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 nearly 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 and president 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 devoted her career to improving educational access and outcomes for multilingual and immigrant families. Her expertise spans youth development, family engagement, bilingual education, diversity and inclusion, program development, policy implementation, technical assistance, and professional training. She is widely recognized for her ability to bridge education, public health, and community partnerships to create innovative, practical solutions that benefit students, families, and educators alike.

Today, Ms. León serves as a federal consultant and master trainer for the U.S. Department of Education, delivering professional development, technical assistance, and specialized training to educators and educational leaders throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Her work at the national level continues to influence educational systems by equipping professionals with evidence-based strategies that strengthen learning environments and improve opportunities for historically underserved communities.

Her commitment to educational excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2019 NJTESOL/NJBE President's Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to advancing teaching and learning throughout New Jersey and serving as a catalyst for the success of others. The award reflects her unwavering dedication to empowering educators while improving outcomes for multilingual students and their families.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. León remains deeply committed to public service in her hometown of Trenton, New Jersey. She volunteers regularly with the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and serves on the City of Trenton's Landmarks Commission for Historic Preservation, helping preserve the city's rich cultural and historical legacy. Each year, she also honors the legacy of her mother through the Praxedes León Seal of Biliteracy Parent Award, which recognizes parents whose support of bilingualism and literacy has played a vital role in their children's academic achievement. The award celebrates the important partnership between families and schools while reinforcing the value of multilingualism as both a cultural and educational asset.

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.