ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — During Women’s History Month, leaders across the United States are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, Florida National News (FNN) recognized Dr. Jessica Henlon, an educational psychologist, executive consultant, and systems builder known for blending strategy, creativity, and community impact in everything she does.

With more than 26 years of experience in student, youth, family and talent development, Dr. Henlon’s professional journey bridges higher education, civic leadership and the creative arts. Her work focuses on designing inclusive systems that foster belonging, equity and purpose — from the classroom to the stage, and from policy development to podcast conversations.

Founder and Principal: Dr. Jessica Henlon Consulting Co.

Dr. Henlon is the Founder and Principal of Dr. Jessica Henlon Consulting Co., a consulting firm dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build cultures of belonging through strategic leadership and storytelling.

Through her company, she has delivered keynote presentations and leadership workshops for organizations including Capella University, the Parikh Giving Alliance and American InterContinental University in Atlanta.

At American InterContinental University, Dr. Henlon presented research on campus belonging and student retention, while at Capella University she served as a panelist during the Virtual Professional Resource Conference discussing careers in applied psychology.

Her presentations, including “Mental Wealth: Wellness Without the Woo” and “Events with Purpose: Student Engagement That Sticks,” have reached audiences across education, business and the arts. She regularly facilitates sessions on student motivation, culturally relevant engagement, crisis leadership and inclusive program design.

Regional Director of Student Success, Valencia College

Dr. Henlon currently serves as Regional Director of Student Success for the West Region at Valencia College, where she leads student success initiatives across three campuses.

In this role, she oversees a cohort-based coaching model aligned with meta-majors, integrating academic advising, career development and institutional redesign strategies. Her leadership has contributed to record-breaking student engagement during early registration events, helping students access resources and remain on track toward their academic goals.

In January 2026, she co-presented at the NASPA Florida Drive-In Conference, representing Valencia College in a session titled “From Silos to Synergy: A Collegewide Approach to Student Success Coaching.” The presentation highlighted how centralized coaching structures and cross-functional partnerships strengthen student outcomes.

Dr. Henlon also contributes to campus well-being through her service on Valencia College’s Care and Concern Committee and Behavior Assessment Team (BAT), supporting proactive student support and campus safety initiatives.

24 Years of Leadership at Full Sail University

Prior to joining Valencia College, Dr. Henlon spent 24 years at Full Sail University, serving in leadership roles including Director of Student Development and Director of Academic Advising.

In 2018, she founded the Student Development Department, which included programs for:

• Care & Concern support services
• Community involvement and volunteerism
• Co-curricular student engagement
• Leadership development initiatives

She also launched the First-Generation College Student Program and helped establish more than 40 student organizations.

Under her leadership, participation in campus and virtual programming surpassed 60 percent of the student population.

Dr. Henlon also led student conduct and crisis intervention initiatives, facilitated Title IX-related hearings, and co-authored institutional policies focused on student wellness, inclusion and success.

As Chair of the President’s Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Social Impact Committee in 2024 and 2025, she spearheaded cross-campus initiatives connecting faculty, staff, students and alumni.

Among the committee’s notable community projects was a collaboration with the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture, where Full Sail students restored historic images of the Tuskegee Airmen, helping preserve local Black history while expanding student learning opportunities.

Creative Leadership:
Fierce Entertainment and Orlando International Fashion Week

Dr. Henlon’s influence also extends into arts and culture through her involvement with Fierce Entertainment and Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW).

OIFW is a nonprofit organization that hosts biannual fashion showcases and cultural events aimed at strengthening Florida’s creative economy while promoting international tourism and multicultural representation in fashion.

Through these initiatives, Dr. Henlon has helped support programs that highlight:

• Emerging designers
• Student creative talent
• Multicultural representation in fashion and media

She also co-hosts the “Fierce Entertainment Live” podcast alongside Rob Henlon and Starr Dalton, a platform dedicated to elevating diverse creators and civic voices.

Her community involvement includes judging the Miss Winter Park Scholarship Competition, a preliminary event to Miss America, and supporting community cultural events such as Orlando Carnival Downtown.

