Get to know these wonderful ladies whose various efforts are helping to better our communities.

Each year, Orlando Family Magazine takes great pride in showcasing local Super Women who are making a noticeable impact across Central Florida, and our 2026 honorees are some of the most inspiring we have encountered. This remarkable group of leading ladies aren’t motivated by the recognition they may receive for their hard work, compassion and character; they are doing what simply makes them feel good. It’s just further evidence of what makes these ladies so special and precisely the reason why even though they would never ask for the attention, we were more than happy to give it to them. 

MIA POINSETTE
Poinsette serves as president and CEO of the Poinsette Foundation, a self-funded family initiative advancing Wraparound Philanthropy™ and direct-to-youth grantmaking to close learning and opportunity gaps for K–12 students across Central Florida. Since relocating from Maryland in 2022, the foundation has invested nearly $500,000 through more than 100 strategic partnerships in Orange and Osceola Counties. The organization’s approach focuses on aligning resources across schools, nonprofits and community partners to create sustained, measurable outcomes for children and families.

Poinsette is also actively engaged in the Central Florida community, serving on the boards of the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council as first vice chair, Junior Achievement of Osceola County, the Downtown Boys & Girls Clubs and as the 54th president of the Women’s Executive Council. What’s more, she was also appointed to a second term by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to serve on the Mennello Museum of American Art’s board of trustees as vice chair. 

A graduate of two notable Orlando Economic Partnership programs, Poinsette was selected for the inaugural leadership track of the Black Boardroom Leadership Institute and is a graduate of Leadership Orlando Class 103. She is also a graduate of the Mayor’s City Academy Class of 2025, Leadership Orange, Leadership Winter Park Class 36, Leadership Osceola’s Class of 2024 and the 2023 cohort of ATHENA NextGen.

GRACIELA NORIEGA JACOBY
As COO of Heart of Florida United Way, Noriega Jacoby helps lead efforts that bring together partners, resources and data to address our community’s most pressing challenges. A critical part of that work is mobilizing volunteers—bringing people together to roll up their sleeves and take action in ways that make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Noriega Jacoby’s desire to give back is deeply rooted in personal experience. Growing up as a Girl Scout, and especially when her family experienced a house fire, it was the support of the community that helped them recover. “I’ve seen firsthand how access to the right support at the right time can change the trajectory of someone’s life,” she says. 

That perspective was deepened through her service with AmeriCorps, working alongside communities across the country. And so now in addition to her role at Heart of Florida United Way, Noriega Jacoby stays actively engaged in efforts to strengthen the Central Florida community. This includes her involvement as a mentor with the National Charity League as well as serving on the board of directors for Dr. Phillips Charities, and on advisory and leadership boards including the Ginsburg Institute for Health Equity, Florida Policy Institute and the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce.

DALIA KACENAUSKAITE
With her previous experience in for-profit companies, Kacenauskaite transitioned to the nonprofit sector 10 years ago and never looked back. She still remembers one of her first patient interactions in the nonprofit space—a moment when a simple act of guidance lifted an overwhelming burden for someone navigating treatment. For the past decade, she found her purpose, dedicating herself to supporting people living with life-changing diseases. 

As vice president of operations, Kacenauskaite leads patient support operations at The Assistance Fund (TAF), one of the nation’s leading patient assistance nonprofits. TAF has helped over 260,000 people nationwide through more than 100 disease-specific programs, providing financial assistance for expenses like copays, health insurance premiums and incidental medical expenses. In her role, Kacenauskaite helps deliver critical financial support to thousands of children and adults living with life-changing diseases by advancing programs that remove barriers to treatment.

When she’s not working, Kacenauskaite is a passionate advocate for mental health in her community. She and her dog, Sugar, are active members of the Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid Florida therapy team, volunteering their time to support people in need. Kacenauskaite and Sugar can often be found visiting senior living communities, cancer care centers, hospitals and children’s libraries to provide comfort, connection and emotional support.

