Meet Alliyah Francis, M.S.Ed. | Educator| Project Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alliyah Francis, M.S.Ed. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alliyah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In conceptualizing Pretty and Political, my goal was to dismantle the notion that women are confined to linear roles, highlighting our ability to be dichotomous and multifaceted. I recognized that women can be extraordinary practitioners, scholars, activists, and academics, while also embracing beauty, uniqueness, and creativity. I wanted to showcase that this complexity enhances our capabilities as leaders and change agents. I was driven by a desire to foster leadership through training, cultivating, and providing supportive communities for women, ensuring that we embrace our diverse interests and skills to excel in creative spaces. Ultimately, the vision behind Pretty and Political was to empower women to acknowledge their multifaceted nature, utilize it in leadership, and thereby emerge as influential change-makers.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Founded during my undergraduate years at Spelman College, Pretty and Political began as a platform to intertwine my passion for beauty with a commitment to addressing societal inequities. It emerged from the recognition that beauty and politics are inherently interconnected and that pursuing equity necessitates an interdisciplinary approach, reflecting the non-linear nature of social justice. As I evolved as a practitioner and scholar, Pretty and Political transformed into a consulting firm, becoming a sanctuary for women to flourish in project management, business development, and educational leadership, all underpinned by an equity-driven framework.

One of our groundbreaking initiatives, the Heal the Hood project, epitomizes our commitment to community enrichment and empowerment in Philadelphia. This nonprofit focuses on educational enrichment, mental wellness, and food security, driving impactful change for the underserved. Over the past three years, we’ve fed over 5,000 individuals, allocated $50,000 in back-to-school awards to over 125 girls, and fostered digital literacy by providing Macbook Airs and AirPods. Additionally, our comprehensive STEAAM program spans eight modules, offering exposure to mentorship, STEM, business, and wellness activities. In 2023 alone, we have provided rent stipends to three families, further cementing our support within the community.

Navigating through the nonprofit sector presented its challenges, with prevalent red tape and underfunding, but embracing a growth mindset and the core values of Pretty and Political, I leveraged my unique strategic thinking and creativity to overcome hurdles. Learning to fall hard, recover quickly, and leaning into the support from my community have been pivotal lessons along this journey. I am steadfast in my mission to bring interdisciplinary, equity-driven, and creative solutions to address societal inequities, and I am excited about the continuous impact and growth of Pretty and Political. I want the world to recognize our brand as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary thinking and community-driven action in fostering meaningful change.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In response to your question, I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my students who are part of my nonprofit organization, Heal The Hood Project, which is focusing on supporting Philadelphia youth. Through mentorship and building the organization from the ground up, I have garnered invaluable experience that has shaped me into an adept project strategist, business owner, and fiduciary. Additionally, my role as a consultant for larger organizations has further enriched my experience, providing me with opportunities for organizational leadership, managing teams ranging from 3-5 members to larger groups of 30-60. These experiences have been pivotal in my journey, and I believe my students and the organizations I’ve worked with greatly deserve recognition and appreciation for their contribution to my growth and success.

Website: prettyandpolitical.com

Instagram: prettyandpolitical

Linkedin: Alliyah Francis

Twitter: AlliyahFranciss