Business
Women’s History Month Spotlight: FNN News Network Vice President Jennifer Rosario
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – We commemorate National Women’s History Month 2023 with a series that profiles remarkable women who contribute to the growth and success of Florida National News and FNN News Network. This year, we celebrate our creative members who are making innovative impacts through entertainment, media, film, and television.
Today’s spotlight is Jennifer Rosario de Casiano.
The Bronx, New York native, who boasts Puerto Rican and Cuban roots, serves as Vice President of FNN News Network. She oversees programming across all platforms for the network as well as its growing in-house production unit. The VP role includes Florida National News.
Jennifer knows her way around the lens–both in front of and behind it. She began her career behind the scenes in film and television after graduating from Valencia College with a degree in Film Production Technology. She worked her way up from production assistant through the many film departments as a makeup artist, script supervisor, writer, producer and director, and gained broadcast experience working at CTV24 Shopping Network in Miami. She went on to operate as a small production company, Rmarcfilms Corp., providing many aspects of film services herself.
In the midst of her relentless hustle as a filmmaker, she cultivated an onscreen image which eventually led her to becoming a lifestyle actor, fashion model, reporter, host and spokesperson.
Rosario has walked stages, runways, an onscreen, and has also donned her share of crowns, the highest of which was Ms. International World, presented by Angela Posilico, CEO of the Ms. Latina International Organization. In fact, prior to winning the Ms. International World crown, she donned the Ms. Latina International crown as well.
Ms. International World Jennifer Rosario
Rosario and the FNN News Network
Rosario believed so strongly in the vision of the FNN News Network and Florida National News, she was Florida National News’ very first reporter after the news outlet launched in October 2014, before any other individuals joined the team. Since joining and providing key feedback on the company’s development, Rosario has covered her fair share of high-profile sporting events, including Orlando Magic’s annual Media Day and the prestigious Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and DAYTONA 500 races at the Daytona International Speedway.
Jenny Rosario interviews NASCAR legend and multiple-DAYTONA 500 champion Jeff Gordon in the run up to The Rolex 24 At DAYTONA. Image: Florida National News (screen capture).
Jenny Rosario interviews then Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo during the Magic’s 2015 Media Day. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.
Jenny Rosario interviews then Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel during the Magic’s 2017 Media Day. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.
Jenny Rosario meets WWE superstar and actor John Cena shortly before the start of the 2015 DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.
Jenny Rosario meets ‘300’ lead actor Gerard Butler shortly before the start of the 2015 DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Rosario hosted an online entertainment talk show, “Entertainment Buzz,” which aired online every Friday at 1pm ET.
Rosario’s Film Career
Rosario has acted in, produced, and even done makeup work for several feature films and shorts (check out her full filmography on IMDB), but her specialty is in television commercials. Central Florida viewers have recently spotted Rosario (and also her husband Orlando Casiano) in commercials for a local law firm, for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, and for car dealerships.
In addition to her acting, production and media experience, she also boasts a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.S. in Project Management.
If that sounds like a lot, it certainly is–but that doesn’t stop Rosario at all. She loves people, and helping others meet their needs fuels her.
What True Service Looks Like
Given her whopping 26 years of entertainment industry experience, Rosario says she’s constantly being asked how to break into the industry after acting school. So instead of continuing to give the same answers to different people in hundreds of conversations, she’s making a way to do it at scale by creating an online course teaching actors what they need to know to break into the entertainment industry. “I started saying I wanted to do this 2-3 years ago,” she shared in a recent phone interview.
Buckle up, there’s much more.
Near the end of 2022, she competed in a faith-based motivational speaking competition in which she finished in 3rd place. Her speech will be included in a forthcoming book along with the second and first place winners.
“Sunny Days with Mommy & Me”. Cover image courtesy of Jennifer Rosario de Casiano.
Speaking of books, she published her first book last year, Sunny Days with Mommy & Me, a children’s book based on her experience raising her son Marcos (narrated from his perspective). She shared that she has already started working on her second children’s book in a three-part series, and she plans to adapt the trilogy into a cartoon series. All current and upcoming projects will come under Pink River Productions, Rosario’s new company for all of her ventures.
Rosario is also a longtime local and global missionary who focuses a lot on homelessness, hunger and orphans. Her last trip was to El Salvador to help build the No Greater Love Orphanage. She has plans to return to Guatemala, El Salvador and Ukraine (after the war with Russia ends).
