Frances Messano is a Senior Managing Partner at NewSchools Venture Fund where she leads the Innovative Schools' Invent and Diverse Leaders investment teams. Previously, Frances served as VP of Strategy at Teach For America, where she led the organization in developing their three-year strategic plan. Before that, Frances was an Associate Partner at Monitor Institute, where she helped education organizations scale impact through strategy, organizational and leadership development. She also worked at Morgan Stanley. Frances attended Harvard College and Harvard Business School. She serves on numerous non-profit boards, including UnidosUS, Latinos for Education, Pahara Institute, Stand for Children, and GO Public Schools. Frances is a first-generation college graduate and an alum of Prep for Prep, MLT, and SEO, organizations that she credits with helping her gain access to educational and professional opportunity.