WEEN Academy Mentor Spotlight: Karen Francis
Why did you decide to be a WEEN Academy Mentor?
Prior to joining the WEEN Planning Committee, I was actively seeking an organization that was committed to bolstering and promoting positive self images, particularly among young women. It is an issue dear to my heart because of my own struggle with self-esteem growing up. I declared my interest and passion to all who would listen. In other words, I “talked the talk.” My involvement now as a WEEN Academy Mentor is one of the many ways — through WEEN and other organizations — that I’ve also been able to “walk the walk.” Connection and involvement are key.
Tell us one interesting fact about your personal/or professional background that served as groundwork for you to become a mentor?
As an adolescent and teen, I had a diverse group of friends. But I was also bullied. In public school, I dealt with bullying from other girls of color who thought that I “talked white” and threatened to “cut my hair off” because it was so long. When I went to private school, I was often excluded from parties and social activities. (One girl acknowledged it was because “my mom won’t let me have black people over.”) Even my neighborhood was a challenge — I remember being called a “nigger” by the only person I knew at a neighborhood campfire outing.
My adolescent/young adult experience was lonely at times. I often felt rejected and unacceptable, and as a result, my self-esteem suffered. I found solace in my faith in God and in my writing. To this day, those are two major cornerstones of my life and I attribute my success in large part, to both of them.If I can show even one young woman that they are not alone, and that their trial can be their triumph, I will know that I didn’t endure those difficulties in vain. God gives us a testimony — and it is our responsibility to share it.
How did you build your personal/professional brand?
By focusing on the values that my parents instilled in me by both word and deed: honesty, integrity, compassion, intelligence, hard work, determination and true grit.
What are two gems that you wish someone would have told you about the business?
That the relationships you build will be your greatest resource. And to believe in yourself unflinchingly — even when no one else does.
Who is/was your most significant mentor and why?
My grandmothers. They are a wealth of wisdom and a well-spring of strength and courage. I can’t even believe that I am related to such fearless forces-of-nature! These two women have endured and lived to tell about it. Their stories are incredibly instructive lessons for me. And they love with a purity and tenacity that defies description.
What are some things that you are doing to make the entertainment business a better place for women?
In addition to my involvement in WEEN, I am also working on a membership campaign with WICT (Women in Cable Telecommunications). The campaign is meant to inspire, encourage and celebrate women in media. As a freelance writer (Huffington Post, Madame Noire, et al.), I am frequently called upon to write about events of cultural significance. I use those opportunities to speak from our perspective as women. Every time we share our story or opinion, it makes the environment just a bit less intimidating for the next woman. So I take pride in throwing my hat in the ring.
Who would play you in a modern day movie about your life and why?
Not sure — the auditions have not been held yet. Ha! It would be less about a look for me and more about evoking a certain essence. The actress who can most accurately portray my perseverance, my passion for life and my love for family will get the part.
What do you believe are important tools needed to survive in the entertainment industry?
Authenticity is an important tool for this industry and for life, in general. I check myself on a regular basis to ensure that my actions are aligned with my beliefs. Sometimes they are; sometimes they aren’t. Authenticity requires vigilance. In addition: be a good listener, know your audience, and do not take anything personally.
What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?
I believe that my biggest accomplishments are yet to come. So far, being published in the Huffington Post is high on my list. I’ve also built incredible relationships with clients at the media company where I work as Director of Business Affairs. I’m proud of these professional bonds — they are the direct result of life lessons I’ve learned and implemented along the way.
Famous or not: Name one woman who embodies what you think a real woman is and explain. Dead or alive.
There is so much that can be said about Maya Angelou being the embodiment of a real woman. A Phenomenal Woman. Her confidence. Her courage. Her authenticity. Her ability to laugh at herself. She gave an O Magazine interview in December 2000 that I have read weekly since her death.(http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/Oprah-Interviews-Maya-Angelou). It is so powerful and reveals new truths to me each time I read it. As women, we can be such perfectionists. We’re often so hard on ourselves. I love that Maya embraced her flaws and encouraged us to do the same: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
Tell us something about you that people do not know?
Grenada is the island nation where my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents were born. It is one of the most loving and beautiful places on Earth, and one that I refer to as my second home.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: @karebelle_
Facebook: franciskarenj
Twitter: @karebelle
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