Francis Mitchell-Ware is the Operations Manager for Children’s Defense Fund-Louisiana where she coordinates operational functions and supports programmatic activities. Prior to joining CDF-Louisiana, Ms. Mitchell-ware was Administrative Assistant in the Department of Health and Hospitals Louisiana Spirit Initiative, where she was responsible for the daily functions of the New Orleans office. While with Louisiana Spirit she also served as Resource Linkage Coordinator for the Children’s Team where she worked with Social Work staff to provide support to children with mental health needs. She has volunteered at Xavier University of Louisiana since moving to New Orleans in 1991along with her husband and son, mentoring at-risk African American males.