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Florida Supreme Court Justice Renatha Francis isn’t just to be respected, students found out Thursday night. She’s relatable.��

Francis presided over a Q&A hosted by the University of Tampa master’s in professional communication (MAPC) program, educating students on the tips, tricks and soft skills needed to succeed at the highest professional levels, and giving students an opportunity to network with local attorneys.����

“I never turn down an opportunity to talk to young people,” said Francis.

Francis took a road less traveled to get to the Florida Supreme Court. Born and raised in Jamaica, Francis took over her mother’s small businesses and helped raise her siblings in her late teens, after her mom left and went to the United States.����

“I had to grow up very fast, quickly,” Francis said, but said the experience helped shape her outlook on life and approach to work.��

After graduating magna cum laude from the University of the West Indies, Francis got her Juris Doctor from the Florida Coastal School of Law, where she learned beyond the classroom—and at the dinner table.����

The professors, including then Solicitor General Tom Warner, would take out local “big shot” attorneys, as Francis recalled, including attorneys from the governors’ office and law students to foster community.��

“I made it a point to never miss one of those dinners, because I knew, unlike other students who maybe had connections, who have some experience with the legal field, who knew somebody who could help them along that way, I had to kind of forge my own path,” Francis said.����

These, among other comments, struck UTampa students, faculty and staff as the kinds of experiences that made the justice relatable.��

“Having her say that made me be, like, ‘Hey, you're totally right.’�� I do need to do more (networking), even though I don't want to be on the Supreme Court or anything,” said Martini Gibbons ’25, a MAPC student.����

Evan Brown ’28 said the justice’s comments made him sit up a little straighter.��

“I think there was a lot of valuable information that could be used to better myself,” said Brown, a business management major.����

Francis’ comments on being a single mother were among the most revealing and vulnerable of the evening.��

Francis, a widow, responded to a question from a student who is also an Army lieutenant and single mom of two about work-life balance and overcoming “mom guilt.”����

“You are incredibly tired, and you will be spent at the end of the day. But what other choices do you have?” said Francis.

“Try to the best of your ability, and figure out how to give yourself some grace, because that is, I think, the hardest part.”��

It didn’t take long for students to take inspiration from Francis’ words. By the time the event ended, students were exchanging handshakes and LinkedIn contacts with staff and students all around the room.����