Mary-Frances Winters is a pioneering thought leader, author, and CEO of The Winters Group, which she founded in 1984. Inspired by her coming-of-age during the civil rights movement, she has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers and bridging across difference. A master strategist, Mary-Frances brings deep expertise in strategic planning, change management, organizational development, and systems thinking, and has advised senior leadership teams across various industries globally.

She is the author of seven books, including Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit and We Can’t Talk About That at Work!. Her contributions have earned national recognition, including being named a diversity pioneer by Profiles in Diversity Journal and a Forbes-recognized trailblazer in diversity and inclusion. Mary-Frances is a graduate of the University of Rochester, with undergraduate degrees in English and psychology and a master’s degree in business administration from the William E. Simon Executive Development Program. She was the first Black woman elected to the University of Rochester’s Board of Trustees. She received an honorary doctorate from Roberts Wesleyan College.