Jacquelyn León is a nationally respected education leader, public health professional, author, and advocate whose career has been dedicated to expanding educational opportunity, promoting equity, and empowering multilingual learners and their families. With over 25 years of experience spanning public health, education, school preparedness, community engagement, and policy development, she has become a recognized voice in advancing inclusive educational practices and strengthening communities through culturally responsive leadership.

As the founder of Locally Made, Globally Grown, an education-based consulting organization, Ms. León partners with educators, school districts, government agencies, and community organizations to cultivate learning environments that recognize the strengths, talents, and potential of every individual. Guided by the belief that every person has inherent value and the ability to make meaningful contributions to society, her work challenges traditional deficit-based thinking by shifting the conversation from viewing students as "at-risk" to recognizing them as "at-promise." Through this philosophy, she has helped organizations foster greater equity, cultural understanding, and sustainable educational success.

A bilingual Spanish–English professional, Ms. León earned her Master of Public Health from Morgan State University and has dedicated her career to expanding educational access and improving outcomes for multilingual and immigrant families. She is widely recognized for her ability to bridge education, public health, and community partnerships to create innovative, practical solutions that strengthen learning environments and expand opportunities for historically under-resourced communities.

At the national level, Ms. León delivers professional development, technical assistance, and specialized training to educators and educational leaders across the United States and Puerto Rico, equipping them with evidence-based strategies that advance equity and multilingual learning.

Ms. León’s commitment to educational excellence and community empowerment has earned her multiple honors. She received the prestigious 2019 NJTESOL/NJBE President’s Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to advancing teaching and learning across New Jersey and her role as a catalyst for the success of others. In 2024, she was named one of Trenton’s “Makes the Scenes Heroes” for her leadership and advocacy on behalf of the city’s Latino community. These recognitions reflect her unwavering dedication to empowering educators, strengthening multilingual learning environments, and improving opportunities for students and families who have historically been under-resourced. Ms. León is a founding board member and current advisor to the Trenton Puerto Rican Community & Friends, where she champions cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and bilingualism. She remains deeply committed to public service in her hometown of Trenton, New Jersey, volunteering regularly with the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and supporting local families through multiple annual scholarships awarded to graduating high school seniors and to parents who foster bilingualism in the home.

Each year, she also honors her mother’s legacy through the Praxedes León Seal of Biliteracy Parent Award, recognizing parents whose dedication to literacy and multilingualism has strengthened their children’s academic success and reinforced the cultural and educational value of bilingualism. In addition to her community work, Ms. León serves as a Trustee at the local county college, further advancing educational access and opportunity across Mercer County.

An accomplished author, Ms. León published the bilingual children's book Yo Soy, I Am: The Story of My Name (El Cuento Sobre Mi Nombre), a heartfelt Spanish-English story that explores identity, family heritage, culture, and the significance of one's name. The book reflects her lifelong passion for celebrating language, diversity, and the unique stories that shape every child.

Outside of her professional work, Ms. León is an enthusiastic global traveler whose curiosity about people and cultures has taken her to more than 40 countries across the world. Her international experiences continue to enrich her perspective and reinforce her belief that education, cultural understanding, and human connection have the power to transform lives and communities.

The Female Empowerment Foundation is honored to welcome Jacquelyn León as one of the Distinguished Presenters for the 2026 Awards Ceremony. Her lifelong dedication to education, empowerment, service, and equity makes her an ideal representative of FEFA's commitment to investing in the leaders of tomorrow.