Against the odds: From Homelessness to the Boardroom

Francesca "Fran" Weems brings nearly 20 years of experience in communications as a journalist and public relations professional. Today, she works with a leading global communications firm implementing diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) programs, providing media counsel and executive visibility planning for some of the world’s most iconic brands.  

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Francesca uses her lived and learned experience as a woman of color, former foster youth and previously unhoused individual to push for DE&I initiatives at both the corporate and local levels ensuring that more people from under-resourced and underrepresented communities are provided the opportunities to reach their highest potential. 

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Francesca attended the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) where she earned a bachelor’s in mass communications and a master’s in education. She is an avid runner and competed as a member of the Cal Track and Field and Cross Country team. When Francesca isn’t running or working, she spends her time volunteering as an academic advocate for foster youth.