[2] Jinkins grew up in the rural Midwest and attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned both bachelor's and master's degrees.

After graduation, she worked as an assistant attorney general in Tacoma, before joining the Washington State Department of Health in Olympia in 1995.

In 2009, she led the successful statewide campaign to approve Referendum 71, affirming Washington's domestic partnership law.

When Rep. Dennis Flannigan (D–Tacoma) decided against seeking re-election to the Washington House in 2010, Jinkins announced her candidacy for the seat.

Jinkins was the top vote getter in the primary with fellow Democrat Jake Fey, a member of Tacoma City Council, finishing second.