Powerful Inspiration to Serve Even More
When Florida National News asked Rosario what drives her to have so much on her plate, she confessed that she “struggles with saying no,” but followed up with a bittersweet lesson she learned last year after the unfortunate loss of her grandfather and an uncle. During her uncle’s funeral, Rosario noticed how many people shared stories of the way he impacted their lives with many acts of kindness.
She took that to heart.
So now, while working is always a priority for her, Rosario’s focus is on serving people first.
With that lesson in her heart, Rosario has also become a life coach and mentor. She recently began working with at-risk high school youth at Elevation High School, a charter school in Sanford. Her work there also included initially setting up a food pantry for the program since the students aren’t fed at the school; but the leadership guided her to instead prioritize the students’ attire, so she started an on-campus wardrobe (dubbed Dress for Success). How did that begin? She said the school’s principal learned of her, contacted her and asked her to take a tour. “Most people find [the students] intimidating, and I was like, ‘They’re perfect!’, Rosario recalled, laughing.
She also volunteers her time with a pregnancy clinic called Choices, helping young women walk through the pregnancy process.
Even with the world on her shoulders (it seems), her diligence, insane work ethic, heart for service, and faith haven’t gone unnoticed. The lion’s share of her efforts are brilliantly reflected in her son Marcos, who graduates Yale this year with a major in Ethics, Politics and Economics and a minor in Religion and Russian.
She also enjoyed the spotlight earlier in March, getting highlighted as a Latina Role Model on WOKB 1080 AM Radio in Orlando, Florida.
“At the end of the day, working isn’t what matters,” Rosario said. “Work is still important, but I want to make sure I touch lives.”
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.
Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.
Speakers and Panelists
- Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
- Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
- Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
- Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President
Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.
Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.
Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.
Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.
“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.
Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.
Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.
Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.
ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry
The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.
Business
Walmart’s Road to Open Call Returns to Orlando, Offering Small Businesses Access to National Retail Opportunities
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Walmart, in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, will host the 2026 Walmart Road to Open Call pitch event on May 21 in Orlando, offering small businesses the opportunity to present their products directly to Walmart buyers.
The Orlando event is the only Florida stop in 2026 and is part of a nationwide initiative designed to support small business growth, expand supplier diversity and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Road to Open Call serves as a pathway for entrepreneurs to connect with Walmart’s sourcing team, refine their pitches and prepare for the company’s annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Applications are open through May 1 at 10 p.m. EST. A select group of applicants will be chosen to participate in the Orlando event, where each business will receive a 30-minute, one-on-one pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer, along with feedback and mentorship.
Top participants may earn a fast pass to Walmart’s annual Open Call, where they can pitch for potential placement in Walmart stores or online.
FOCUS ON U.S.-MADE PRODUCTS
Walmart’s Open Call is the company’s largest sourcing event for products made, grown or assembled in the United States. The program is open to businesses across industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety and consumer goods.
“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to grow and scale,” said Mark Espinoza, senior director of public affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our sourcing teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”
LOCAL IMPACT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Local leaders say the initiative strengthens both entrepreneurship and the regional economy.
“We are proud to join forces with Walmart for the second consecutive year to bring this opportunity to the business community,” said Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This initiative supports entrepreneurs and helps small businesses access national retail opportunities.”
Since launching in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call has helped thousands of small and midsize businesses become suppliers, while more than 85% of Walmart shoppers report valuing U.S.-made products.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grants, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health needs across Central Florida.
The grant program partners with community-based organizations to expand initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability. Eligible nonprofits serving residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open from March 30 through April 16, with funding expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
The grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies key challenges impacting residents’ well-being.
“Our annual Community Impact Grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure we are investing meaningfully where our neighbors need us most,” said Tricia Edris, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships for AdventHealth Central Florida. “We are honored to align our resources and stand as partners to create measurable, lasting impact across the region.”
PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUNDING
The 2026 grant cycle will focus on three key areas:
- Housing instability
- Transportation
- Food insecurity
These priorities reflect social determinants of health that can significantly influence a person’s ability to live a healthy and stable life. Community organizations often serve as the first line of support for residents facing these challenges.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Past grant recipients say the program has helped expand opportunities for residents. Crystal Davidson highlighted the impact of the initiative on workforce development.
“Schools and colleges often don’t have the funding to provide introductory workforce programs that expose students to new career opportunities,” Davidson said. “Through partnership grants like the one AdventHealth is providing, we’re able to give young people hands-on experiences that help them discover their potential and build a path toward a meaningful career.”
AdventHealth will also host an informational webinar to guide organizations through eligibility requirements, funding priorities and the application process. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the AdventHealth website.
