Professional Bio
Francis is a lifelong Nevadan who is a former two-term Assemblywoman in the State Legislature. She is the first Asian-American to serve in this position in the State of Nevada. She is a successful small business owner with more than 15 years of experience operating, managing, and growing business.
She is an active owner/operator in Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop system, including having served 3 years as the Las Vegas Advertising Co-Op President determining where $200k advertising dollars were spent annually. A savvy and astute entrepreneur with significant knowledge in the fast dining-casual market, Francis is currently leading her business into its highest sales year in a decade.
Francis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Business from the University of Nevada, Reno. With strong Las Vegas roots, she’s a founding class member and a proud graduate of Galena High School in Reno Nevada.
Francis is a dedicated and active member of the Las Vegas community with a deep love for its people. Francis loves giving to causes that have a positive impact on children and can be found Coaching Little League or volunteering for many children’s charities.
Community Involvement and Achievements
2007 Outstanding Assemblywoman Award: Peace Officers Research Association of Nevada (PORAN)
Coach, Lone Mountain Little League
Board of Directors: Speedway Children’s Charities
Donor: Southern Nevada Burn Foundation
Donor: Three Square
Fundraiser: Shay Mikalonis, LVMPD Officer shot during the 2020 LV riots.
Former Advisory Board Member: Summerlin Hospital Medical Center
Grace in the Desert Episcopal Church: Donor, Usher, and Parishioner
Parent volunteer: Mountain View Lutheran Elementary School
Parent volunteer: Doral Academy Fire Mesa
Capriotti’s High Five-Award (outstanding sales): 2011, 2012, 2017, 2018, 2019
Former Dinner chairperson, Fundraiser: Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada
Donor: University of Nevada, Reno Foundation
Francis’s Family: Paul, Ally, David, Steve, Francis and Emma
Balancing her time between her family, her business, and her commitment to community, Francis sees the importance of living a well-rounded life. She is married to Steve Palenske, Fire Captain and 23 year veteran of the City of Las Vegas Fire Department, who inspires her to dedicate time to giving back to those in need. They have three kids (Ally, Emma, and David). Ally is a labor and delivery nurse at Loma Linda Hospital and her husband, Paul is a Fireman at Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department.
Francis is bilingual, speaking both English and Korean. She loves to hike, read, and whip up amazing Korean meals.