Juliette Francis, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Juliette Francis a is a visionary, results-driven executive known for leading large-scale transformation at the intersection of culture, strategy, and community impact. She currently serves as Vice President of Mission Advancement at the Science Museum of Minnesota, where she drives enterprise-wide strategy across all contributed and earned revenue lines of business and leads major philanthropic initiatives, including the $125 million Future of Minnesota campaign.
With more than two decades of executive experience across nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Juliette has built and led high-performing teams, strengthened organizational culture, and aligned talent and strategy to deliver measurable outcomes. Her leadership portfolio includes senior roles with Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys, College Possible, and Fury Motors, where she guided organizations through growth, complexity, and change.
Juliette is recognized for her ability to cultivate inclusive, sustainable workplaces and for advancing partnerships with boards, donors, institutions, and government leaders. Her expertise spans board development, labor relations, organizational effectiveness, and enterprise-wide people strategy—always grounded in purpose and accountability.
A committed community leader, Juliette has served on boards including Neighbors, Inc. and the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, advancing missions focused on poverty alleviation, arts, and cultural vitality. She holds an Executive Leadership MBA from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development from the University of Minnesota.
Known for her strategic storytelling, authentic leadership, and bold clarity, Juliette brings both conviction and curiosity to her work—focused on building organizations and communities that thrive.
• Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator
• SHRM-SCP
• SPHR
• New Sector Longevity Fellowship - National Cohort
• University of St. Thomas - Executive Leadership MBA
• University of Minnesota Twin Cities - Organizational Development BA
• New Sector Longevity Fellowship - National Cohort
• Neighbors, Inc - Board of Director
• Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation - Board of Director
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to leading with purpose, building genuine relationships, and staying open to learning at every stage of the journey. I believe meaningful progress happens when we listen deeply, invite diverse perspectives, and align people around a shared vision. I’ve learned that courage isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to ask the right questions, embrace change, and move forward with integrity. By showing up authentically and focusing on both people and outcomes, I’ve been able to help organizations grow while also creating space for others to thrive.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough."
This quote has guided how I approach my work and leadership. I’ve learned that the most meaningful growth—and the most impactful contributions—come when we step outside our comfort zones. Big dreams require courage, persistence, and a willingness to navigate uncertainty, but they also stretch our capacity to lead, inspire, and create change.
For me, leadership is about leaning into those challenges, asking bold questions, and taking action even when the path isn’t fully clear. It’s about dreaming in a way that’s bigger than yourself and using that vision to empower others, build strong teams, and leave a lasting impact on the people and communities you serve.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
"If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough."
This quote has guided how I approach my work and leadership. I’ve learned that the most meaningful growth—and the most impactful contributions—come when we step outside our comfort zones. Big dreams require courage, persistence, and a willingness to navigate uncertainty, but they also stretch our capacity to lead, inspire, and create change.
For me, leadership is about leaning into those challenges, asking bold questions, and taking action even when the path isn’t fully clear. It’s about dreaming in a way that’s bigger than yourself and using that vision to empower others, build strong teams, and leave a lasting impact on the people and communities you serve.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges facing the Science Museum of Minnesota and the broader arts and cultural sector right now is the growing pressure on science education and literacy, even as science has never been more critical. From healthcare and climate solutions to technology and innovation, science drives the industries that shape our lives. Yet we face a shrinking workforce and increasing competition for talent—especially in Minnesota, home to 17 Fortune 500 companies, most of them STEM-focused.
This challenge is also a profound opportunity. Museums like ours are uniquely positioned to spark curiosity, inspire young minds, and help cultivate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Every exhibit, program, and community initiative has the power to ignite a lifelong passion for STEM, connecting learning with real-world impact.
By creating experiences that are engaging, inclusive, and relevant, we can help ensure that Minnesota’s future workforce is not only prepared but inspired to tackle the big challenges ahead—building careers, advancing industries, and making discoveries that matter. In this way, the museum is more than a place to learn; it’s a catalyst for both personal growth and societal progress.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both work and life center on people, inclusion, and joy. I am committed to creating spaces where individuals can truly thrive—where relationships are nurtured, voices are heard, and everyone feels supported to do their best. I value recognizing people for who they are and who they aspire to be, building environments that celebrate diversity and foster genuine belonging. And I believe in finding and creating joy along the way—whether it’s in everyday moments, shared experiences, or the impact of our work. For me, purpose and happiness go hand in hand, and leading with these values ensures that both people and communities flourish.