Hey there!
Welcome to my block!
My name is Francisca Leonardo. I go by Fran for short because I love The Nanny (90's kids get it)
On the daily, I think I'm quite boring, but turns out that I've actually done some pretty cool stuff!
I decided to compile all my projects and accomplishments on this personal website for you to get to know me a bit better!
About Me
Nationality & Current Residence
Born in Portugal, lived in many different cities in Southern Europe until 2012 when, halfway through my childhood, my whole family moved back to Canada, where my mom is from. Having moved around so much, I considered myself detached from physical borders and instead identify as a global citizen. Currently residing in Stockholm, Sweden and trying to see if I can make this place my forever home.
Education & Training
In 2016, I finished high school in Ottawa and moved to Montreal to attend McGill University. Completed my BSc in Biol, Biomed & Life Sci - Physiology Major, in 2020. Decided I didn't want to go to med school so instead took the biotech path and pursued a MSc in Molecular Techniques in Life Science at a Joint program between 3 unis in Stockholm - Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm University, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Since my graduation in June 2022, I've been doing some soul searching while keeping busy with my many side projects!
Research & Work
I have had over 20 serious work experiences and odd jobs since my first paper route at 14. I am a chronic workaholic! I think my love for working boils down to my love for learning, which of course I get to do a lot of every day when working at a variety of places and with a multitude of diverse people. My most recent work experiences have been related to the life sciences and research within academia, but I also have extensive experience working in stakeholder-facing roles. To learn more about my professional repertoire, check out my CV.
Leadership & Community
When I'm not working, my purpose lies in getting involved with my local community. I have led several projects and organizations over the last ten years, from fundraising 20000 CAD for a literacy program at the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation to building up the KTH tennis club and providing free sessions to increase student well-being, I have been so involved that my friends lovingly refer to me as a future candidate for President! Jokes aside, I am very politically engaged - I have worked as a voting poll officer for Canada's federal elections in 2019, and I have actively participated in grassroots movements for climate action in both Montreal and Stockholm. I also enjoy sharing knowledge and opportunities with others, and that's why I have also been part of TEDxKI, an independently-organized TED event, since its inception in 2021. These days I'm actively involved with the Effective Altruism movement in Sweden as well as throughout the globe.
Hobbies & Interests
I love drawing, painting, and reading books, especially Jane Austen classics. I like making and listening to music, all genres and styles. In my free time, I enjoy trying new sports, but I tend to stick to tennis and muay thai kickboxing as my go-to workouts. I love traveling and taking photographs of nature and of people in their natural habitat. I also like writing prose and poetry, blogging and philosophizing once in a while, and always enjoy going to the theatre for a funny play or musical. If you want to check out my passion projects, go to the Blogging, Photography, Videography or Poetry pages.
Random fun facts about me?
I play seven different musical instruments and I speak six different languages. Want to know more? Check out more fun facts about me in the Frequently Asked Questions section.
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish."
Michelle Obama
