Franchesca Capellan ,MPA
Franchesca Capellan is the Founder of Family Systems Collective, a consulting practice dedicated to strengthening leadership, programs, and systems serving children and families, with a particular focus on those impacted by incarceration. She is also a Doctoral Candidate in Executive Leadership in Higher Education at St. John Fisher University, where her research examines culturally responsive leadership practices and community-centered approaches for justice-impacted families. Based in the Bronx, New York, Franchesca brings over a decade of experience in human services, education, and community-focused leadership. Her professional work is mission-driven and values-based, centered on keeping families together and connecting justice-impacted youth and adults to essential services. She is committed to designing, implementing, and evaluating sustainable community approaches while strengthening organizational capacity to serve children and families effectively. Through her work, Franchesca emphasizes relationship-centered leadership, equity, and turning personal and professional challenges into purposeful action, particularly uplifting women and communities navigating systemic barriers. Outside of her professional work, Franchesca enjoys research, volunteering, meditation, and writing. These pursuits align closely with her personal mission of reflection, service, and contributing meaningfully to the well-being of others. Her career accomplishments, combined with her dedication to advocacy, family-centered consulting, and restorative practices, reflect a deep commitment to fostering positive, lasting impact for families and communities.
• Social & Behavioral Research
• ST. John Fisher University- Doctoral Candidate, EdD
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc,
• Advocate for Communities Not Cages Campaign
What do you attribute your success to?
Franchesca attributes her success to resilience, lived experience, and a strong commitment to “paying it forward.” As the daughter of an incarcerated Black male, she draws purpose from personal experience and channels that into advocacy, research, and service to help others navigate similar challenges.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Franchesca’s development has been shaped by academic and community leaders within education, human services, and criminal justice advocacy spaces. Her doctoral work and community engagement reflect the influence of mentors who have encouraged her to pursue leadership, research, and public speaking.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Franchesca encourages young women in advocacy and human services to listen deeply, build genuine connections, and remain grounded in purpose. She emphasizes the importance of community, resilience, and staying committed to service—even when the work is emotionally demanding.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Franchesca sees ongoing challenges in addressing the mental health impacts of incarceration on families, navigating systemic barriers, and securing resources for justice-impacted communities. At the same time, she sees strong opportunity to expand community-based programs, increase awareness through public speaking and research, and build cross-regional support networks for families affected by incarceration.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Franchesca values service, compassion, connection, and paying it forward. She emphasizes the importance of listening, building authentic relationships, and creating pathways for healing and support within communities impacted by the justice system.
Locations
Family Systems Collective
Bronx, NY 10473