Francine Oputa
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Francine Oputa | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 31, 1953 |
| Died | September 14, 2023 (aged 70) Fresno, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | California State University, Fresno |
| Employer(s) | California State University, Fresno |
| Spouse | Henry Oputa |
Francine Oputa (May 31, 1953 – September 14, 2023) was an American scholar, educator, social justice advocate and community leader in Fresno, California. She led diversity initiatives in her various roles at California State University, Fresno, and through her community service work in downtown Fresno.[1][2][3]
Francine Oputa was the youngest of eleven children. She was born in the San Fernando Valley to Rev Hillery T. and Mother Rosa L. Boradous.[4][5] Her parents were community activists and leaders in California's San Fernando Valley.[4] She married Pastor Henry Oputa in 1977.[5][6]
Oputa graduated from Stanislaus State with a bachelor's degree in communications.[7] Following this, she and her husband moved to Fresno in 1979, where she attended graduate school at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State). In 1984 she received a master's degree in media, communications and journalism.[5] In 2011, Oputa received a doctorate of education (Ed.D.) from the University of California, Davis/Fresno State in educational leadership.[7]
Career and community service
Oputa started working at Fresno State in 1991 as the founding director of the Women's Resource Center.[5] She also worked in the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and as director of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center. She lectured in Africana studies and women's studies.[8]
With her husband Rev. Henry Oputa, she founded The Way Ministries...John 14:6 and Saturday School.[9][6] They are known for their programs in downtown Fresno that "taught children ages 3 to 12 about African and African American culture and about self-image".[2]
Oputa also served on Fresno city's Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission.[8][7]
Death
Francine Oputa died in Fresno on September 14, 2023, at the age of 70.[1]