Born in New York, Rev. Jacqueline "Jackie" Ponce has emerged as an inspiring leader in the Hispanic Christian community, forging a path of faith, family, and empowerment. Her life is a testament to dedication and love, directed not only towards her family comprising her husband José "Cheito," her children Steven, Delia, and José, and her grandchildren Christopher and Brian but also towards her extensive spiritual family.

She began her spiritual journey in the Roman Catholic Church and later embraced her calling in the Episcopal Church of St. Gabriel in Philadelphia, in 1985. There, her community service, and spiritual leadership began to stand out, from teaching Sunday school to vestry member, Senior Warden, Reader, Chalice Bearer to coordinating the Vacation Bible School and leading the Women's Support Group, becoming a source of inspiration and guidance.

She also served in the community-based outreach program, “Philadelphia Interfaith Action, and at the diocesan level, served on the “Committee to Combat Racism” in the diocese of Pennsylvania.

Responding to the call to ordained ministry in 1994, she delved into spiritual discernment and theological training in The School of the Diaconate of the Diocese of Pennsylvania and Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia, culminating in her ordination as a deacon in 2000. Possibly the first Hispanic female deacon in her diocese. Through many challenges, Rev. Jackie broke barriers and brought her passion and dedication to Hispanic Ministry at the Free Church of St. John in Philadelphia, where her bilingual ability was key in bridging communities. During this time, she also worked as an administrative assistant in the Diocesan Office under the direction of the Archdeacon.

God's call led her to the Diocese of Puerto Rico, where her ministry significantly expanded. She continued her theological studies at “Seminario San Pedro y San Pablo,” where she received a certificate in Theology in 2004, followed by her ordination as priest on August 21 of that year. During her thirteen years of ministry in the Diocese of Puerto Rico, she served as chaplain at the Holy Trinity Church-College in Ponce, vicar at the Episcopal Church of St. Cecilia in Ensenada and The Transfiguration Church in Maricao. Some of the highlights of her ministry were coordinating vacation bible school, Christmas pageants and Easter plays for youth with the support of the parents. She led these in the spiritual and administrative spheres, also overseeing essential community projects like that of the reconstruction of a temple.

On the diocesan level, she served as spiritual director for the “Cursillo Movement,” presided the “Evangelism Committee,” served on the “Commission on Ministry,” and led spiritual retreats.

Rev. Jackie's life has also been marked by challenges, such as her service in the role as chaplain at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Ponce, demonstrating her steadfast commitment even in the face of health adversities.

Arriving in Florida after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, Rev. Jackie was invited by Rev. José Rodríguez, to help identify victims of the hurricane arriving at the hotel she was staying at so that assistance may be provided to them. She became a bridge of hope, beginning her work in the hotel with the Holy Eucharist and assistance to the needy. Her commitment further extended, offering essential assistance to those in need with the support of Rev. José and Rev. Canon Luis. This act marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Rev. Jackie, who found a new home in the Central Florida Diocese, dedicating her heart and soul to the service of Hispanic Ministry and later, Supply Priest in the diocese.

In 2022 Rev. Jackie became canonically resident in the Diocese of Central Florida, and on the diocesan level, served on the Parish Profile Committee, translated sermons for Bishop Greg Brewer and served on the Bishop’s Search Committee.

At St. Mark's, alongside Rev. Canon Angela Ifill and motivated both by Canon Ifill and by the growing Hispanic presence in Haines City, Rev. Jackie joyfully helped to coordinate the historic first Eucharistic Service in Spanish that was celebrated by Rev. Canon Luis de La Cruz, on January 21, 2023, symbolizing unity and inclusion, the fruit of community collaboration. Rev. Jackie, whose dedication transcends borders, took on significant roles in the Central Florida Diocese, bridging cultures.

In February 2023, she was named Priest in Charge at Christ the King Church in Lakeland, a position she would suddenly leave seven months later due to her husband's deteriorating health. Despite personal challenges, she returned to St. Mark's in January 2024 to continue her mission with renewed vigor. Her story at St. Mark's inspires faith and unity, reminding us that together we can overcome adversities and build an inclusive community always guided by God's love.