Meet Jessica Benavides, our 2026 Featured Presenter

Jessica Benavides leads with a simple but powerful belief: when we invest in people, we transform communities. As the Interim Superintendent of the Lansing School District, she brings 29 years of experience, serving the very city that shaped her with purpose, pride, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Her journey in education began in the classroom, where she inspired students as an elementary and middle school teacher and earned the Elsie A. Maile Teacher of the Year Award. She went on to serve as a principal, most notably at Sheridan Road STEM Magnet School, where her leadership helped the school earn two national Magnet School of Distinction Awards. Throughout her career, Jessica has built a reputation for cultivating strong teams, fostering trust, and creating spaces where both students and educators can thrive.

At the district level, she has served as Executive Director of Improvement and Innovation and First Deputy Superintendent of Schools.

A proud graduate of Michigan State University, She holds degrees in Education and Curriculum Development and has completed advanced leadership fellowships focused on systems change and continuous improvement. Beyond her professional work, Jessica is deeply connected to the arts. She is a children’s book author and illustrator who believes in the power of storytelling to inspire, connect, and uplift.

At her core, Jessica is a woman grounded in family and purpose. She is a devoted wife and proud mother of two daughters who inspire her daily to lead with authenticity and heart.

Whether she is guiding a school system, creating through art, or speaking to audiences, Jessica shows up with intention and care, reminding us that leadership is not just about what we achieve, but about who we empower along the way.