Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jessica Henlon.
Hi Dr. Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) was born from a shared passion for community, creativity, and cultural expression. In 2014, my brother Rob Henlon and I, then partners in a marketing and branding agency, were approached to support a local fashion student’s show in downtown Orlando. What started as a favor quickly revealed a vibrant yet fragmented fashion scene that needed greater unity and exposure. At that event, we met Starr Dalton, a dynamic connector in the fashion world who volunteered as a model. The three of us clicked immediately, and within months, we produced Florida Fashion Weekend, our first collaborative event.
The overwhelming response to that weekend and the clear need for a professional, inclusive fashion platform led us to co-found Orlando International Fashion Week. We officially trademarked the name in 2015 and launched under the Fierce Entertainment umbrella, later establishing OIFW as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2021.
Today, we are proud to say that OIFW goes beyond a fashion event; it’s a cultural movement. Our shows elevate designers, models, and artists from around the globe while enhancing tourism, enriching the arts, advancing education, and celebrating culture and diversity. We believe fashion is a universal language that bridges communities and inspires connection, and we’re honored to lead that vision from right here in Orlando, The City Beautiful: Where Fashion Inspires and Tourism Ignites.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all—but every challenge has helped shape who we are. As Orlando continues to grow into a dynamic hub for art, culture, and innovation, we’ve had to evolve alongside the city’s rapid development. From shifting venue landscapes and changing local policies to maintaining visibility amid a competitive entertainment market, we’ve continuously adapted to ensure OIFW remains a relevant and impactful platform.
The COVID-19 pandemic was especially difficult. Like many in the event and fashion industries, we faced shutdowns, funding challenges, and the need to completely rethink how we connect with audiences. But we embraced the moment as an opportunity to innovate, developing virtual content, strengthening community partnerships, and doubling down on our mission of inclusivity and creativity. That period taught us resilience and redefined what it means to serve as a cultural leader in times of uncertainty.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As the founder of Dr. Jessica Henlon Consulting Co., I specialize in helping individuals and organizations design inclusive systems and experiences that foster a sense of belonging, growth, and purpose. My work spans higher education, nonprofits, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. I offer strategic consulting, program design, branding, and leadership development, always grounded in psychology, equity, and storytelling.
In addition to my consulting practice, I proudly serve as Chair and Co-Founder of Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW). Working alongside my fellow co-founders, Rob Henlon and Starr Dalton, I help guide the organization’s strategic direction and community impact. I support everything from venue coordination and deal negotiation to city proclamations, partnerships with civic and cultural leaders, brand development, and internal team leadership. But what truly makes OIFW thrive is the phenomenal group of people who bring it to life.
Our Executive Committee includes brilliant and dedicated professionals:
Lana Light, our Treasurer and Certified Financial Planner®
Rosanna Tran, a show producer and entrepreneur
Anelya Alim, an award-winning makeup artist and industry creative
We are equally honored to be supported by a strong Advisory Board featuring community changemakers and cultural leaders, including:
Thali Sugisawa (United Arts of Central Florida)
David Wheeler (Global Peace Film Festival)
Nadege Wilson (Fashion Stylist, SolviaMode Boutique)
Paula Wyatt (Chief Excitement Officer, Anything is Posh Able®)
Chalo Garcia (International Liaison, InterModelo Magazine)
Carilyn Eglee, who supports fashion and leadership development
Our Team and Affiliates include Special Thompson, J.D., Cristina Medina, Cheryl Thomas, Daryl Maeder, and Ashleigh Mausser, who bring creative, operational, and strategic expertise that helps power every show and initiative behind the scenes. Our circle of Advocates and Community Partners includes Barbara Hartley, Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, Luis Martinez (City of Orlando, Deputy Manager of Multicultural Affairs), Terry Olson (FusionFest), Liz Sheppard (Bebe’s & Liz’s Boutique), and Ted Bogert (Broadcaster and Mortgage Professional). Their insight and engagement help extend our impact across the region.
What sets OIFW apart is that it’s more than a fashion show. It’s a movement. We exist at the intersection of fashion, tourism, education, and cultural celebration. We champion diversity in all its forms and aim to uplift emerging creatives while also bringing global visibility to Central Florida’s vibrant arts scene. From raising funds for artisans in Colombia to awarding scholarships to local cosmetology students, we blend creativity and community impact in everything we do.
At the heart of it all is teamwork. I’m proud to be part of an organization where collaboration, creativity, and community lead the way. I bring that same spirit to my own brand, supporting individuals and institutions who want to build with intention, authenticity, and bold vision.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
As a psychologist and systems strategist, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned, and continue to teach, is that success is not a solo journey. My best advice for anyone starting out is to prioritize unity, team building, and belonging. Surround yourself with people who share your values, believe in your vision, and are willing to grow alongside you. And just as importantly, be that person for others. Trust is built over time, but it’s sustained through mutual support, honest communication, and shared purpose.
At OIFW, our greatest strength is our team. We are not just colleagues, we are family. We check on each other, celebrate together, hold space for tough conversations, and lead with love. That spirit of unity is what allows us to innovate, serve our community, and overcome challenges with grace. We work hard, but we never forget to lift each other along the way.
This mindset is deeply ingrained in the mission of OIFW, which is to enhance international tourism to Florida through entertainment and education, while enriching all aspects of the fashion industry and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. We don’t just showcase fashion. We create a platform that empowers artists, connects cultures, and nurtures the next generation of leaders.
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: You don’t have to know everything to begin. Just start. But be intentional about who you walk with. Your community will carry you further than you ever imagined.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://orlandofashionweek.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ORLANDOFASHIONWEEK_INT
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrlandoFashionWeek
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orlando-fashion-week
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@orlandofashionweek
