About Us

Who is Francesca Yabraian

Francesca Yabraian is a first-generation American whose lifelong commitment to service has shaped her dedication to public leadership.

Her parents immigrated to the United States from Argentina on July 4, 1965, seeking freedom and opportunity after escaping the dictatorship of Juan Perón. Their journey represents the promise of the American Dream that Francesca now seeks to protect and restore for future generations.

As a child living with dyslexia and epilepsy, Francesca was told she would never make it past eighth grade. In eighth grade, she was publicly humiliated by a teacher who gave her a degrading “brainless” award in front of her classmates. Instead of being broken by that moment, she turned that pain into determination and went on to defy every expectation placed against her. Instead of accepting those limitations, she used those experiences as motivation to overcome obstacles and pursue education and public service.

She joined Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society while attending Brookhaven Community College and served as Vice President of the Alpha Delta Pi Chapter. During that time, she organized numerous community service initiatives including Relay for Life, a disability rights march known as March for Respect, and outreach programs delivering holiday gifts to children at Dallas Children’s Hospital.

She also organized a veterans forum featuring 82nd Airborne veteran William “Bill” Florey, whose service inspired her continued advocacy for veterans.

In 2005 she was awarded the Texas Member Hall of Honor Award by Phi Theta Kappa.

While attending the University of Tampa, Francesca continued her commitment to civic engagement. On December 15, 2007, she delivered the University of Tampa commencement address, becoming the first dyslexic and epileptic student selected to speak at graduation.

After graduation she was selected as one of 15 winners worldwide in a United Nations Foundation competition, where her work was presented at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Geneva.

Francesca later served nine years in the federal government working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security in emergency management and national preparedness.

She later founded Diversity Staffing Inc., advocating employment opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans.

Today Francesca is running for Florida House District 1 to ensure the American Dream that welcomed her parents remains possible for future generations.

Why I am Running

I am running for Florida House District 1 because the American Dream that brought my parents to this country must remain possible for future generations.

My parents came to the United States seeking freedom and opportunity. Their courage allowed our family to build a life that would not have been possible elsewhere.

Despite the challenges I faced growing up with dyslexia and epilepsy, education and opportunity allowed me to build a career in public service and technology.

Without those opportunities, I would not be able to stand before my community today as a candidate for public office.

I believe many families feel the American Dream is slipping away. Rising costs and a political system influenced by powerful interests have made it harder for people to succeed. I am running to restore that promise.