HOUSTON, TX, September 14, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Karen Levingston Franklin, MS, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Franklin has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to both the nonprofit sector, business development, and hospitality. As the founder, principal chief executive officer and board chair of the World Youth Foundation (WYF) Inc. since 1990, she has led the organization in building capacity, securing economic resources and equipping leaders across various fields. Ms. Franklin's responsibilities have included managing programs for local, state and federal governments as well as designing, writing, procuring and launching innovative models in municipalities. Her expertise in these areas has positioned her as a respected authority in her role.

Headquartered in Houston, WYF is a national, grassroots nonprofit organization that serves as a development vehicle to enhance the growth and character of the whole child, encompassing the mind, body and character. Launched to serve underrepresented adolescents, teens and young adults, WYF develops and encourages blended learning and evidence-based strategies for disadvantaged and underrepresented minority youth throughout the area.

Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Franklin has consistently prioritized helping individuals at every stage of life, from young children and young adults to entrepreneurs and established businesses, achieve growth and sustainability. She is particularly proud of her ability to guide others in replacing outdated practices with effective strategies for long-term success. Notably, Ms. Franklin was selected from thousands of applicants to facilitate her program through the Harris County Department of Education and will serve as one of the facilitators at its state conference in August 2026.

Ms. Franklin retired as a federal compliance expert in 2025 after a career devoted to managing government programs at multiple levels. Her work designing and launching impactful initiatives across municipalities has been widely recognized. She is also a member of NSBE, reflecting her dedication to professional growth and industry collaboration.

In addition to her work at the foundation, Ms. Franklin established Evelyn's Spice Bakery and Culinary, a business she has led since 1986. Over the past 40 years as owner and operator, she has been contributing to the hospitality sector while fostering opportunities for growth within her community.

Ms. Franklin's academic background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in finance. The knowledge gained through these degrees has been instrumental in supporting her achievements in business management, program development and organizational leadership.

Active with professional and civic organizations, Ms. Franklin is a member of the National Society of Black Executives and the Education Equal Opportunity Group Inc. She also serves with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and volunteers with the U.S. Department of Education, the Greater Houston Black Chamber, the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives and the National Society of Public Relations Professionals.

Ms. Franklin's accomplishments have been recognized numerous times, most recently with a nomination for the Mickey Leland Award from the Greater Houston Black Chamber and a 2026 KNOW Houston feature highlighting her contributions to business development and community service. Previously, she was included in the Top 30 Most Influential Women, received the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee Award, and was recognized as the Most Admired Chief Executive Officer of Texas by the Houston Business Journal. Additionally, Ms. Franklin was honored that her organization was granted permission to name its youth development programs and young leadership initiatives after The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee.

Looking ahead, Ms. Franklin plans to continue working alongside her team to help build and develop organizations to become more competitive for funding by writing grants and advancing economic mobility initiatives. She remains dedicated to expanding access to meaningful support while emphasizing the importance of available government resources. Central to her continued work is a commitment to cultivating the whole child—Mind, Body and Character—ensuring that young people are equipped not only with knowledge and opportunity, but also with the resilience, values and character needed to thrive, lead and succeed in life.

# # #