Politics
Jennifer Marcial Ocasio takes on new job at Equality Florida
‘Joining Equality Florida is both an honor and a responsibility I take to heart.’
Former journalist and communications leader Jennifer Marcial Ocasio is joining Equality Florida to become the new Deputy Director of Communications.
“Jenny brings a powerful combination of journalism experience, strategic communications expertise, and a deep commitment to community,” said Equality Florida Communications Director Brittany Link in a news release announcing the hire.
“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.”
Equality Florida is a statewide civil rights organization that supports the LGBTQ community.
Marcial Ocasio’s award-winning career includes receiving the GLAAD Media Award, earning a spot on the Orlando Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40, and being named a Florida Public Relations Association Orlando Chapter 2025 Rising Star nominee.
“Since relocating to Orlando in 2017, she has been a dedicated advocate for inclusive storytelling and representation across Florida’s diverse communities,” Equality Florida said in the press release.
Marcial Ocasio, who is bilingual and grew up in Puerto Rico, was an editor at the Orlando Sentinel. She helped lead the newspaper’s coverage of the Pulse nightclub shootings and ran El Sentinel, a publication written in Spanish to cover the Hispanic community in Central Florida.
Marcial Ocasio also previously worked as the Director of Communications at the Orlando Economic Partnership.
“Joining Equality Florida is both an honor and a responsibility I take to heart,” Marcial Ocasio said in a statement. “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.”
Equality Florida recently advocated for a bill that was a stopgap measure to help Floridians who lost coverage for HIV/AIDS medication. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation last week.
