Florida's first female lieutenant governor, two-term president of the Florida Senate, successful businesswoman, and former fifth grade teacher, Toni Jennings is among the most prominent public figures in Florida's history, dedicating over 27 years to the citizens of Florida. She served an unprecedented two consecutive terms as President of the Florida Senate from 1996-2000. When she took the oath of office in 1976 as a member of the House of Representatives, Ms. Jennings became the youngest woman ever elected to the Florida Legislature and the first female Republican leader of either house of the Legislature-her first historic mark on Florida politics with many to follow throughout her political career.

Ms. Jennings' distinguished public career has earned her numerous awards and recognitions. She was named to the Florida Women's Hall of Fame in 2002 and recognized as the 2004 Central Floridian of the Year by the Orlando Sentinel for her hurricane recovery efforts. The National Association of State Workforce Agencies honored Ms. Jennings with the William L. Heartwell Award for her workforce education and training advocacy. Her accolades also include the Florida Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, Florida Economic Development Council's Distinguished Service Award, Florida League of Women Voters' Distinguished Florida Women Award, Friend of the First Amendment bestowed twice by the First Amendment Foundation and, the coveted Friend of Education Award given by the Florida School Boards Association.