Erin Franks - CopyPlacement: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Financial Planning

My Hometown: Midland, TX

My Education: Claremont McKenna College Class of 2012. Major: Environment, Economics, Politics; Philosophy (dual major)

Selected Honors: Bill & Melinda Gates Interdisciplinary Science Scholar, Cum Laude, Honors graduate in both majors, Dean’s List 2009-2012

Selected Activities and Community Involvement: Exploring San Francisco’s parks, reading books (you can check out Kindle books from the SF Public Library!), playing with my 2 cats (that I adopted from the San Francisco ASPCA), playing board games with my friends

Why San Francisco is important to me: I’ve lived in San Francisco for 2 years now, and it’s an incredible place. Of all the places I’ve ever lived, SF has the best food, the most interesting and unique people, and the strongest commitment to innovation. I love that there’s always something going on, and how lively the street is. Not having a car and still being able to get around is fantastic, and I’m excited to be able to give back to a city that has given me so much.

Something unique about me: I had always wanted to dye my hair bright colors, but I’d never been able to when I was younger. After moving to San Francisco, the time finally seemed right. I doubted my job would mind, but I decided to dye it without asking. On Monday I went in nervously with a blue streak in my hair – and my boss stopped in and said hi to me without even mentioning it. Turns out what’s “rebellious” for West Texas is typical here, and I feel lucky every day to live in such an open-minded city.