Princess Francois

Educational Leadership '15

Bank Street helped me refine my leadership skills and empowered me to become not just a school leader, but a transformational, innovative one.

Princess Francois, a 2015 Bank Street graduate and Assistant Principal at the Math, Engineering and Science Academy (MESA) in Brooklyn, NY was recently named New York’s sole winner of the prestigious 2019-2020 Milken Educator Award. Labeled the “Oscars of Teaching”, the Milken Educator Award recognizes “early-to mid-career education professionals for their already impressive achievements and, more significantly, for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future.”

“Francois takes the lead on cultural initiatives at MESA. Her focus on school-wide diversity and equity prompted the creation of the school’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, which works to ensure that all groups feel celebrated and accepted. Francois helped revamp Black History Month at MESA, turning a one-day assembly into a month-long celebration with food, music, educational workshops and group conversations about race,” according to the Milken Award press release.

To learn more about Ms. Francois’ work to make equity in education a reality for her diverse student population, check out her Milken Award Profile & Videos: Princess Francois. We’re so proud of her achievement.