Providing leadership through education and the arts
Frances Ortiz-Chávez was born in Sonora , Mexico and raised in Tucson , Arizona but for the last 33 years, she has called the Napa Valley her home. She is married to Jesus C. Chávez and is the mother of two children: son Jesus Felipe a graphic designer; and daughter Monica a student at The United Nations’ University for Peace in Costa Rica where she is obtaining her Masters Degree in International Relations in Environmental studies.

Frances is a true believer that education is the vehicle to promoting self-growth and empowerment as well as a healthy community. She retired from her job after working for Napa Valley Unified School District for over 21 years. Her goal was to pursue her dream of dedicating all her time to creating art and teaching others to do the same but retirement lasted a few months because she saw the need to continue her advocacy. She stayed involved in boards and non-profit organizations as she continued to improve her leadership skills. In 2001 she graduated from Leadership Napa Valley , and in 2003 from the HOPE (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality) Leadership Institute. Shortly after she was appointed to the Napa Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees.  She ran unopposed in the November 2004 elections.  She also served as the President of the Napa County Hispanic Network the last 2 years.

Frances is also well known as an artist, a painter and motivational speaker. She has received numerous awards as a professional exhibitor in the Napa Valley and the Bay Area. She has been a guest speaker throughout Northern California promoting education and self esteem.  Her art can be found in private collections in the United States and Latin America .  She is currently exhibiting in the Artists of the Valley Gallery in Napa , CA and in the office of Assembly Member, Noreen Evans at the Capitol.

Frances has been involved in a great number of community organizations, including: the Napa County Hispanic Network, Latino Cultural Center of the Napa Valley , Queen of the Valley Health Care for the Poor Committee, Children Health Initiative Steering Committee.

Frances recently received The State Legislature Woman of the Year Award for District 7, she is the 2002 recipient of the Napa County Hispanic Network Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2001 recipient of the Soroptimist International Woman of Distinction award in the field of International goodwill and understanding for her community involvement and her attempt to give Napa Valley farm workers recognition through her artwork.

Frances is an extraordinary leader in Napa County who works tirelessly in her community to bridge cultural divides and promote social justice and has become one of the Napa Valley 's most endeared Latina leader!