Francine Oputa

Francine Oputa (May 31, 1953 – September 14, 2023) was an American scholar, educator, social justice advocate and community leader in Fresno, California. She led diversity initiatives in her various roles at California State University, Fresno, and through her community service work in downtown Fresno. Her parents were community activists and leaders in California's San Fernando Valley.

Oputa graduated from Stanislaus State with a bachelor's degree in communications. Following this, she and her husband moved to Fresno in 1979, where she attended graduate school at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State). In 1984 she received a master's degree in media, communications and journalism.

With her husband Rev. Henry Oputa, she founded The Way Ministries...John 14:6 and Saturday School. Over the course of her career she "led campus efforts in the areas of human relations, equity, conflict resolution and diversity."

Awards