Keynote Conference Speaker, Monday, November 15, 1993, 1:00 PM Leslie S. Franklin

We are honored to have Mr. Franklin at the ORPS Annual State Conference.

Les Franklin is Director of the Governor's Job Training Office for the State of Colorado and is a member of the Governor's Cabinet, as well as a former IBM executive. He is a single father, and intimately knows the challenges of raising children in a single-parent home. Mr. Franklin is active on numerous boards, committees, commissions, and councils that address education, youth issues, and economic issues. Mr. Franklin is a taped motivational speaker for national organizations (including the Hudson Institute).

Les talks to educators about WORKFORCE 2000 - what employers want and expect from employees in the coming decades and how schools can help in turning out a quality work force to meet those expectations. He has looked at employment opportunities from all sides: public sector, private sector, youth, and convicted felons. Mr. Franklin is well-versed in the celebrated National Education Goals and offers up a blueprint toward achievement, noting the implications of continued failure.

Les has been known to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas at Colorado's penitentiaries. He does this not because it is expected in order to fulfill some political expectations, but because he genuinely cares. He has developed a rapport with inmates through his perennial visitations. The inmates know he cares about them and that he offers a connection with the "real world."

Mr. Franlin spends a great deal of time on youth issues. He even lists their issues in his resume under "interests." He knows what can happen when young people get "sidetracked." When Les talks in schools, the children line up for hugs from this 6'5", 200+ lb. gentle man. There's something very paternal about him that have even the teenage boys taking their place in line for one of his hugs.

Les has talked to the country through the electric media, via the nationally televised Montell Williams Show, the Phil Donahue Show, and the NBC special, "Images and Realities" with Lou Gossett, Jr. It is through this national exposure that Les has expressed his concerns about the loss of children through self-destructive behaviour. Mr. Franklin also does a monthly radio program aired on Denver's inner-city network, KDKO. In addition, Les speaks as a "Leading Voice" for KUVO Radio, where his commentaries have been heard on several occasions. Mr. Franklin voices his commitment to change, cooperation and love, regardless of race and religious affiliation, and encourages all in the community to do likewise.

Les Franklin is the founder of the Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth and it is his life's dream to create a center for all children who will be welcomed, protected, and loved.

Mr. Franklin has received numerous awards for community service and was inducted into his alma matter (University of Northern Colorado) Alumni "Hall of Fame" in 1989.