LaShelle Franklin is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Williams-Franklin Foundation (WFF), a national nonprofit committed to supporting students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through scholarships, mentorship, and career development opportunities.

A Cleveland, Ohio native and graduate of the Cleveland School of the Arts, LaShelle’s passion for service and education is deeply rooted in her own journey. She is a proud graduate of Howard University and co-founded WFF in 2014 alongside her husband, Dwight, inspired by her firsthand experiences navigating the financial challenges of higher education.

Under LaShelle’s leadership, WFF has raised nearly $1 million and continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of HBCU scholars nationwide. She leads the organization’s strategic vision, oversees daily operations, and cultivates partnerships that expand opportunities for students to thrive academically and professionally.

LaShelle brings a distinguished legal background to her role, with experience across government, private practice, and nonprofit sectors in Maryland and Washington, D.C. She is a member of the Maryland and D.C. Bars.

A committed servant leader, LaShelle has provided pro bono legal services to underserved communities and remains actively engaged in civic and several service organizations.

Through her leadership, LaShelle continues to drive WFF’s mission forward—empowering students, strengthening communities, and creating pathways to success for future generations.