Derek Francis is a lifelong Twin Cities resident and educator with more than 15 years of experience. He began as a high school counselor, supporting graduation success for historically marginalized students. He later served as Manager of Counseling and Executive Director of Equity and School Climate for Minneapolis Public Schools, leading district-wide initiatives including expanding elementary counseling, developing the district’s first Racial Harm Protocol, and launching the MPS Neighborhood Virtual Education program. Francis is also a filmmaker and author, producing the documentary Separate Not Equal–The Minnesota Integration Story and the children’s book Our First Bus Ride.