PRESS RELEASE: Equality Florida Welcomes Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio as Deputy Director of Communications

Equality Florida Welcomes Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio as Deputy Director of Communications

ORLANDO, Fla. — Equality Florida is proud to welcome Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio, an award-winning journalist and bilingual communications strategist, as Deputy Director of Communications. In this role, she will lead media relations, elevate stories of LGBTQ Floridians and allies, and help drive the organization’s communications strategy at a critical moment for equality in our state.

Marcial Ocasio joins Equality Florida in 2026, bringing more than 15 years of experience in journalism and strategic communications. She will play a key role in expanding the organization’s media reach and ensuring LGBTQ voices, including Spanish-speaking communities, across Florida are centered in conversations shaping our state.

“Jenny brings a powerful combination of journalism experience, strategic communications expertise, and a deep commitment to community,” said Brittany Link, Director of Communications at Equality Florida. “Her ability to build meaningful relationships with the media and tell stories that resonate will be an incredible asset as we continue expanding the reach and impact of our work across Florida.”

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Marcial Ocasio has extensive experience as a journalist and spokesperson in both English and Spanish language media and brings a strong track record of amplifying underrepresented voices. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Puerto Rico and a master’s degree in Mass Communications from Florida International University. Since relocating to Orlando in 2017, she has been a dedicated advocate for inclusive storytelling and representation across Florida’s diverse communities.

“Joining Equality Florida is both an honor and a responsibility I take to heart,” said Marcial Ocasio. “Storytelling has the power to connect, inspire, and drive change. I’m thrilled to join Equality Florida and help ensure the voices of the LGBTQ community are heard and amplified through meaningful, authentic stories.”

Marcial Ocasio is an award-winning journalist and communications professional whose recognitions include a GLAAD Media Award, Orlando Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40, the Florida Public Relations Association Orlando Chapter’s 2025 Rising Star nominee, and the 2024 Puerto Rican Chamber Communications Award at Premios Josco. She has worked and written for newsrooms like the Orlando Sentinel, Univision, and others.

For media interviews, please reach out to [email protected].

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Equality Florida is Florida's statewide civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community. For over 25 years, Equality Florida has worked hard to make our state a welcoming and inclusive place to live, work, and visit. We've led the passage of policies at the local and state level to respect and protect our community in schools, in the workplace, in healthcare, and in caring for our loved ones. This experience has made Equality Florida uniquely suited to create real and lasting change for LGBTQ Floridians. Through lobbying, grassroots organizing, education, and coalition building, we are changing Florida so that no one suffers harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.