Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence

Rebecca Francis brings a wealth of experience in organizational leadership, with an impressive tenure of almost 10 years. Currently, she is at the helm of Ignite Change Solutions, LLC, where she collaborates with a diverse range of local and corporate entities, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Her expertise lies in supporting companies across various stages of development, driving transformative initiatives that yield impactful results. As a practitioner for DEIB efforts across business, government, non-profit, and education, Rebecca Francis helps organizations assess barriers and prepare to integrate seamless DEIB efforts into their business frameworks. She is presently training companies on various topics to start the thinking process toward a more equitable approach. Rebecca Francis' support combines expertise, passion, vision, and creative style to make an organic connection for the ultimate takeaways.

As a native of Rockford, the heart of Rebecca Francis' work addresses the ability to produce transformative environments within her community, with efforts centered around inclusion. To accomplish this goal, she serves on various boards that align with her passion; YWCA, RACAB Foundation, and Rockford Area Arts Council. Rebecca is also the Vice President of the Soar Awards and CEO of B3 Lux Hair Vending Machines, which provides hair products on college campuses for students of color. She strives to help create professional spaces where people can collaborate through a lens of compassion, empathy, and understanding. Rebecca earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Business and a Master's in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University. In addition to Rebecca's professional achievements, Rebecca is a certified SHRM provider for SHRM credential holders who must recertify every three years.

Rebecca’s areas of skill include:

• Marketing
• Performance measurement (outcomes)
• Program development and evaluation
• Strategic action planning facilitation
• Mission, vision and core values
• DEIB Assessments
• DEIB in the workplace
• Human resources
• Succession planning