Meet Fran
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am currently balancing an exciting dual path: I serve as the Chief Data Officer for a finance company while completing my Master’s degree. My academic and professional worlds overlap through my passion for AI, data, robotics, and space technologies.
One of my favourite roles in life, though, is being an aunt to eight wonderful nibblings - they inspire so much of my enthusiasm for inclusive, curiosity‑driven STEM education. Beyond my studies, I am involved in several community and technology initiatives. I am helping to build a queer‑friendly, inclusive cricket club in Bath and Bristol, and I am part of a team preparing for the UK Lunabotics competition. This national challenge invites student teams to design, build, and operate autonomous lunar‑construction rovers, applying NASA-style systems engineering principles in a simulated lunar environment. It will be held for the first time in the UK at The Open University in Milton Keynes this summer. These projects combine my love of technology, community building, and creating accessible pathways into STEM fields.
What inspired you to join Bath Women's Fund?
I joined because Bath Women’s Fund brings together women with diverse skills and experiences to create meaningful, community‑based impact. With my background in data leadership and ethical technology, I am passionate about supporting organisations that work to reduce inequality and expand opportunity. Bath very quickly became home for me - initially because of my love for Jane Austen, but ultimately because of its community spirit - and joining the Fund felt like a natural way to give back purposefully.
What are the issues that you are most passionate about?
I care deeply about equity, inclusion, and ethical innovation, especially within STEM. Early in my career, recognising bias in datasets sparked my commitment to ethical AI and responsible data practices - an area I continue to champion in my work as a Chief Data Officer and through my academic research.
I am also passionate about broadening access to STEM education for underrepresented communities, ensuring that curiosity, creativity, and opportunity are accessible to all. This commitment is reflected in my involvement with inclusive sports initiatives, such as the queer‑friendly cricket club, and my work with the UK Lunabotics competition, which opens doors for students to explore robotics, engineering, and space science first hand.
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that technology, science, and community spaces should be designed for everyone, not just those already in the room.
What would you be most interested in learning about as a Bath Women's Fund member?
I am particularly interested in learning how local organisations across Bath are addressing inequality and widening access to opportunity. I would love to deepen my understanding of how collective giving and philanthropy can drive measurable impact, and how I might use my experience in data, AI, and STEM engagement to support community partners more effectively. I am also keen to learn from and collaborate with other members who share a passion for youth empowerment, outreach, or inclusive community building.
What is your favourite place/thing to do in and around Bath?
My favourite thing to do in Bath is simply to wander. I originally came here because of my love of Jane Austen, but I fell in love with the city by walking through its historic streets, admiring the architecture, and soaking in the atmosphere. Bath feels like a story you get to walk through - there is a sense of timelessness here that feels grounding and inspiring - something I never tire of.