A Voice Rising, A Legacy Growing

“Find a reason to get up in the morning so you are excited about your life.” ~  Tracê Wilkins-Francis

There are people among us whose journeys whisper a quiet truth, that greatness is not measured by titles, nor by applause, but by the courage to shape a world that mirrors the dignity of every child within it.

On this island we call home, there is such a woman.

Her name is Tracê Wilkins-Francis, and her story is a shining testament to purpose and the timeless belief that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the pages of possibility.

Born in Brooklyn and arriving on Long Island at the age of five, Tracê carries Wyandanch in her heart and history. She rose as her high school valedictorian, then journeyed to Washington, D.C. to study economics at American University—drawn by a curiosity for how systems shape lives. She continued to earn her master’s in public administration and finance from SUNY Albany, armed with the knowledge to serve communities with integrity.

Her professional path led her through the finance departments of CUNY, St. John’s University, and the nonprofit Baileys House. Today she supports the Wyandanch School District through meticulous payroll work—yet numbers, though steady and certain, have never been the only language of her soul. There has always been a deeper call.

Before her son was born, Tracê owned and operated a dance studio for 13 beautiful years. Movement, rhythm, and expression were her first canvas. But when motherhood arrived, she closed the studio so she could be fully present with her son.

And as one door closed, another opened—just as life, in its wisdom, always provides.

She began taking her young son to local libraries. There, among the shelves meant to ignite imagination, she noticed something missing: diversity, representation, and children of color living everyday adventures that mirrored her own child’s world. Then something stirred inside her.

“Writing has always been a part of me.” As a child, she wrote stories with her friends. As a teenager, she edited her high school newspaper. As a young mother navigating postpartum depression, she turned to journaling—words once again becoming her refuge, her outlet, her rebirth. From that well of truth, her books emerged.

Here are three of her beloved children’s books—stories born not from theory, but from the lived heartbeat of motherhood and memory:

 I Am Not Ready for a Pet…A heartfelt and humorous look at a child’s uncertainty about pet ownership—capturing fears, hopes, and the courage to try something new.

It’s Time to Visit the Library…A celebration of curiosity and community, showing children that the library is a sanctuary where questions bloom and imaginations soar.

A Day at the Park…A joyful story of friendship, play, and the beauty of everyday childhood adventures—told with warmth, inclusivity, and authenticity.

Her favorite part of writing these books?

With a smile she said: “Going to schools to read to the children. It gives me a reason to be silly.”

Tracê is a proud member of SCBWI, and her dream is to transform her books into animated videos—guided by her husband, who has the technical knowledge to bring these stories to life. Together, they share a vision, a partnership, and a faith in each other that echoes through every chapter of her journey.

There is one moment Tracê will never forget.

She was a guest author at a local library reading, “I Am Not Ready for a Pet”, expecting a simple storytime. But when she finished, something profound happened. The children clapped. They lined up for her autograph. They emailed her afterward to say how much they loved the book and speaking with her. In that moment, Tracê did not just read a story—she saw the impact of representation, the power of visibility, the beauty of all children recognizing themselves on the pages.

To women everywhere, she offers this wisdom: “If your thoughts are keeping you up at night, it’s time to give birth to something new.” “Just figure out what… and how to get there.”

Where should someone begin? She points to a well-known place—a place where she rediscovered her own voice: “The starting place is any library. It’s a comfort zone for all.”

Her journey is fortified by the unwavering support of her husband of 26 years, their 15-year-old son (an avid swimmer whose dedication inspires her daily), and parents who have always believed in her.

Guided by faith, family, and purpose, we hear Trace’s echo of a greater truth. When one woman finds her voice, she lights a path for countless others.

For a complete list of all her books, please visit: www.tracewilkinsfrancis.com