Franzene Minott

“Intentional optimism” fuels Franzene Minott’s approach to leadership at Caravanserai Project, a local nonprofit that links entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and business tools at no cost. “Optimism is a muscle we have to build,” she explains. “Things do knock you down … and you can’t stay there. You have to be intentional with your optimism. You have to be pragmatic. I think that’s what carries you through.”

Minott first crossed paths with the Palm Springs–based organization as a social enterprise fellow while completing her MBA in Atlanta. After a semester consulting on growth strategies, she accepted an invitation to join the team and relocate to Greater Palm Springs.

As COO, Minott oversees program operations and partnerships for the organization. Since its founding in 2016, Caravanserai has supported more than 3,500 entrepreneurs and invested over $2.5 million into small businesses.

Her favorite moments are watching those entrepreneurs step into their confidence. “You watch them get into their stride, get into their flow, and then you see them hit a milestone they’ve been working toward for months,” she says. “That’s very satisfying.”

Minott also mentors young women and participates in the Desert Valley Builders Association’s Professional Women in Building group, where she joins forces with other female leaders across industries to support charities.