Fierce Entertainment’s work has also been recognized locally, with site visits and community engagement initiatives supported by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.

Academic Credentials and Leadership Development

Dr. Henlon holds:

• PhD in Educational Psychology
• Master’s degree in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology

Her doctoral dissertation examined virtual learning experiences of first-generation college students, focusing on how digital communities support motivation and persistence.

Her professional development credentials include:

• Harvard ManageMentor certification
• Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) training
• Behavioral coaching certification through Behavioral Essentials

She is also a graduate of Leadership Winter Park, Class 34, and a member of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Henlon is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Impact on Women and Future Leaders

Raised in a military family and shaped by her Panamanian and Afro-Caribbean heritage, Dr. Henlon brings cultural awareness, compassion and mentorship into every leadership role she holds.

Through her work in education, consulting and the arts, she continues to mentor young professionals, support women in leadership and champion inclusive systems that help people feel seen, valued and empowered.

Her leadership philosophy centers on radical belonging and collective empowerment, ensuring that individuals — particularly those from historically marginalized communities — have opportunities to succeed.

A Legacy of Belonging

Dr. Henlon’s voice and perspective were featured in the exhibition “A Peace of My Mind” by photographer John Noltner, hosted at the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida, where she reflected on the meaning of belonging.

“Peace means knowing that your needs are met, you have value, and you belong… so much that you strive to share that feeling with others,” Henlon said.

Key Achievements and Milestones

• More than 26 years of leadership in higher education and student development
• Founder of Dr. Jessica Henlon Consulting Co.
• Regional Director of Student Success at Valencia College
• Founded Full Sail University’s Student Development Department
• Established 40+ student organizations and a First-Generation Student Program
• Co-presented at NASPA Florida Drive-In Conference (2026)
• Community cultural leadership with Fierce Entertainment and OIFW
• National conference presenter and leadership consultant

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has announced a new media partnership with Florida National News (FNN), expanding media coverage and audience reach for one of Central Florida’s premier fashion and cultural events.

Hosted annually in Orlando, Orlando International Fashion Week brings together designers, models, influencers and industry professionals from around the world. The event celebrates fashion, beauty, music, art and luxury lifestyle while showcasing emerging and established talent through runway shows, networking events and industry programming.

Through the new partnership, Florida National News will provide expanded editorial coverage of Orlando International Fashion Week events throughout 2026. Coverage will include runway highlights, designer features, exclusive interviews and digital media content designed to deliver local, national and international exposure for participating designers and industry leaders.

Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW)

Expanded Media Coverage for a Global Audience

Florida National News will produce multimedia coverage throughout the event, including photo galleries, video interviews, behind-the-scenes content and feature stories highlighting designers, models and creative professionals participating in the event.

With a growing digital audience and a track record of covering major events across Florida, Florida National News aims to amplify the reach of Orlando International Fashion Week while delivering engaging storytelling and industry insights to viewers across multiple platforms.

Florida National News has served as a trusted media platform for more than a decade, providing event coverage, interviews and trend analysis that spotlight designers and fashion innovation across the state.

Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW)

Leaders Highlight the Value of the Partnership

“Florida National News is proud to partner with Orlando International Fashion Week to showcase the creativity, innovation and rising talent shaping the fashion industry,” said Jenny Rosario, vice president of Florida National News. “Our platform is committed to highlighting designers, artists and industry leaders while bringing global visibility to the exceptional talent featured during this event.”

“We are excited to welcome Florida National News as an official media partner for Orlando International Fashion Week,” said Dr. Jessica Henlon. “Their strong media presence and commitment to storytelling will help elevate our designers and participants while expanding the reach of OIFW to audiences worldwide.”

Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW)

Orlando’s Growing Influence in Fashion and Culture

As Orlando continues to grow as a destination for arts, culture and international events, partnerships like this are helping position the city as an emerging hub for fashion, creativity and industry innovation.

Events such as Orlando International Fashion Week attract designers and creative talent from across the United States and abroad, strengthening Orlando’s reputation as a center for global cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.

