Josanne Francis

Josanne Francis, Ph.D. is the Lead Community Engagement Coordinator at the University of Maryland’s Center for Community Engagement. A community leader, educator, and musician, Francis brings her expertise in culturally-situated arts education, capacity building, and community-university partnerships to her role. She leads the planning and execution of Good Neighbor Day, one of the Center’s largest annual community service initiatives, and supports the Center’s strategic efforts including Age-Friendly University, the P-20 Educational Pipeline, and global engagement.

With a strong commitment to collaborative and reciprocal campus-community relationships, Francis works to amplify the voices of community members, elevate the role of arts and culture in engagement work, and develop infrastructure to support community partners as co-educators and leaders. Her work also highlights the significance of cultural identity and belonging through music and education.

Previously, Francis served as Artistic and Executive Director of the Cultural Academy for Excellence, an arts-in-education nonprofit based in Prince George’s County. She has served on committees and panels with the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council, the Maryland State Arts Council, and the Maryland State Department of Education’s Center for Creative Classrooms. As a teaching artist and educator, she has supported youth development and creative expression in P–12 schools, higher education, and community-based programs.

A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Josanne holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Music in Steelpan Performance from Northern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Maryland where she also serves as faculty with the School of Music. 

Josanne is an accomplished steelpan performer, arts entrepreneur, and cultural advocate with performances and presentations at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, TEDx, and international festivals. She continues to bridge her artistic and academic practice in service of community engagement.