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One powerful way to drive change is to connect deeply with the communities you serve. Francisco Tezen—President and CEO of the transformative organization, A Better Chance—has dedicated over 20 years to tirelessly advocating for educational equity. At the helm of an organization rooted in the legacy of the Civil Rights movement, Tezen continues to transform lives by providing access to life-changing educational opportunities for young people of color nationwide.

Read on for a close look at how his experiences with racial inequity have fuelled his life-long mission to bridge educational gaps for underserved communities.

Can you tell us a bit about the work you do? How long have you been working in social impact? 

I have been working in social impact for over 20 years. Since 2020, I’ve had the privilege of leading A Better Chance as President & CEO. Our organization, born in the wake of the Civil Rights movement, has been steadfast in its mission to empower young people of color by connecting them with life-changing educational opportunities in both independent and public schools around the country. Through our efforts, we not only provide access but also the support necessary for our students to thrive, guiding them throughout middle school and high school towards successful paths in higher education and professional careers. As we celebrate nearly six decades of impact, our alumni network is over 20,000 strong, many of whom have risen to prominence as leaders across diverse fields, including business, law, technology, education, healthcare, the arts, and beyond.

Why were you drawn to this cause or social issue? Do you have a memory or moment that sparked your interest? 

The mission and work of A Better Chance is deeply personal for me because I am an alum of an educational access organization. Through that experience, I was able to attend an incredible independent day school called The Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Back then I didn’t have a passport, but Packer opened up a world of possibility–in the classroom, through extracurricular and enrichment activities, and through bonds with students and faculty that persist to this day.

However, while I was benefitting from an experience that would change the trajectory of my life, everyday I would return to my neighborhood and speak with kids and family members I grew up with throughout my childhood. There was a profound difference in what they were experiencing in the classroom and my experience at Packer. The young people in my family and in my neighborhood were just as talented, just as smart, but their options were far more limited by virtue of their zip code and where they went to school. Witnessing this profound disparity fueled a sense of injustice that has driven my commitment to equity and opportunity throughout my career.

What background or lens do you bring to this space? How do they shape the way you tackle projects or initiatives?

I grew up in a Black, Peruvian, and Puerto Rican family that instilled in me the importance of education. For a family of significantly limited means, my family viewed education as the gateway to achieving the American Dream for not just myself but also for future generations. It is a vital lens through which I engage and support the thousands of families that A Better Chance impacts each year.

Who do you do this work for? Which communities are you interested in uplifting through your projects and why? 

My focus throughout my career has been on communities that have been marginalized and face systemic barriers to accessing educational opportunities and livelihoods. This throughline in my career has seen me work at educational organizations, universities, anti-poverty and anti-hunger organizations, and workforce development organizations serving Opportunity Youth.

In my current role, particularly within an organization engaging youth as young as 12, a significant challenge lies in nurturing and supporting individuals to thrive once they step through that door into new possibilities. Over the past four years at A Better Chance, we’ve been diligently expanding resources to assist our talented students in navigating college and career pathways, recognizing that the success of our students extends beyond opening the door to new opportunities —it encompasses ongoing support and resources traversing the transitions from middle school, high school, college and careers.

In social impact, the work is long and the road isn’t easy. What is your North Star, principle or philosophy that keeps you going? What keeps you rooted?

The North Star in my work is the families we serve. I prioritize connecting with families whenever possible through open houses, town halls, and in-person events in the key metropolitan areas where A Better Chance operates. Engaging directly with our families and hearing their stories anchors me in our mission and fuels my dedication to our cause.

Moreover, these personal interactions serve as vital channels for gathering invaluable feedback. Each conversation offers insights that guide us in refining and enhancing our programs, ensuring they remain responsive to the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

Interested in celebrating your impact work at The Anthem Awards? Please reach out to marycharles@anthemawards.com for more information.