From left: Jessica Hallgren Haines, Debbie Rodriguez and Monique Waldrop

Jessica Hallgren Haines

Founder, KLG Orlando
Founder, Hope for More Foundation

Growing up, Jessica Hallgren Haines had an ongoing urge to help others. Her path led her in two directions: providing legal assistance to those in crisis and launching her own nonprofit to serve children and the underprivileged in her local community. 

She is the founder of KLG Orlando, a business and real estate law firm, and Hope for More, which she calls her true passion. 

“Hope for More focuses on identifying and supporting outstanding nonprofit organizations in Central Florida to further their efforts in outreach, advocacy and fundraising,” says Haines. “Together with my husband, Richard Haines, and so many others, we have grown Hope for More’s largest event to over 700 people, raising more than $200,000, and lead a food drive impacting over 300 people each holiday season.”

She believes that philanthropy should be a family affair. 

“My love for giving back started at an early age and therefore I have made it a priority for my sons Connor and Dylan to be actively involved in the ongoing growth of Hope for More,” says Haines. “I am blessed to be married to my best friend, who jumps into every crazy idea of mine and impacts the community with me.”

For Haines, “My why is my family. Every day I strive to bring a smile to my children’s faces and show them how amazing and blessed every day is when we focus on the good. Filling their buckets with love and support is why I work so hard to be the woman I am today.”

Haines’ personal philosophy rings true of her Woman of the Year honor. 

“I believe women supporting women is one of the strongest forces around and when women support each other, nothing is impossible.”

Debbie Rodriguez

Owner, Founder And CEO of Competitive Edge Partners and Consulting
Creator of the Nonprofit, ibuild USA

“I firmly believe that the power to decide my path lies solely within me,” says Debbie Rodriguez.

As a professional in the construction staffing business, Rodriguez forged her own path. It was a journey that led her through the School of Hard Knocks, she says, making her way through a field traditionally dominated by men. 

“It wasn’t always easy, facing skepticism due to my age, gender, nationality and sexual preference,” says Rodriguez. “However, I embraced the challenge and discovered a passion for project management. It taught me resilience and opened doors to opportunities that have shaped me into a respected professional in the construction world.”

That tenacity paid off when Competitive Edge Partners and Consulting won the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando’s coveted Don Quijote Award for companies that have been in business for more than five years.

Rodriguez is also involved in the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and the Academy of Construction Technologies (ACT). The former helps members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities. The latter works closely with local schools to highlight bright futures in construction careers.  

“What truly motivates me is the profound impact I can have on changing people’s lives for the better,” says Rodriguez. “Every interaction, be it in a professional setting or through community service, is an opportunity to lend a helping hand. This is mainly why I created the nonprofit iBuild USA. We build people, pathways and partnerships—focusing on building the workforce development pipeline for the construction industry.  Personally, I actively participate in various community events through volunteering, and I encourage my staff to do the same.”

Monique Waldrop

Chief Marketing Officer, 4Rivers Restaurant Group and 4Roots

Monique Waldrop parlayed her studies in communication and media into a career in marketing and community service. Her work with the 4Rivers Restaurant Group not only focuses on brand awareness, innovation and technology, but on unearthing the power of food to build healthy communities, through 4Roots, its nonprofit.

“I am so grateful to continue to work at an organization that shares the belief of giving back and making a difference in our community,” says Waldrop. “4Rivers is a purpose-driven organization. We call it the ‘BBQ Ministry’ in the local communities that we serve. Because of the many contributions and efforts in the community, it is encapsulated in the ‘Peace, Love, 4 The Greater Good’ movement, which is a reminder that what we do is to impact the greater good of our guests, team members and communities. It’s a philosophy that I completely believe and work toward every day.”

An avid football fan, Waldrop’s personal philosophy comes from “Friday Night Lights.” It is “Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose,” meaning the following:

• Clear eyes—Open and unobstructed, the ability to discern what is important
• Full heart—Joy, love and trust (for all)
• Can’t lose—When these things work together, we achieve more. It doesn’t mean we don’t fail, just that we learn always.

A series of moments that make Waldrop feel blessed is watching her children succeed. One is a student at the University of West Florida and the other is graduating from Florida State School of Law. Both volunteer with various organizations and actively work to impact the community where they live.

Waldrop has impacted her community as the vice president of marketing for the executive board of directors for the Central Florida Boy Scouts of America, where she also serves on the national marketing committee; as a champion for Best Buddies, an organization fostering inclusivity for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and as a mentor in Take Stock In Children, through which she has mentored a young woman through high school and into her third year at Valencia College.

Back to Orlando Magazine’s 2024 Women of the Year Honorees ➥