_ For Francine Read, it is important to support women on their road to success because, “There is nothing like the sound of a woman’s voice.  It is a precious thing, whether raised in protest or in prayer.  It is the hand that rocks the cradle.  It is the hand that rocks the world.”

_ In 1993, Francine Read founded VOICES, INC  to deliver a series of women speakers that address a wide range of issues as seen from the female perspective.  Over the years, this series has featured some extremely interesting women and some of the most coveted women speakers on the circuit today.  VOICES, Inc. also recently launched an eight month professional development program, VOICES Leadership Forum, for emerging women leaders.

In 2007, Francine was named “One of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Town” by the NW Women’s Journal and in 2010 was selected by The Portland Business Journal as one of its Women in Business Orchid Award recipients.

Francine is also an active member of the Portlandia Club, is a co-sponsor of Francesca’s Cooking Club with In Good Taste Cooking School and is joining the Executive Women's Golf Association. In the past, Francine has shown support for Rosemont School for Girls by volunteering along with her dog.

For more information on VOICES, INC. or Francine’s additional organizations she works with, please visit these websites:

VOICES, Inc: http://voicesinc.com/index.shtml
Great Women Speakers: http://greatwomenspeakers.com/
Voices Leadership Forum: http://www.voicesleadershipforum.com/