Simone A. Francis — Co-Founder

Culture Keeper. Future Shaper. Opportunity Builder. Simone is a first-generation West Indian educator rooted in community and creative practice. She brings the heart of a community-builder, the instincts of a strategist, and a sharp eye for gaps in systems - moving with intentionality, creativity, and purpose to close them. Driven by the power of storytelling, Simone curates innovative experiences that celebrate and uplift historically underserved communities. She has led diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging initiatives across the U.S. and abroad, designing social impact programs that strengthen leadership development, cultural competency, community engagement, and brand visibility. Simone is a connector at her core - bringing people together around shared power and possibility, honoring where she comes from while shaping what’s next. She currently leads community impact initiatives at NYU Opportunity Programs and is the Founder of Anansi Creative Studio, a platform dedicated to creating transformative spaces for Black and Brown creators. Simone holds an M.S.Ed in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University Bloomington and a B.A. in Biology from NYU. She is currently pursuing an MPA in Public and Nonprofit Management & Policy at NYU Wagner, with a focus on Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a community engagement specialist with a focus on diversity and inclusion in educational settings.

Location: New York, New York, United States

Experience: 13 yrs 6 mos