Educator. Coach. Speaker. Leadership Trainer.
For more than 25 years, Jessica Trefry has dedicated her career to developing leaders, strengthening teams, and helping people discover what's possible when they lead with purpose.
Today, through Beacon Empowerment, she partners with schools, organizations, coaches, businesses, and community groups to create positive cultures, stronger connections, and lasting growth.
Meet Jessica Trefry
Empowering Leaders. Strengthening Teams. Transforming Culture.
For more than 25 years, Jessica Trefry has dedicated her career to helping people discover their potential, overcome challenges, and achieve more than they thought possible.
As an educator, coach, mentor, speaker, and certified leadership trainer, Jessica has spent her life investing in the growth and success of others. Whether in a classroom, on the competition floor, at a leadership conference, or in a workshop setting, her passion has always been the same: helping people become the best version of themselves.
Today, through Beacon Empowerment, Jessica works with schools, athletic programs, businesses, organizations, and community groups to develop stronger leaders, healthier cultures, and more connected teams.
Years as an Educator
Years Coaching
championships
A Lifetime of Leadership
Leadership has never been just a profession for Jessica, it's been a calling.
During her 25-year career as a Mathematics and Robotics educator, Jessica became known for creating environments where students were challenged, supported, and inspired to succeed. Her commitment to education and student development earned her recognition as Jackson County's Top Teacher in 2016.
Beyond the classroom, Jessica built one of the most successful competitive cheerleading programs in Michigan. During her 27 years of coaching, including 24 years as Head Varsity Coach at Michigan Center, her teams earned:
- 5 State Championships
- 2 State Runner-Up Finishes
- 5 Regional Championships
- 9 District Championships
- 20 Conference Championships
- 18 State Finalist Appearances
Jessica has also been recognized as District, Regional, and Division 4 Coach of the Year and was named the 2020 CCCAM Coach of the Year.
Her experience extends beyond cheerleading. Jessica has coached track and field, led FIRST Robotics teams to State and World Championship success, mentored coaches throughout Michigan, and spoken at both state and national educational conferences.
Through every role she has held, one lesson has remained constant:
Success is built on leadership, culture, mindset, and meaningful relationships.
Why Beacon?
A beacon is more than a light. It serves as a guide, offering direction, hope, and encouragement to those navigating their journey.
For Jessica, "Beacon" has become a guiding word for life. It represents the belief that leadership is not about titles or positions—it's about influence. It's about becoming someone worth following.
Throughout her career, Jessica has witnessed the extraordinary impact one person can have when they choose to lead with purpose, integrity, positivity, and service. The strongest leaders aren't always the loudest voices in the room. They're the people who inspire trust, create connection, and help others see what is possible.
That belief became the foundation of Beacon Empowerment.
The mission is simple: to empower individuals, teams, and organizations to become stronger leaders, build healthier cultures, and create positive change in the lives of those they serve.
Because when people are empowered, they become beacons for others.
Be Someone Worth Following
Experience That Extends Beyond the Classroom
Jessica's career has provided her with a unique perspective on leadership and team development.
She understands the challenges leaders face because she has lived them.
She has led teams through adversity, managed high expectations, developed future leaders, navigated difficult conversations, and built cultures that consistently produced positive results.
Her experience includes:
- 25 years as a Mathematics and Robotics educator
- 27 years of coaching experience
- Founder and President of 517 Youth Competitive Cheer
- Coach Mentor and leadership trainer
- State and national conference presenter
- Former CCCAM Mentor Director, All-State Director, and Regional Representative
- Assistant Coach for Cheer and STUNT at Aquinas College
- Assistant Coach at Grandville Schools
- Certified Jon Gordon Trainer
These experiences allow Jessica to connect with educators, coaches, students, business leaders, administrators, and teams in a meaningful and authentic way.
Beacon Empowerment approached us as we were preparing for the competitive season, having recently formed a new coaching group. Jessica was able to help our coaching staff reach a new level of compatibility and confidence. Our group consisted of incredible individuals, but together, we were missing that harmonious connection that we were striving for. Jessica introduced us to ‘The Energy Bus’ workshop, which she led us through weekly. By the end of the workshop, we all felt empowered and more connected through Jessica’s motivation and insightful guidance. The results were evident when we witnessed our athletes reach a new level of unity! I wholeheartedly recommend Jessica and can attest that she has the remarkable ability to touch and inspire everyone she meets.
Certified Jon Gordon Trainer
As a Certified Jon Gordon Trainer, Jessica delivers proven leadership and team development programs used by organizations, schools, athletic teams, and businesses across the country.
These programs focus on developing positive leadership, strengthening team culture, improving communication, building accountability, and creating environments where people can thrive together.
Programs Focus On:
- Positive Leadership
- Team Culture
- Communication
- Accountability
- Mindset Development
- Navigating Difficult Conversations
- Building Resilient, Connected Teams
Workshops Include:
- The Energy Bus
- The Power of Positive Leadership
- The Power of a Positive Team
- The 7 Commitments of a Great Team
- Difficult Conversations Don't Have to Be Difficult