Mentor Moment with Alison Francis

We know your time is valuable — so we're making every minute count.

Mentor Moments are our power-packed, ask-me-anything sessions designed to get you the wisdom, answers, and motivation you need to move. No fluff, no filler — just real insight from someone who's been in the room.

This month, we're sitting down with Alison Francis, Vice-President, Chief Diversity Officer, Costco.

Alison is unpacking the power of connection — including what she's learned running Costco Connects sessions since 2023, and how that listening-first approach is evolving to meet the moment. She knows what it takes to stay at an org and make an impact — leaning into opportunities within to do it.

Bring your burning questions. She's ready.

Meet Alison:

Alison Francis started at Costco in 1997, holding various management roles. She studied Marketing with a minor in English at Oakwood University. In 2003, she relocated to Virginia, serving as Membership/Marketing Manager in Chantilly before becoming General Manager in 2012 for eight years. From January 2020 to December 2021, Alison completed a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management, emphasizing Diversity and Inclusion, at Georgetown University. Post-graduation, she was promoted to AVP, Chief Diversity Officer, then VP, Chief Diversity Officer in October 2022. In 2024, she finished the Executive Leadership Program at Seattle University. Over the past four years, Alison has spearheaded Costco’s global Inclusion strategy, focusing on employees, community, and diverse suppliers. She is passionate about people and believes inclusion requires connecting with individuals from all backgrounds.

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