CINDY MCCREE-BODINE
McCree-Bodine, vice president of McCree General Contractors & Architects, is dedicated to strengthening Central Florida’s community through her ongoing support of organizations that create opportunities for local families. Through her involvement with the Orange Technical College Construction Advisory Council and Rotary Club of Winter Garden, she helps advance initiatives that support education, improve access to care and provide critical resources to those who need them most.

Known for her collaborative and people-first approach, McCree-Bodine brings together partners, organizations and community leaders to support meaningful impact across the region. She has also played an active role in the construction community through her leadership with Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), previously serving as chair and helping foster collaboration and engagement across the industry. During her tenure as chair of ABC, McCree-Bodine led the formation of an industry grassroots collaboration, ibuild Central Florida which has since grown exponentially. 

With a relationship-driven approach and a deep commitment to giving back, McCree-Bodine continues to support organizations and initiatives that make a meaningful impact across Central Florida, helping create opportunities and strengthen the region for future generations.

TRISH TEAGUE
Teague, senior vice president, managing director at Cogent Bank, is a dedicated community leader who uses her financial expertise to support organizations and initiatives that strengthen Central Florida. Through her involvement with nonprofits such as iBuild Central Florida and Army of Angels, she provides strategic guidance, financial insight and mentorship to help organizations grow sustainably and expand their impact.

Teague also played a key role in advancing the Victory Cup Initiative, bringing together nonprofit leaders and corporate partners to share best practices in financial stewardship, donor engagement and organizational sustainability. Passionate about empowering others, she mentors women within her organization and the broader community, helping them build confidence, develop leadership skills and pursue new opportunities.

Through her commitment to service and her belief in using her expertise to uplift others, Teague continues to make a meaningful difference across Central Florida, helping build a stronger, more connected community.

MARSHA LORENZ
For more than 17 years, Lorenz has been a dedicated advocate for Central Florida’s seniors, working to ensure older adults can maintain their independence and dignity while having access to meaningful connection and essential care. Through her work with Seniors First, which is celebrating 60 years of serving older adults and has been Orange County’s sole Meals on Wheels provider for six decades, she has helped expand programs that combat food insecurity and social isolation among Central Florida’s most vulnerable population.

Lorenz helped reduce the Meals on Wheels waitlist from more than 400 seniors to under 100, ensuring more older adults receive nutritious meals, safety checks and daily connection through a program that now delivers more than 1,000 meals each weekday. She also spearheaded the launch of The Garden Patch Delivery, which brings fresh fruits and vegetables to homebound seniors, and expanded programs like Project Connect, providing tablets that help seniors stay connected with loved ones. She’s also had direct involvement with the Neighborhood Lunch Program, which offers older adults a place to build friendships, find purpose and combat social isolation.

Since 1966, Seniors First has served more than 105,000 seniors and delivered over 11 million meals across Central Florida, a legacy Lorenz continues to advance through compassion, advocacy and an unwavering dedication to ensuring older adults remain nourished, connected and able to live independently in their own homes.

LYNN ROOKS
Rooks is the current president of Central Florida Women’s League (CFWL) and a foundation board member, leading the women-run volunteer organization with over 100 members. Since joining in 2021, Rooks has been involved in fundraising and has worked on three Power of the Purses, raising $175,000. She has also coordinated events such as Taste of Windermere and Casino Night fundraisers, and has chaired both the events and membership committees.

Rooks’s leadership extends to evolve the League by introducing evening meetings and town hall sessions, creating member involvement while honoring the organization’s 37-year history. This year, Rooks has helped provide grants to various organizations, including $16,000 to New Image Youth Center for more activity center buses and $20,000 to Samaritan Village for a vehicle to help transport human trafficking survivors.

Beyond CFWL, Rooks supports The Celebration Foundation, which funds Osceola County organizations and schools, and is currently on the planning committee for the Derby Day fundraiser. Last year, Rooks invited over 1,000 guests into her home as part of a Holiday Home Tour fundraiser, and will now chair the Sparkle Soiree Gala this December, which is the event that opens the Holiday Home Tour weekend.

