Francine Catalla is a consultant who specializes in project management with over 12 years of experience in youth development and workforce development at the local and national levels. She has expertise working directly with Opportunity Youth, youth with disabilities, court-involved youth, and youth experiencing homelessness. She is adept at providing program technical assistance to programs such as program implementation planning, sharing best practices and innovative strategies, and facilitating focus groups. She is a consultant who collaborates with nonprofits and other agencies to implement successful programs that provide equitable access and opportunities to historically underserved populations.
Prior to consulting, Francine served as the National Program Manager for a career focus transition program serving court-involved youth. She was responsible for providing technical assistance to sites nationwide in high poverty/high crime communities. Prior to joining the Institute for Education Leadership (IEL), Francine was a Youth Specialist in Michigan. She has experience working for youth transition-focused programs under federally funded grants. She also worked in a transitional living program (TLP) as a Case Manager for homeless youth. She advocated in the school district, developed individualized plans, facilitated group sessions, and managed the TLP residency. Francine also has experience working for a WIOA program as a Case Manager providing employment services for young and older disconnected youth. Francine has volunteered as a mentor for several years. As a mentor, she served as a positive and reliable role model through several mentorships that continue to exist today.
Francine is a first-generation college graduate who shares a passion to promote career readiness for all young people to thrive with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to make informed decisions about their career and self-journey.
Expertise
- Alternative education programming serving Opportunity Youth
- Program evaluation and design
- Project management
Education
- BA in Child Development and Youth Studies – Central Michigan University
- Master’s in Science Administration and Leadership Studies – Central Michigan University
- 2020 Rising Leaders Graduate – Leadership Greater Washington
