ABOUT FRANCES
HER EXPERIENCE
Frances-Feliz Kearns is the Mattapoisett representative of the Old Rochester Regional (ORR) District School Committee and is running for re-election in 2023. First elected in 2020, Frances established herself as a trusted leader, valued colleague, successful negotiator, engaged community member, dedicated educator, and student advocate. During the pandemic, Frances supported diverse learning options to meet the individual needs of students and their families. She served on the committee for safely reopening schools and was instrumental in transitioning from remote to hybrid and, eventually, in-person learning. In her first term, Frances participated in a series of successful negotiations with the district teacher's union, resulting in fair and equitable teacher contracts while maintaining high-quality educators and extracurricular programs. Frances' skills and experiences as a strategist, communicator, critical thinker, education advocate, and community builder expand beyond her board committee service. Through her professional network and field connections, Frances helped ORR secure $6K in STEM funding for education and training via the NEFIRST/WPI Robotics program.
A THRIVING CAREER
Frances has over 20 years of experience as an engineer supporting the aerospace, military, defense, and life sciences industry. Her experience includes development engineering for NASA, providing product support for orthopedic devices to medical professionals, and ensuring the safety and efficacy of therapies to treat patients with rare gastrointestinal and hematological diseases. Frances is a Director of Engineering, Quality Assurance at the global biotech company Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Frances has a Master of Science in the field of Quality Management from the National Graduate School, a Bachelor of Science from Worcester Polytechnical Institute, and holds multiple professional certifications.
AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
Frances has a long history of community service and has been recognized on both the municipal and State level for her work and dedication. In 1998, the New Bedford NAACP recognized her for her leadership skills supporting the local minority community. That same year, she was awarded the Brotherhood Award by the Jewish War Veterans of the USA. Frances is the 1999 New Bedford Heritage Awards recipient; this award, presented during Black History Month by the New Bedford City Council and Mayor's Office, honors minorities who have contributed significantly to the New Bedford community. Frances was also recognized by the Massachusetts State Senate and the Massachusetts State House of Representatives for her contributions and dedication to the greater New Bedford Minority Community. Following these awards, she received Special US Congressional Recognition from Congressman Barney Frank for 'outstanding and valuable service to the community.' She mainly was recently nominated for Leadership South Coast's 2023 South Coast Women in Leadership List.
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Frances is a highly sought-after public speaker. She is regularly asked to keynote and participate in panel discussions. Most of the invitations focus on her experiences as a biomedical engineer, her career in the medical sciences, and a proponent of public health. She recently participated in Bethel A.M.E. Church’s Black Girl Magic Event and hosted a ‘working shop’ on Careers Empowering Our Girls.
WORKING FOR OUR SCHOOLS
Through her professional network and field connections, Frances helped Center School, Old HammondTown, and later in the month ORR Junior High School secure $12K in STEM funding for education and training via the NEFIRST/WPI Robotics STEM Week Demo and Grant Program. The grant was offered to educators in grades 2-8 in Title 1 schools. Included were all kits and materials for free, as well as professional development for the educator at no cost to the district. The opportunity was developed to be provided "An organization or event with the stated mission of outreach or increasing opportunity for people of an underrepresented minority, as defined by WPI (people of Hispanic; Black or African American; American Indian or Alaska Native; and Hawaiian or Pacific Islander origin).
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Frances is an Alumni of WPI (BS Biomedical Engineering ’02) and strongly believes in increasing STEM/STEAM educational opportunities for district students, and increasing the representation of women and underrepresented minorities in these career fields. She recognized that she received support from many people in her family and community to motivate her to reach for and obtain her dream opportunity as Director of Engineering at one of the most impactful pharmaceutical companies. She is grateful to continue and engage in the same work for the students of ORR.
FAMILY & HOBBIES
Frances is married to engineer Tom Kearns. They have two children; one attends Old Hammond Town and the other, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School.
When spare time allows, Frances rides her Suzuki GS 500f motorcycle any chance she gets, is an avid science fiction reader and knitter of hats and scarves.