Today we’d like to introduce you to Fran McQueen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been doing some form of marketing and public relations for almost 20 years, in a variety of industries. When I joined the board of The Women’s Center in 2014, I was doing Marketing for an Architecture firm. But I’d been interested in transitioning to the non-profit arena for a while. When the opportunity presented itself, I joined the staff and currently serve as the Marketing and Communications Manager. It’s my job to continue to bring awareness to the programs we provide, as well as increase our visibility in the community. It’s a job I love! I’m privileged to come to work every day and do what I love for an organization where I fully support the mission. Every day, we work to inspire, teach and empower women and families to overcome violence, crisis and poverty. It’s an honor to support that work!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The public relations industry has changed drastically over the past 20 years. When 911 happened, the PR industry suffered from layoffs. I took various jobs where I still used some of my skills, but it took a while for me to find another opportunity in a full-time marketing/PR position. Also, technology and social media has completely changed the way we market. When I started, newspapers and print materials were the main means of communication. Today, that has transitioned to digital communications. And, marketing to a variety of audiences – from aging baby boomers to Gen X’ers – is critical to the success of any marketing campaign. So, learning to market to different audiences and in different ways has become imperative.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Women’s Center has the mission to inspire, teach and empower women and families to overcome violence, crisis and poverty. We accomplish this through three distinctive programs:
Rape Crisis & Victim Services
Our Rape Crisis and Victim Services Program helps over 3,800 child and adult victims heal from the trauma of sexual assault, sexual abuse, domestic violence and other violent crime.
Through our Violence Prevention & Education Program, we teach over 146,000 children and adults how to recognize and prevent sexual and physical abuse.
General Counseling
Our Counseling Program helps women and families overcome crisis by teaching coping strategies and problem-solving abilities—improving their emotional well-being.
Employment Solutions
Our Employment Solutions Program improves the financial well-being of families by helping them overcome the barriers to employment and providing skills and financial literacy training.
What sets us apart is the fact that in other locations, we would be three different organizations. The fact that we offer our clients comprehensive service in these areas means we can help families heal emotionally, mentally and financially.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up the youngest of 3 kids, so yes…I was slightly spoiled and always the center of attention! I had a vivacious, outgoing personality – and not much has changed. I always loved getting lost in a good book, and lived so much of my childhood in my imagination – making up wild, ‘happily ever after’ stories. So, I think what I’m doing now is so much of who I’ve always been – a story teller and a speaker who’s not afraid to be the center of attention. Now, I just tell stories for the best cause – to make people aware of the wonderful work we do at The Women’s Center!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1723 Hemphill, Fort Worth, Texas 76110
- Website: www.womenscentertc.org
- Phone: 817.927.4006
- Email: info@womenscentertc.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/womenscentertc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/womenscentertc
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/WomensCenterTC
Image Credit:
Brian Hutson Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
