Frances Weiner

Pride 🏳️‍🌈 month has officially kicked off + blues festival was a success.

For years, I operated as a community practitioner with my head buried in day-to-day work, disconnected from the broader network of professionals doing similar work globally. My networking strategy consisted primarily of waving to the same three people at local community events. This past year, I intentionally created time and space to expand my horizons by pursuing coursework, networking opportunities and joining International Economic Development Council’s inaugural cohort of practitioners committed to transforming our field.

This journey, while unpredictable, has significantly broadened my perspective on collaboration with peers, beyond upgrading from coffee to energy drinks during the same old conference settings. I’ve discovered the immense value in connecting with others who share similar professional goals while bringing diverse approaches and experiences. Turns out there are people solving the same problems I am, but with actual methodologies beyond my trusty “panic and improvise” technique.

These connections have fostered an environment of mutual learning and growth. I’m deeply grateful for this network of dedicated professionals who are reimagining “the work” in ways that are truly innovative, heart-centered, and unconstrained by traditional boundaries—pushing beyond conventional limitations to prevent history from repeating itself. Because if history taught us anything, it’s that economic development strategies from the 1980s look as outdated as the hairstyles from that era. 💇🏻‍♀️

Just chasing sunsets (and moon rises) 🌕🌞

New journey alert! 🔔 Over the past 5 years, I’ve dedicated much time and energy to Community-Driven Economic Development (didn’t know what that was at the time) in the playground of and became fascinated with co-creating communities of the future.

As I sit here and witness the heavy rains in SoCal come down and flood waters rise, it feels like a timely week to begin working alongside in collaboration with the , and in Cuyuma Valley, CA to develop pathways to climate resilient communities for all, one of the greatest challenges of our time.

Shout out to Mo Collins for introducing me to this unique opportunity through Economic Development Council who launched a $30 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Economic Development Administration - designed to build capacity in some of the hardest-hit and most economically distressed areas across the United States while cultivating the next generation of economic development leaders.

THANK YOU to the folks (you know who you are) who supported me through the exploration process of designing my next best step.

Cheers to evolving in a new way and supporting forward change across the country.

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this view quite a bit in the last few months. It’s a new view for me as I head south. To a life that had been calling my name for years. And now, I get add another ‘home’ to the directory.

Inspired by the need to get out of the (home) office more often, this week Jaime & Fran worked from Coffee & Comics on Moana St in Reno.

🎶 The music was bumping (the barista was nice enough to turn it down for Fran’s zoom call)

👩🏻‍💻Several charging outlets, wifi was fast

🪴Atmosphere was groovy, comfy chairs and nice neighbors

🌯 Jaime tried the burrito and loved it

🍻 They do serve alcohol (including a local selection)

✨ Oh and very friendly service! ✨

Overall, great vibes we highly recommend .n.comics for any upcoming meeting or out of the (home) office day.

Hello, it’s me. 👋🏼

Sometimes I need little nudges to get back out into the world and I’m just giddy to share more sides of who I am, where I come from and why I do what I do on November 16th at the Virgil in Reno.

This time I look forward to opening up and sharing my personal journey of why I do what I do versus my typical ‘how’ techniques and processes.

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And to re-introduce myself…

I spend my days working alongside CEOs, founders and thought leaders to grow conscious brands, businesses and communities. I believe in a world where your business, creation or message can support who you are becoming and foster the life you want to live.

I love guiding people through making their next best step and growing beyond the "borders" of where you have been.

When I’m not working alongside clients, I lead workshops, teach and speak on the principles of Conscious Business Design both nationally and globally.

I work locally in the Reno community, teaching business classes at the University of Reno, Nevada, serving on the TEDxReno leadership team and am incoming President of MidTown Reno.

Here is to getting back out there and sharing your story.

Maybe this is your nudge, too? 😉

Happy Birthday, my love! 🎉

You look amazing today and every day. Thank you for walking, or really, jogging into my life and making every day more colorful, fun, spontaneous and the best ride yet.

Your big big heart, brilliant brain and willingness to ride the ride is so damn sexy.

Cheers to YOU today and every day, baby.✨

After big work sprints I find myself in a sacred pause space. This was never possible when I worked a 9-5. After a big conference or event I had a stack of “catch up work” and the train kept moving on its express route.

Now, I find myself able to take pauses in my work flow depending on the time of year and season. It’s not a hard stop but more of a lack of pressure to launch a new offering or service. No pressure to jump into a new project. Time to unwind, celebrate, learn and reflect on the recent big launch or event.

This is your little reminder to take the time to honor the spaces in between and the amazing work you’re doing.

And, poolside sips never hurt the process. 😉

The journey of witnessing your final act has forever changed my life. One year ago we were laughing and enjoying the moment, even in a hospital bed. You were never afraid to bring others on the journey with you, up until your last breath.

Thank you for modeling the way of how to make a big move out west, without fear, just curiosity and an open heart.

Thank you for teaching me the art of being an amazing host while still having a good time.

And mostly, thank you for your unconditional love that touched so many hearts. You’re one of the special ones, Gretchen Bell, and I love you. 💕

TEDxReno - Reno Events Center, May 21 - Reno Tahoe TEDxReno returns with a day of inspiring speakers at the Reno Events Center in downtown Reno on Saturday, May 21. Tickets on sale.