Introducing Franchelle Brown
Franchelle Brown joins Community Renewal Society as its Manager of Development and Communications, with a vibrant leadership style deeply rooted in faith and social justice. With more than a decade of professional communications experience, this work is personal for Franchelle who is open and candid about being an advocate for loved ones who are directly impacted by social inequities. This drives her passion and commitment to being a champion for underrepresented and marginalized communities. Franchelle combines her academic and professional experience alongside her praxis of community immersive learning. For Franchelle, listening, learning the narratives and connecting with personal experiences is the key to building bridges and truly achieving Beloved Community. It doesn’t hurt to also have capacity to laugh. Humor is one ingredient she endorses for cultivating a productive, enjoyable and positive work environment that welcomes creativity.
“We are so excited to welcome Franchelle to Community Renewal Society’s Beloved Community. She loves Chicago. She loves Community. She loves the Church. She is a changemaker and she is not afraid of challenges,” shares Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton, Executive Director of CRS. “Our community members and partners will appreciate how humble and honest Franchelle is. And they will appreciate, and respect how dedicated she is to justice and the core Mosaic principles of loving our neighbors. She wants to model what love, service and justice can look like if we work together.” Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton celebrates the leadership and service of Franchelle’s predecessor, Catherine Hegarty, who recently retired following the loss of her life partner and welcomes all of the ways Franchelle will carve out her own path and build upon the rich legacy of Community Renewal Society and The Chicago Reporter. “Franchelle is a champion for community. We are honored she shares in our vision of Beloved Community and mission to eradicate racism and poverty,” says Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton.
Franchelle has served as development manager with The Renaissance Collaborative Inc. and Chicago Cares. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Eastern Illinois University, where she gained early experience in public speaking through radio hosting and event emceeing. Franchelle is mom to a wonderful 5-year-old, Sloan. Outside of her professional endeavors, she delves deep into mystery novels and biographies. Experimenting in the kitchen and baking also brings her joy. Franchelle is already one week into her tenure with CRS, and is enjoying learning the landscape. Franchelle says she “looks forwards to this new journey and creating lasting memories and impactful moments within the CRS community.”
Read Franchelle’s bio to learn more about her passion for community and service.