Gem Spotlight - Francine Poisson, Black Dog Institute
Francine Poisson
We were so excited to see that Francine Poisson was awarded the FIA Fellowship.
With over two decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Francine is the Campaign Director at the Black Dog Institute, a leading Australian medical research institute dedicated to mental health across the lifespan.
Here is what Francine has to say after we put her through the Gem Spotlight questions.
Congratulations on your recent achievement! Can you share a bit about the journey that led to your becoming an FIA Fellow?
Well, luckily someone thought my work was significant enough to warrant such an achievement - for that I’m grateful. I had no intention of being a fundraiser. I was finishing up at university, needed a job, and got a role as a Fundraising Coordinator. I had a supportive boss who increasingly gave me more responsibility, and by the time I hit 26, I had played an instrumental role in a project which won the Most Outstanding Achievement in Fundraising award through FIA. Having worked through and mastered many of the fundraising channels, I decided to focus on philanthropy, philanthropic campaigns and strategic development. All in all, I’ve been in the sector for over 20 years’.
What inspired you to become involved in the BIPOC collective and panel discussion? How did it feel to be part of such an important conversation?
Francine Poisson speaking at FIA Conference 2025
I got to know members of the BIPOC collective mainly through my work as Chair of the DEI Taskforce established by the FIA a few years ago. What the collective and panel discussion highlight, and what is evident from my own experiences and the experiences of others, is that there is a distinct need to ensure marginalised voices; be it disability, race, gender, have equal weight to others. And that racism unfortunately exists within many organisations that are associated with FIA. Therefore, we need more allies and we need more people to understand how privilege plays a part in their lives; and to use that privilege to support others. Having heard so many stories from the BIPOC collective, some not too dissimilar to my own, being shared with the greatest of humility, but also with great pain and sorrow, drives me to create change. It’s not right that so many people in our sector are hurting, that they feel discriminated against, and that they aren’t getting the same opportunities that their peers receive. We are an industry that champions social justice and equity and that needs to be reflected in the way we treat our fundraisers.
What are you passionate about outside of your professional work? How do you bring those passions to life?
David Bowie on the cover of his record
I’m passionate about music. At last count I had over 2000 records of all sorts of genres. Whether it be alternative, country, punk, blues, soul, I hold space for them all. To me, music is more than an escape, it is my confidant, my friend, and a connector to many of my close friends. Music creates dialogue, can be used to disrupt the status quo and teaches me what it is to be human. constantly play it, sing it, listen to it, drive to it … you get the picture!
If you could dedicate one entire day to anything you enjoy, what would you do and why?
An extra long massage followed by some nature bathing would be wonderful. I would also need to have a luxurious dinner with the finest wines with close friends to cap off the day. Within that dinner, some serious discussion about the state of the world and some silliness is a requisite. And music would need to be involved of course. I would do all these things as I have two kids and thus am quite time poor!
Where is the one place in the world you'd love to visit, and why does it hold that special place in your heart?
That’s a toughie. Nothing jumps out, but right now my 10 year old son loves Percy Jackson and all things to do with Greek Gods. So, to go to Greece and share that experience with him would be incredible.
What’s one book, TV show, or movie that has shaped you or left a lasting impression on you?
Another hard question! I majored in film at Melbourne University, so a lot of what I studied had great impact on me. They were all very serious and very worthy films about the human condition. I remember being quite perturbed about A Clockwork Orange, a film full of moral ambiguity that makes you question the concepts of free will, justice, and the interplay of being a good person whilst also having the capacity for evil.
If you could have dinner with any three people—past or present—who would you invite and what would you discuss?
David Bowie, Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr. … I love listening to articulate people who are full of wisdom and great insight. These guys have it in spades. We would talk about anything and everything, however, I feel I’d be saying very little and letting them do all the talking!
As a child, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up? Does that dream still resonate with you today?
I dreamt of being a rock star! I did play in a band and did some solo work but that dream is long gone. My son plays drums, my daughter piano and I play guitar so sometimes on weekends we do have a bit of a jam. So, I do get that fix of creating art with the people I love.
Looking back, what was your first job, and how did it shape your career journey?
My first job was at Woolworths in Prahran at 14 years and 9 months. My family didn’t have much money, so I learnt to appreciate the value of hard work even more. I was also very good at dealing with a variety of people and customers, which could be why I love stakeholder management!
What’s the best thing about your current role, and what gets you excited about your work each day?
Black Dog Institute logo
The best thing about my current role is working with some wonderful people to create something really special and hopefully, transformational for Black Dog Institute. The work they do is world-class and there is great urgency to fund more research into mental health.
How do you manage to stay motivated and driven, especially during tough times in your profession?
The need to pay the bills helps! Just knowing that tough times never last forever, and that better days always lie ahead gives me fortitude. Leaning on trusted friends or colleagues for support is also crucial.
What was your main motivator for pursuing a career in the “for purpose” sector, and what keeps you committed to it?
My upbringing was devoid of power, privilege or safety. As a result, I have developed a strong sense of social justice and equity; and that has me committed to the sector for the rest of my working days.
What has been your proudest career accomplishment, and why is it meaningful to you?
My career journey has not always been easy. I feel I’m still yet to reach my full potential despite raising an extraordinary amount of money over the years. However, to be seen and recognised by those who supported and endorsed my nomination for Fellowship at the FIA, is special.
What’s the best piece of career advice you've received, and how do you apply it in your own life?
A wonderful Aboriginal Elder told me that “progress moves at the speed of trust”. Not a week goes by when I don’t say that, whether in a work setting, with my children or elsewhere.
If you could work in a completely different profession for a day, what would it be, and what would be the most exciting part of that role?
A composer or songwriter, being able to write music for a living. A famous(ish) friend of mine said that they never get sick of hearing their song getting sung back to them. I would love to bring that joy to others!
Thank you, Francine, for offering us a glimpse into your extraordinary path and successes. Your unwavering dedication and vision, particularly in advancing BIPOC representation and equity, will continue to make a lasting positive difference on the community. Congratulations again on being awarded the FIA Fellowship!