Fordham’s Graduate School of Education Ed.D. program is designed for leaders who are passionate about driving equity, inclusion, and transformation in education. Princess Francois, a Milken Educator Award recipient and current Ed.D. student, exemplifies how the program empowers educators to create lasting impact. From tackling diversity challenges to fostering systemic change, Princess shares how her Fordham journey aligns with her commitment to educational leadership and equity.
Discover her insights on leadership, community transformation, and how Fordham’s supportive, cohort-based model is helping her make a difference—one student, school, and system at a time.
Q: What drew you to Fordham’s Ed.D. program, and how has the experience aligned with your goals?
Francois: I chose Fordham’s Ed.D. program because of its strong sense of community and support. Hearing from alumni like Dr. Rosalyn Barnes about the empathy and flexibility faculty showed during her personal challenges set Fordham apart. That support became invaluable for me this year during my own personal setbacks.
The cohort model, designed for full-time professionals, has also been critical. Being part of a small, close-knit group has allowed me to thrive and test ideas in real-time. What I learn in class I can immediately apply to my career, creating a positive ripple effect in my workplace.
Q: What advice would you give to prospective students considering Fordham’s Ed.D. program?
Francois: My advice? Do it—you won’t regret it. Fordham offers a rich, diverse environment with professors who genuinely care about your success. The close-knit cohort model and the program’s focus on equity and leadership prepare you to make a real impact.
Q: Could you share what inspired you to pursue a career in education and, more specifically, educational leadership?
Francois: Education has always been part of my journey, even before I fully recognized it. From childhood, I tutored peers and worked as an after-school program assistant. In college, I mentored underrepresented pre-med students while pursuing my own dream of medical school.
However, I noticed many peers—especially first-generation, low-income students of color—struggled in college due to gaps in their K-12 education. That realization led me to join Teach for America right after college. Teaching for five years in my neighborhood’s zoned school in Prospect Heights—where my mom worked hard to avoid sending me—allowed me to invest in my community and inspired me to become a role model for my students.
Q: Your work has included leading diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. How did those efforts transform the culture at MESA?
Francois: When I began leading DEI efforts at MESA, students shared stories of bullying, social media attacks, and exclusion. One student said, “I get a great education here, but I hate coming to school.” That was a wake-up call.
We started with small initiatives, like revamping Black History Month, but soon expanded to include staff professional development, feedback sessions, and cultural awareness programming. Over time, these efforts reshaped policies, fostered allyship, and created a safer, more inclusive environment.
For students, we launched “MESA University: School of Diversity,” a series tackling race, gender, and sexuality. This gave students the tools to ask thoughtful questions, plan initiatives, and address microaggressions.
Q: Congratulations on receiving the Milken Educator Award! What does this recognition mean to you, and how has it shaped your leadership?
Francois: The moment I received the Milken Educator Award felt surreal. It’s been the ultimate affirmation of my work in service of students and educators. This recognition has opened doors to new opportunities—joining state boards, winning additional awards, and even being in rooms with people like Whoopi Goldberg!
More importantly, it’s connected me with a network of like-minded educators. The Milken principles of celebrating, elevating, and activating our impact have shaped my leadership approach. I strive to honor successes, amplify others’ voices, and use my platform to drive meaningful change.
This content was contributed by Vince Ricco.
