She glows : Antoinette Francher-Donald

They say it takes a village to raise a child — and Antoinette Francher-Donald is certainly someone you want in your village. Whether it’s advocating for children’s health in her role at the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, volunteering for various causes, or raising two daughters, she’s hungry for change.

Presently, as the Children’s Health Collaborative Director, at CFGFW, she’s focused on helping vulnerable youth who live in our community’s poorest zip codes. The program’s objective is to create a system of care where all kids in Allen

County are physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy, and educated to their highest potential.

You could say she sees herself in the children they’re helping to reach.

“My lived experience (is what) drove me to this position,” she said. “I’m incredibly passionate about our youth— their well-being and the disparities and inequities that still exist today. Our littles deserve better. So that drove me to it; knowing I see the opportunities that my daughters have, and I see the lack of opportunity that so many youth in our community still have.”

In other words, as a child growing up in poverty and experiencing related trauma, she hopes to end that cycle in our country. It starts in our backyard and with our children.

Francher-Donald credits her daughters Shaneé and Elyse for making her the person she is today.

Her husband, Tony, is also a powerful force for good in her life. “My husband is a silent warrior,” she said. “He’s a man of few words, but when he says something, it has great meaning to it.” He’s been there through thick and thin and has challenged her at critical junctures in life.

Among those occasions was when she decided to run her first marathon. Running is part of her identity now, but it wasn’t always the case.

“My husband was one of the first persons to help me see so much potential in myself,” she said. “If it weren’t for my husband, I would have never run a full marathon. And because of that, I have the Boston (Marathon) on my resume.”

Speaking of resumes, she can add another accomplishment to her resume. She was recently honored with the Spirit of the YMCA Volunteer Award from the YMCA of Greater

Fort Wayne’s two branches: Parkview Family and Child Care

Services.

Looking forward, Francher-Donald is bullish on the future and what opportunities might lie ahead.

“From a personal perspective, I’m excited about continuing to learn more about myself and others, and how to continue to project that voice for the well-being of our families and our kids.”. a she glows