Lorena Horton Jalil got married to the love of and for her life, Alonzo Horton, in July of 2025 and graduated from college that same year, marking a season of both personal and professional transition. There is nothing she enjoys more than spending quality time with her husband, friends, family, and pets.

She has been based in Chattanooga since August 2024, where she continues to grow her work in media, storytelling, and community-centered design, now at PEF! Lorena is a storyteller and creative strategist who cares deeply about how things are communicated and who gets to be seen. With a background in media production, photography, writing, and communications, she approaches her work with intention, connection, and a focus on creating content that truly matters.

Before joining Public Education Forward, she worked in a range of media and outreach roles, leading content efforts and shaping visual narratives. She has a strong eye for detail and a natural ability to bring structure to creative work, helping translate big ideas into content that feels both cohesive and impactful. Her work now highlights the everyday moments that shape student growth, teacher support, and community progress.

At the core of everything she creates is a genuine care for people. Whether she’s behind a camera, writing, or building out a long-term strategy, she leads with thoughtfulness and purpose, always aiming to reflect growth and real stories. Her work is also rooted in her faith, which continues to guide how she shows up with intention and a commitment to serving others well.