What’s Next for Florida National News’ Partnership Growth?

Florida National News continues to expand its partnerships across sports, entertainment, fashion and cultural events throughout Florida and beyond.

Looking ahead, the media organization is expected to pursue additional collaborations with major event producers, creative industry leaders and cultural institutions. These partnerships aim to broaden multimedia storytelling, increase digital and streaming distribution, and position Florida National News as a leading platform for event coverage and industry insights across the state.

With continued investment in digital media, live event coverage and strategic partnerships, Florida National News is poised to expand its role as a key media partner for high-profile events while delivering wider exposure for creators, organizations and communities throughout Florida.

A reminder that diversity is not a threat — it is America’s strength.

By The Honorable Rick Singh
Former Orange County Property Appraiser

Bad Bunny’s halftime performance reminded us of something every American needs to hear right now:

We may come from different places, but we share far more in common than we sometimes realize. Our greatest strength has always been our willingness to embrace diversity — not fear it.

As an elected official, I delivered many speeches over the years. But one of the most meaningful moments of my public service was speaking to newly sworn American citizens — individuals who had taken their oath of citizenship just minutes before I addressed them.

I can tell you this: they were some of the proudest Americans I have ever encountered — men and women from every corner of the world, united by one oath and one dream.

For many, English was a second language. For some, this was the first country they had ever traveled to. But the pride in their eyes was unmistakable.

Watching them always brought me back to my own story.

I still remember arriving in America as a 10-year-old after spending my first decade of life in tropical Guyana — and experiencing so many things for the first time: winter in New York City without a coat, running water, electricity, trains, cars, and even an escalator, which absolutely terrified me.

I shared those experiences with them. I also shared my mother’s journey — her strength and sacrifice — which inspired me and reminded me of what so many immigrant families endure with quiet courage.

And I reminded those new Americans of something important:

Be proud of your culture.
Be proud of your food.
Be proud of your faith.
Be proud of your music.

Not only be proud of it — share it.

Share it with your American neighbors and friends, because that’s how we foster harmony and understanding.

When we share our traditions, we don’t just celebrate who we are — we educate. We break down stereotypes. We replace fear with familiarity. And we turn strangers into neighbors.

That is how we grow closer. That is how we build community.

And that brings me back to Bad Bunny.

His performance spoke powerfully to the idea of diversity — and to the universal language that connects all people: music. In many ways, it was world culture presented on one of America’s biggest stages.

It was also a master class in Puerto Rican culture — which I must remind some people is American culture.

Like so much of Latin America and the Caribbean, it also carried a deeper story: slavery and the legacy of indentured laborers, including those brought from India, who cut sugar cane and planted crops that fueled global empires.

When I saw the sugar cane fields in the performance visuals, I was reminded of where I was born — Guyana — where I spent my first ten years of life. My parents were humble sugar cane farmers.

The coconut stand selling fresh coconuts reminded me of Bourda Market in Georgetown.

And the vibrant Latin music took me right back to my childhood in the Bronx — hearing legends like El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and Iris Chacón playing from apartment windows or speakers on fire escapes.

Different cultures.
Different rhythms.
Different drums from different lands.

But one shared spirit.

That’s America.

And when we embrace that truth, we don’t become weaker — we become stronger.

Because the reality is simple:

Together, we are all American.

Across Latin America and the Caribbean — regardless of language, flag, or heritage — we share lived experiences shaped by common history: agricultural roots, multi-generational homes, the neighborhood bodega or corner shop, struggle and resilience, rhythm and resistance, elders playing dominoes, and families gathering around food and music.

It’s not geography.
It’s identity.

It’s music.

In the end, Bad Bunny delivered something meaningful — not just for Puerto Ricans, but for every immigrant and every family with a story like mine.

His performance wasn’t just music and spectacle. It was a reflection of who we are, where we come from, and what we’ve overcome.

It reminded millions that being American isn’t about looking a certain way or speaking a certain language. It’s about owning your story, celebrating your roots, and contributing that richness to the shared tapestry of this country.

Boricua love, baby — you’ve got to love it.