Franci Neely is a retired corporate attorney and philanthropist in Houston, Texas, who contributed to many publications, including the Houston Chronicle and The Atlantic.
She is also a best-selling author.
Franci advocates for women’s and children’s rights with an emphasis on education reform, making her one of the best voices you need to hear when it comes to advocating for oppressed communities.
Read more: Franci Neely – Crunchbase Person Profile/
- Early Life
Franci Neely was born in San Antonio, Texas, on June 28th, 1943.
Her father, who had an engineering degree, was a salesman for General Electric Company and her mother worked as a secretary.
Franci received her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Baylor University and her Juris Doctorate from Baylor Law School.
- Early Career
Franci spent two years at the law firm of Jenkens & Gilchrist before moving to Mountain States Legal Foundation in Denver.
In 1976 she moved back to Houston, where she became a partner at Andrews & Kurth LLP, where she stayed until 1986 when she went out on her own and started Franci Neely & Associates PA.
- Legal Career
Franci Neely was very active in the legal profession during her career, founding or co-founding eight organizations, all of which were based around women’s issues, including Texas Women Lawyers, Texas Association for Women Lawyers, The Center for Florida Women Lawyers, and The National Association of College Women Attorneys.
She has also served as the president of the Central Texas Bar Association and the Houston Bar Association.
- Philanthropy
Neely is a philanthropist, and her most notable donations include the $1.5 million gift to the Baylor Law School that she made in 2008 and the $2.5 million donation she has made to the Houston Symphony this year.
- Contributions to Civil Rights
Franci is one of the Houston leaders who helped ensure that all children were allowed access to good public schools, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity.
One of her most significant victories against racial segregation was helping ensure that Edgewood Elementary School in Fort Bend County was desegregated.
Learn more about Franci Neely: https://www.francineely.com/