Abigail Francis

Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • PhD in Global Inclusion and Social Development, University of Massachusetts Boston 
  • MSW and LCSW, Simmons College 
  • BS in Psychology and Pre-Medical Studies, Bates College 

Abigail Francis is director of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University. 

In line with Khoury College’s mission of “CS for everyone,” Francis is responsible for the college’s diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging action plan and initiatives, and is driven to build a stronger sense of belonging across the college’s network campus teams. She also collaborates with DEI leads from other Northeastern colleges and campuses to create a welcoming and inclusive institution. 

Prior to joining Khoury College in 2023, Francis worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for 14 years, most recently as the assistant dean of intercultural engagement. In that role, she provided campus-wide leadership, vision, and direction for the services, resources, and outreach efforts that made MIT a more supportive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff — and won a slew of university awards for her work. Outside of her primary job, Francis spearheads equity- and inclusion-centric trainings, workshops, classes, and consultation efforts. 

Francis loves intersectional social justice approaches, learning about nutrition, speaking Spanish, traveling in and outside the United States, and going to Disney World.