If not in her current profession, Neosha Franklin would be a teacher, so it’s fitting that she is leading an organization that has been a trailblazer in early childhood education. Her work focuses on creating and enhancing opportunities to build equity in the 24:1 community, which represents the 22 municipalities within the Normandy Schools Collaborative. “What excites me most about the future of The Network is the power of our partnership-driven approach and the deep commitment to investing in the everyday success of individuals in our community,” Franklin says. “We aren’t just building temporary collaborations; we’re creating spaces where transformational, long-term relationships take root and thrive.”
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your or your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months? The Community Impact Network (the Network) has been a trailblazer in early childhood education for over a decade, creating and enhancing opportunities to build equity in the 24:1 community. Recognizing the need to address the profound challenges stemming from decades of educational disinvestment and challenges within the 24:1 area, which represents the 22 municipalities within the Normandy Schools Collaborative (NSC), the Network has invested more than $20 million into early childhood with more than 100,000 services provided to families over the past decade. The Network emerged as a pivotal foundational partner in the establishment of a coalition of early childhood providers dedicated to tackling critical early childhood issues within NSC boundaries. This collaboration created the Programs Achieving Quality (PAQ) model aimed to create sustainable solutions and foster a supportive environment for the community’s youngest learners through a shared vision, data sharing and centering community voice. The coalition identified several critical gaps forming its foundation: parenting skills knowledge and involvement, quality learning programs, access to consistent healthcare, developmental screenings, and connection to community support services. Through this effort, the coalition developed PAQ, which includes partners and childcare providers to cultivate high-quality, self-sustaining childcare programs that prepare children for kindergarten. PAQ also offers professional development for educators, including in-class resources and training for early childcare centers and providers, licensure support, financial and infrastructure courses, diaper distribution, as well as a community of practice. We are currently working on the next iteration of this project with key community partners.
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? What excites me most about the future of The Network is the power of our partnership-driven approach and the deep commitment to investing in the everyday success of individuals in our community. We aren’t just building temporary collaborations; we’re creating spaces where transformational, long-term relationships take root and thrive. Our focus is on partnerships that go beyond the lifespan of a single project, evolving into sustained alliances that deliver real, lasting impact over time. I believe that as we continue to expand our reach and nurture innovative partnerships and connections, we will witness even greater tangible change. The strength of The Network lies in its ability to create environments where people come together, not just to work, but to transform lives, build stronger communities, and collectively drive meaningful, systemic progress. This vision of sustained, long-term collaboration fuels my excitement for what lies ahead.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? If I could change one thing about philanthropy, it would be the approach to significant long-term investment. Too often, there is hesitancy to commit large amounts of funding over extended periods, which limits the ability of organizations to drive systemic change. Real transformation takes time, consistency, and sustained resources. By shifting to a model that focuses on multi-year, substantial investments, philanthropy could empower organizations to not only address immediate needs but also tackle root causes, allowing for deeper, long-lasting impact in communities.
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MENTORS & PEERS
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? One thing I would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment is the gap between the philanthropic and corporate sectors. There’s immense potential for collaboration, but the two often operate in silos. By breaking down this barrier and finding ways to engage the business community more fully in social impact initiatives, we could unlock new resources, skills, and networks that could drive transformational change. A more integrated approach between businesses and philanthropy would not only strengthen the social fabric but also benefit the workforce, especially in areas like childcare, which is essential for a thriving and productive community.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Oahu, Hawaii
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? My first job was as a babysitter, which taught me the importance of staying calm and patient under pressure. These qualities have proven essential in my career, helping me navigate complex situations and work effectively with diverse teams. The experience not only shaped my approach to problem-solving but also reinforced the value of empathy and resilience in any professional setting.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Truman State University and a Master of Arts in Communication from Lindenwood University.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? If I were not in my current profession, I would likely be a teacher. My passion for learning and my talent for helping others develop critical thinking skills make teaching a natural fit. I’ve always been drawn to continuous learning and enjoy guiding others in exploring and mastering new concepts and strategies.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? In college, I was a track runner specializing in sprints. I competed in indoor events like the 60 meters and 200 meters, and in outdoor track and field, I raced in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4×100 meter relay. I was especially inspired by the Paris Olympics this year, where women excelled and made a significant impact across all sports. Their performances were a powerful reminder of the strength and talent present in athletics.
What is your go-to karaoke song? Anything by Beyonce.
