a Neighbor of the Week
Introducing the Inaugural 2024 Neighbor of the Year to celebrate the hidden heroes of Riverside doing incredible works of service throughout our different neighborhoods.
