Zak Franet is a Bay Area native and public affairs professional specializing in supporting the work of nonprofit homelessness service providers. During his youth, experiences with trauma, instability, and loss led to him turning to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism, eventually leading him into homelessness for several years. Upon completing treatment and permanently exiting homelessness, Zak has been a dedicated advocate for youth experiencing homelessness, serving as the chair of Larkin Street’s Youth Advisory Board, on the Executive Committee of the Youth Policy and Advisory Committee where he helped acquire a $3 million dollar HUD grant to support young people experiencing homelessness, and was appointed by former Mayor Ed Lee to the San Francisco Youth Commission, in addition to numerous other philanthropic and community-facing roles. Zak continues to be active in his community on issues he is passionate about such as homelessness, substance use, criminal justice reform, LGBTQ+, and youth development.