BY: SBJ STAFFsbj@sbj.net; Posted online June 8, 2022 | 11:48 am

Civic leader Francine Pratt (GMLC Class of 2019) was honored with Leadership Springfield’s 2022 O. Franklin Kenworthy Award for Outstanding Leadership.

The honor, the only award given out by Leadership Springfield, recognizes community involvement, good citizenship, leadership qualities and ethical standards, according to a news release. The award, named in honor of Leadership Springfield Signature Class 3 graduate O. Franklin Kenworthy, was established in 1989.

“Whether she is running her latest endeavor Queen City Soul Kitchen, driving data-based decision making and priorities at the community level through her leadership with Prosper Springfield or providing input and support to so many leaders around the region, Francine shows up with passion, conviction and grace,” Leadership Springfield Executive Director Carrie Richardson said in the release. “Overall, Francine embodies the Leadership Springfield mission, and we can think of no one more deserving of this honor and recognition.”

Through Prosper Springfield, Pratt works to reduce poverty in the community. From April 2020 to September 2021, she led the Missouri College Access Network, a career and college readiness organization based in Columbia. She additionally is the co-owner of Queen City Soul Kitchen, a restaurant in the Woodland Heights neighborhood.

The Leadership Springfield award was presented during its One Big Class Reunion event at The Old Glass Place downtown, according to the release.

Last year, the award went to former Springfield-Greene County Health Department Director Clay Goddard, according to past reporting.