Meet the Fellows

Frances Weiner

Hometown: 

Morgantown, West Virginia
Connect: LinkedIn
Frances is excited about developing climate resilient communities and working alongside talented professionals, local organizers, and changemakers to solve the biggest challenges of our future. She is eager to apply her psychology, entrepreneurial and community development experience in a new way and hopes to move the needle on the creation of climate resilient communities.

Frances Weiner brings nearly a decade of experience collaborating with creators, businesses, non-profit organizations and community leaders to build conscious change.

Originally rooted in Appalachia for 25 years, Frances transplanted herself to Reno, Nevada, where she spearheaded the MidTown Business Association. Leading this community of dedicated business owners, she successfully took a diverse and thriving business district and increased membership by more than 150% (30 to 80 members) as well as developed innovative funding models in order to build capacity for future growth. These strategies cultivated an environment that embraced change and exploration that guided the community toward dynamic growth while meeting the evolving needs of local businesses.

Beyond her organizational leadership, Frances applied her connections and entrepreneurial background by teaching business classes at the University of Nevada, Reno. This experience laid the foundation for her leadership role in curating and securing approximately $250,000 in sponsorship for TEDxUniversityofNevada (3rd most viewed in the nation).

Frances’ passion for and expertise in innovative business development transcends conventional boundaries and provides avenues for exploration beyond the familiar. She believes that nurturing businesses and fostering communities translate to intentional endeavors grounded in a clear understanding of purpose.

Frances holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Nevada, Reno and a BS in Psychology from Ohio University.

ERC Project

Project Title: 

Creative Financing for Rural and Urban Small Businesses

Host Community or Region: 

California

Host Organization: 

Interested in supporting this project or learning more? Contact the ERC program team here.