National Life Group announced that Business Entrepreneurship Teacher, Jenora Haynes, was chosen by an independent panel of educators as the 2025-2026 National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year grand prize winner. Haynes was selected from a pool of over 1,000 nominees from all 50 states and will receive a $20,000 prize which will be split equally between herself and her school.
Haynes teaches at Westbury High School, a Title 1 school, in Houston, Texas, where she introduced a DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) chapter to students. DECA prepares high school and college students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. She has been nominated for the National Society of High School Scholars Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction and received the DECA Outstanding Advisor Award, the DECA Advisor Appreciation Award, and the Above and Beyond Award.
One comment included on Haynes’ LifeChanger of the Year nomination profile reflects the impact she makes on her students: “Ms. Haynes . . . truly changed the direction of my life. Before I met her, I was slipping into trouble and didn’t really see a clear path for myself. But she saw potential in me that I didn’t even recognize. She pushed me to stay focused, challenged me to think bigger, and taught me how discipline and responsibility can open doors. Her belief in me made me want to do better, not just in school but in life. Because of her guidance, I stayed out of trouble and started to believe in my own future. She didn’t just teach me business—she helped me find purpose.”
“National Life Group is proud to recognize and support incredible school employees who step in and step up, every day,” said Mehran Assadi, Chairman, CEO, and President of National Life Group. “Jenora models servant leadership, giving selflessly to lift others. We hope this grand prize will not only bring awareness to her good work at Westbury High but also shine a light on her students who have persevered thanks to her encouragement.”
Haynes’ nominator wrote, “Beyond academics, she also brings in moments of encouragement, humor, and reflection to keep the environment uplifting and supportive. Whether it’s starting the day with an inspiring quote, sharing real-world success stories, or simply checking in on how students are feeling, she strives to make her classroom a space where students feel motivated to show up as their best selves…she works to create an inclusive atmosphere where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn rather than setbacks.”
Outside of teaching at Westbury High School, Haynes owns and runs Incassable Fashion that designs and sells statement pieces online.
