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Biographical Information

Dr. Francois spearheaded a schoolwide vertical alignment process, strengthened professional development systems, and led data-informed interventions to support both at-risk students and struggling educators. While teaching Algebra Remediation, 11 of her 17 students passed the New York State Regents Exam; Earth Science pass rates rose by 14%. Under her instructional leadership, Regents pass rates improved by 20% in Algebra II and 17% in Chemistry.

A passionate advocate for culturally responsive education, Dr. Francois launched MESA’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, which continues to foster a school culture where all students and staff feel seen and celebrated. She reimagined Black History Month, transforming it from a one-day assembly into a month-long celebration featuring food, music, workshops, and race-centered discussions. At both MESA and her previous school, the High School for Global Citizenship (HSGC), she cultivated a college-going culture by organizing campus visits and encouraging students to pursue summer opportunities in the U.S. and abroad. She even invited her students to attend her own graduation ceremonies when earning her advanced degrees—further cementing her role as a mentor and role model.

The daughter of Haitian and Indian immigrants, Dr. Francois grew up in the same Brooklyn communities she served, making her success deeply personal and relatable for her students. Her former students credit her with sparking their love of science, increasing their confidence, and inspiring them to pursue STEM careers. Teachers describe her not just as a coach, but as a mentor. She has supported student teachers from Long Island University and guided educators at all stages of their careers at both MESA and HSGC. She has also shared her leadership journey and personal story at conferences hosted by Teach For America and the NYC Department of Education, encouraging other educators to pursue pathways to leadership. Additionally, she has shared her content and leadership expertise at conferences including the National Science Teacher Association conference and Career Services Association of CUNY Conference.

Most recently, Dr. Francois served as the New York Executive Director of America Needs You, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing the economic mobility and college persistence of first-generation college students through intensive career development and transformative mentorship. In this role, she expanded her impact from secondary education into the higher education space. Beyond these traditional education settings, Dr. Francois uses her platform, Franny the Traveler (www.frannythetraveler.com), to inspire, educate, and amplify Black travel as she seeks to visit 50 countries and all 50 states before age 50. She also has published a book called Support BLACK Periodt: A Greenbook to Eliminate Your Ifs, Ands, or Buts to help others discover how they can support Black businesses and communities across America with an updated, comprehensive green book rooted in an action-based framework.

Her proven track record of transformative impact across K–12 and higher education has earned her prestigious honors, including the 30 under 30 Caribbean American Emerging Leader and Changemaker Award, Caribbean Life Impact Award, Teach for America’s NY Collective Teacher of the Year and Leadership Awards, and recognition as a New York Nonprofit Power Player.

Dr. Francois holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Columbia University (2011), a Master’s in Adolescent Special Education from CUNY Hunter College (2013), a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Bank Street Graduate School of Education (2015), and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy from Fordham University (2025).

Press release: Coaching Teachers and Inspiring Students Earns a $25,000 Milken Educator Award for Assistant Principal Princess Francois