Fran Delacey is the 2023 Spring Helen R. Weigle Fellow at Children’s Advocates for Change. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, she has recently moved to Chicago to continue her studies and be closer to extended family. She is currently a Master of Public Policy Student at DePaul University and received her Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Arkansas.

Fran has held multiple roles in elections, political organizing, non-profit operations, and is now focusing on policy research. Fran’s interest in research began while completing her honors thesis titled “The 2022 Arkansas Gubernatorial Election and the Impact of High-Profile Conservative Women on Gender Perceptions,” which explored changing public opinions of women in politics. During her undergraduate studies, she worked for the Arkansas Citizen’s Climate Lobby.

Fran is a graduate of the historic Little Rock Central High School. She is very honored to be in this role and to be able to advocate for Illinois children.