When Jennifer Thompson was growing up, she could have easily made a misstep that would have dramatically altered her career path.

 

Thanks to the mentoring of her mother—who gave birth to Thompson at the Orlando Naval Training Center at the age of 15—and others in their strong social circles that provided positive support, Thompson has evolved into a successful entrepreneur, community magazine publisher, business mentoring group leader, and staunch supporter of East Orange County.

 

“Just from the nature of my upbringing, I’ve always felt the need to give back to the community that gave me so much when I was being raised by a young, single, hard-working mom,” said Thompson, a candidate for Orange County Commissioner, who came up 280 votes shy of a runoff in a 5-way race for the seat in 2006. The 2010 race marks Thompson’s second run for an elected post. “I experienced first-hand the positive impact a mentor could play in my life, one that helped get me back on the right path.”

 

After attending University High School, Thompson earned a degree from the University of North Carolina, where she met her husband, David. Together, they made Orlando their permanent home. For the past decade, she has championed the American Cancer Society (ACS), helping establish the Relay for Life of East Orlando at Timber Creek High School, chairing the Relay for Life of Lake Nona, and most recently, chairing the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, the largest fundraiser for ACS in Florida. She’s also served as a board member for Florida Hospital East Orlando, Children’s Rescue Network and Florida Executive Women.

 

Thompson initially recognized the potential for Orange County’s medical economy while serving as president of the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce. During her nearly 4-year leadership tenure, she helped more than 100 businesses open their doors.

 

In 2003, Thompson initiated a community visioning study that reflected strong input from local business leaders, including physicians and healthcare administrators. The 10-month research project resulted in a paper presented to the Orange County Commissioner for District 4.

 

“There seemed to be tepid interest, and we didn’t hear from anyone,” Thompson recalled. “Then in 2005, the Orange County Mayor held a State of the County address and unveiled his vision for our community moving forward. His vision was almost word for word what was written in 2003 from the study I authored. It called for the creation of a high-tech corridor. That concept is now known as Innovation Way and includes the emerging Lake Nona Medical City. I was thrilled that he incorporated our recommendations into his vision, and I realized the dream could come true. I also realized that you have to become involved in the process to make positive changes. You can’t do it from the outside. You must be on the inside.”

 

The Orlando Business Journal took notice of Thompson, naming her Central Florida’s Top Business Woman Under 40 in 2005. The year before, she had been recognized as Non-Rotarian of the Year for her civic dedication. 

 

In 2008, Thompson accepted a personal challenge to run a marathon to raise funds for medical research at the Burnham Institute, emphasizing that “actions speak louder than words.” Thompson now has two marathons and six half-marathons under her belt, including the 2010 two-day, 39.9-mile Disney Goofy Challenge. 

 

“District 4 could change the local economic landscape of Central Florida, and set the tone for the medical economic landscape worldwide,” Thompson said. “With the Burnham Institute, Nemours Children’s Hospital going vertical, UCF College of Medicine, M.D. Anderson Cancer Institute, and the future home of the V.A. center anchoring Lake Nona Medical City, local physicians not only care for patients, but they can get to the root of healthcare-related issues. Research you’re reading about all over the world is taking place right here, creating spinoff businesses across the entire region.”

 

Thompson pointed to the local simulation industry for defense technology as a stepping stone.

 

“We’re leading the world every step of the way,” she said. “For example, training programs for overseas troops are being developed and tested right out of Central Florida Research Park. The next logical move could occur with the creation of a brand new industry—medical simulation. I truly believe Orange County can lead the entire world. We can make this dream come true, starting right here.”