Fran’s area of expertise is her ability to present creative and insightful approaches to issues of high sensitivity.  Her work in the area of cultural competency in the workplace, cultural competency training and the creation of culturally specific programs in the Social Services field earned her the YWCA “Woman of Achievement Award” in Racial Justice. She is an inspiring   and proven facilitator, consultant and trainer with over 30 years of experience.

Specializing in issues related to structural racism, racial and economic equity Fran Frazier served as a Senior Associate for Everyday Democracy for over 20 years. Everyday Democracy is a national organization that works to strengthen democracy by making authentic engagement and public participation a permanent part of the way we work as a country. This Dialogue to Change process leads from personal connection to sustained action.

When Frances Curtis Frazier served as the Administrator for Cultural Initiatives for the Department of Human Services/Department of Job and Family Services she initiated several state-wide programs and regulatory procedures to support the cultural competency of child welfare and public welfare county agencies to provide services specific to the needs of African American, Latino, Appalachian and Native American children and their families.

Using the resources and dialogue process of Everyday Democracy, Fran served for several years as a consultant and provided technical assistance to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to address racial inequity in their service provision to people of color, specifically African Americans experiencing mental illness.  Actions from the dialogues and recommended action steps have shaped improved state policies and procedures for both mental health institutions and clients of mental health services.

Fran Frazier is an ardent advocate for marginalized women and girls.  She is a national speaker and presenter in this area.  African American women and girls are Fran’s special ministry. Since 1979, Fran has established programs, conducted retreats and given presentations on issues of sisterhood, spiritual development and self-empowerment.

Fran Frazier is the Principal Investigator of a research study “Rise, Sister Rise: Placing Black Girls At Promise”.  The research focused on trauma and resiliency of 411 African American girls in four Ohio cities; Akron, Columbus, Dayton and Lima.  Ms. Frazier partnered with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.  This groundbreaking research is an influential factor in programs and policies addressing trauma and the mental health needs of African American girls across the state of Ohio.  Ms. Frazier now consults with national and state-wide organizations on culturally competent approaches and trauma-informed services to address the needs of African American girls.

Fran is also the creator of “The Angel In You: Life Preparation for Girls” an inspired program especially for girls in the 5^th through 9^th grades.  The curriculum and activities are designed as a personal leadership program to assist girls in critical thinking skills, effective decision making and academic proficiency. A primary focus of The Angel In You program is teaching girls how to communicate effectively and build community with each other. Over 1000 girls have participated in The Angel In You Program.  It is an effective After-School Program.

Fran Frazier is often requested by urban School Districts. As a School Climate Consultant she assesses principal leadership, teacher morale, student behavior and parent involvement.  A school climate area of Fran’s expertise is addressing relational aggression in girls.  Her work with girls in urban schools is exemplary and has changed the way many schools provide services and resources to female students. Consulting for an urban school district in Ohio, Fran developed a “Safe Place” school survey in which 246 girls in three high schools participated.  The survey supported the presence of local prevention and service organizations to provide trauma-informed services to girls.

Ms. Frazier now consults with national and state-wide and city organizations on culturally competent approaches and trauma-informed services to address the needs of African American girls. Her passion is facilitating skills in women and girls that lead to resiliency and self-determination.  The Rise Sister Rise/Black Girl Rising, Inc. Think Tank was established in 2015.  The Black Girl Think Tank was created to provide a safe space for girls to critically analyze and dialogue about the quality of life issues that affect Black girls in their community and school.

Because of her significant research on Black girls Fran was appointed by Priscilla Tyson Columbus, Ohio City Council member as the Co-chair of the Columbus Commission on Black Girls. The Commission is tasked with assessing the lived experiences of Black girls and implementing recommendations that will improve the life prospects for Black girls in the city of Columbus and Central Ohio.

Ms. Frazier has received many awards and commendations for her work including Franklin County Children Services’ Community Award for the Rise Sister Rise Research Study; Franklin County Board of Commissioners for the community projects from the Rise Sister Rise Research study; the African American Leaders Achievement Award, and her induction into History Makers, a national recognition for her work over the past decades.

Her story and lifetime achievements are now included in the Library of Congress.  She has been recognized by the National League of Cities and the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials for the Rise Sister Rise Research study and the building of networks to address the needs of Black girls.

Fran Frazier is a member of The Grail, an international movement of women whose work and advocacy has changed the lives of women and girls throughout the world.  Believing in the collective power of women, Sister Fran is always working on projects of sisterhood and community building among women and girls.

A native of Philadelphia, Pa., she holds a B.S. cum laude in Special Education from Norfolk State University and a M.A. Degree in Learning Disabilities and Behavioral Disorders from The Ohio State University.