I am excited and honored to be in this new role at Enroot as Executive Director. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself.
When I joined Enroot two years ago as Senior Director of Program I felt at home in a place that welcomed me as a whole individual. I am a Haitian immigrant who recalls what it was like to grow up in the United States without the benefit of programs like those offered by Enroot. My days were spent attempting to better understand the English language, my teachers' expectations, and the social norms of an American school, all on my own. Evenings were dedicated to schoolwork and translating immigration documents for my family. Having to navigate a new country as a young person with the responsibilities of an adult felt isolating at times. As an immigrant, I remember feeling that I only saw half of the world of opportunities that my American counterparts saw. Like our students, I dreamed of more.
I am deeply humbled and thrilled to lead Enroot as its new Executive Director. I am cognizant of the importance of the work that we do at Enroot and am keenly aware of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead of us as a non-profit, and even more so acutely aware of the opportunities and challenges that the students we serve face daily.
I am a believer in the power of education, the healing of community and the possibilities of heart-led collaboration.
At Enroot, we strive to create a sense of belonging for immigrant youth, embedding it in our diversity, belonging, inclusion and equity work. As Enroot’s Executive Director, I look forward to continuing to celebrate the immigrant identities of Enroot students, uplifting the needs of our undocu+ population and creating space for the intersectional aspects of young adulthood taking shape in our communities.
Enroot will continue to provide students with opportunities for academic, professional and socio-emotional exploration and growth. I look to Enroot’s four core values,Students First, Sense of Possibility, Authentic Relationships, and Constant Improvement, when grounding my vision of our work.
Students First - Immigrant youth are experiencing significant challenges as the ever-changing landscape of young adulthood in America shifts. And yet, they continue to strive for brighter futures, to use their ingenuity to sustain themselves and their families. I look to continue to place students at the forefront of our work by highlighting their voices and listening to their needs.
Sense of Possibility- The past two plus years have forced all of us to overcome obstacles, be flexible, and open to change. We will continue to ask ourselves how we can support students and volunteers with resources while intentionally and safely reconnecting with the magic of in-person connections. I look to embolden students with as much opportunity for exploration as possible and help them tap into their unique strengths.
Authentic Relationships- Our commitment to immigrant and undoc+ youth has never been a siloed endeavor. We are stronger and our impact more expansive through deep connections with community partners and individuals. I look to continue to build relationships that bolster our reach to students and amplify our impact in empowering the populations we serve.
Constant Improvement - This year I am excited to begin the implementation of a new co-created vision and strategic plan that will guide the organization into a future that meets the needs of students with a program model that is refreshed, builds capacity and expands the organization to better serve those in need. I look to work together with all of our stakeholders to ensure that we are providing the best to students.
As Enroot looks to adapt and respond to the changing needs of immigrant and undocumented youth, I know that we can count on you as thought partners and co-creators of innovative supports that make a difference in the lives of students.
Once again, I am thrilled to have the support of Enroot’s Board of Directors and the staff team as I lead Enroot through an exciting new chapter with all of you.
Rose Francois
Executive Director
Enroot is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering immigrant youth to achieve academic, career, and personal success through inspiring out-of-school experiences.