CYNTHIA WOOD
As founder of Philanthropy Partner LLC, Wood has spent her career strengthening Central Florida’s nonprofit community. She consults with organizations to improve strategic planning, board governance and fundraising effectiveness, while helping boards and executive leaders build strong organizational foundations, clarify mission-driven priorities and grow sustainable development practices that support long-term impact. In addition to her organizational work, she advises individuals and families on creating thoughtful, values-based charitable giving strategies that reflect their interests and priorities.

Wood brings decades of experience to her consulting practice, including a 19-year career at Rollins College, where she served as vice president for institutional advancement. She has advised many of the region’s leading nonprofits and served as interim executive director of the Winter Park Public Library. Her community leadership includes roles with the Winter Park Institute, Grace Medical Home, FLY–Facilitating Learning for Youth, the Center for Women’s Philanthropy, 100 Women Strong, the Jeremiah Project, The Children’s School and the Junior League of Greater Orlando. She is also a graduate of Leadership Winter Park, Leadership Orlando and a member of Florida Executive Women.

MARNI MANDELL
Mandell has always had a strong sense of responsibility to her community. Beginning her tenure as CEO of Shalom Orlando in January of this year, she is leading the organization as it transforms into a more inclusive community space, with the aim of fostering connection, belonging and impact for Jewish people and those of all backgrounds and religions.

Mandell is focused on bringing all people together through building partnerships and shared experiences that strengthen connections within the Jewish community and to the wider community throughout Orlando, by connecting with other organizations and institutions across Central Florida. She remains passionate about early childhood education, summer camp and programs that support people, as a way to create entry points into community life.

Mandell also co-founded the Israeli Children’s Fund, which supports over 550 children that lost one or both parents in the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, where she herself previously lived for 15 years. 

Committed to creating an environment where philanthropy is something everyone can be a part of—whether through financial contributions, time or relationship building—Mandell is personally driven to make sure the next generation comes of age in a vibrant, supportive community. 

DANA NICHOLS
Nichols has exhibited a desire to make a meaningful impact in the world throughout her entire life. Beginning in college with an aspiration to “save the world,” her career has evolved into one rooted in creativity, adaptability and a deep commitment to helping organizations serve those in need. She has spent over 20 years working in the nonprofit sector, channeling her early idealism into innovative, real-world solutions to the world’s complex problems. 

Nichols is the primary spokesperson for Cannonball Kids’ Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit on a mission to fund accessible research for children battling cancer in an effort to provide better treatment, quality of life and education for change. Nichols advocates for increased funding, engaging stakeholders and advancing innovative pediatric cancer research, leading with a mixture of heart and strategy. 

Systemic inequities in research funding fuel her urgency, motivating her to create a future where kids with cancer have more options for treatment, better outcomes and renewed hope. 

“Through Cannonball Kids’ Cancer Foundation, I am proud to help drive investment in cutting-edge clinical trials and support young investigators, because that’s how we begin to close critical gaps in pediatric cancer research and move closer to cures. I truly believe in the power of collective impact. When people come together with compassion and intention, we can create meaningful change and give back in ways that really matter,” says Nichols. 

JENNIFER EVINS
Evins serves as president and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida, the area’s local agency supporting arts, science, history and culture throughout Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. In this position, she leads investments in regional cultural organizations and individual artists, working to strengthen creative experiences for communities and families throughout Central Florida. 

Evins brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership, fundraising and community development experience, specifically focusing on collaboration and long-term impact. She is specifically known for advancing creative placemaking, using the arts to build connected and economically strong communities. 

Deeply committed to ensuring cultural experiences are accessible to all, she champions programs that bring arts to public spaces, Main Street districts and community hubs that foster shared experiences. She also focuses on creating opportunities for established and emerging artists so creativity can thrive locally, further contributing to quality of life in the region.

The proud mother of two is also actively involved in the community in several other ways, serving on regional and civic boards like the Orlando Economic Partnership, Visit Orlando and Downtown Orlando Partnership. Evins also contributes to higher education and cultural leadership through service with University of Central Florida’s College of Arts & Humanities, and has participated in major regional planning and visioning initiatives, including Orlando’s long-term community vision efforts.