Corinne French

Corinne French is an advocate for education, student success, and leadership development. As the Director of School Board Engagement at the Texas Education Agency, she works closely with school board leaders across the state, equipping them with best practices in governance and strategic leadership. With over a decade of experience at the University of North Texas, Corinne held multiple roles within the Division of Student Affairs and Advancement, including Director of Student and Young Alumni Engagement. Her work has given her a deep understanding of the student journey from high school to higher education and beyond.

Corinne has served in elected leadership for more than 10 years, including on the Valley View ISD Board of Trustees, the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Board of Directors for Region 11, and as Vice President of the North Texas Area Association of School Boards (NTAASB). She is also a proud graduate of the Leadership TASB Class of 2015.

A dynamic speaker and facilitator, Corinne delivers training statewide on topics such as, governance vs. leadership, women in leadership, strategic planning, leading in crisis, navigating student leadership, redefining readiness and well-being for leaders. She is a TEDx UNT speaker and co-creator of the Women in Leadership Workshop, where she empowers others to lead with authenticity and impact.

Outside of her professional life, Corinne enjoys kayaking, hiking, thrift shopping, and spending time with her rescue dachshunds. She’s a proud mother of ten and grandmother of eleven, and she delights in growing flowers for friends. She also firmly believes that Pez Candy is the best.

Corinne holds a B.S. in Family Studies from Texas Woman’s University, a Master’s in Higher Education and Student Development from the University of North Texas, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership at Southern Methodist University. Her research focuses on women in elected school board leadership.

Based in: Valley View, TX
Organization: Texas Education Agency
Position: Director of School Board Engagement
Speaking topics: legislative process, campaigning & elections, advocacy & organizing, leadership as a woman in government, public policy in action, supporting women in government
Audience preferences: college/university students, civic groups, professional organizations, open to all
In-person or virtual: both
Speaking format: lead presenter, panelist, workshop facilitator, Q&A/informal discussions
Speaker fee: varies

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Page last updated 10:59 AM, July 8, 2026