Featured Member: Leela Francois on HBCU CONNECT!

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Q&A With Leela Francois

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Leela Francois
Location: Port Jefferson station , NY
Joined: Jul 1st, 2026

About (request update)

I'm a behavior therapist at Achieve Beyond and a psychology student at Virginia State University. I work with children and teens with autism spectrum disorder one-on-one using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. I develop individual treatment programs that encourage the development of social, behavioral, communication, and daily living skills in children ages 4-17. I want to become a pediatric psychiatrist because I really want to improve kids mental health outcomes. Prior to my current role, I served as a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Investigator at Rikers Island, where I interviewed individuals in custody, investigated allegations of sexual assault involving incarcerated individuals and staff, and advocated for those involved while conducting fair and thorough investigations.

Life & Professional Aspirations:

My ultimate goal is to become a pediatric psychiatrist and provide culturally competent mental health care to children, particularly those in underserved Black and Caribbean communities. I hope to combine clinical practice, advocacy, and research to improve access to mental health services while mentoring the next generation of students. As a first-generation college student, I strive to build a legacy of service, leadership, and lifelong learning that will positively impact my family, my community, and future generations.

Education (request update)

Virginia State University class of 2027

Undergrad Major: Psychology

Claim To Fame:

I think my claim to fame on campus is being involved. I think college is what you make of it, so I try to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. I am an active member of Psi Chi, the Caribbean Students Association, TRIO, the Psychology Club and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). Through these organizations I�ve been able to build relationships, give back to my campus and community, and grow as a student and future mental health professional. I want to be remembered as someone who was always willing to help, to get involved and make Virginia State a better place than I found it.

Most Memorable Moment:

Some of my most memorable moments in college have been the relationships I�ve made with my professors and experiencing my first real HBCU homecoming. One memory that will always stay with me is sitting in my professors� office hours, especially my freshman year with Dr. Dandridge. Getting to know my professors outside of the classroom and their journey through undergrad, graduate school and into their careers was a reminder that the goals I have for myself are possible. I forget sometimes that I�m living in a blessing I once prayed for, and those conversations reminded me that with hard work and God�s grace, I can get where they are one day. I won�t forget sophomore year homecoming. �I was a typical freshman and stayed in my dorm so it was nice to get out and see alumni come back to campus and show me what HBCU culture is all about.� It was not only a celebration but a return of generations of people because Virginia State will always be home. That made me realize that attending an HBCU is like joining a family that extends beyond your graduation.