Maureen French

Maureen French has been in the fashion business for more than 25 years. She has been involved in all aspects of retail, buying, merchandising, operations, training, and teaching. Maureen started her own personal shopping business in 2004 and works with men and women to create a wardrobe that truly reflects their style and personality. She has delivered programs and workshops on professional dressing to many San Francisco Bay Area companies, law schools, and non-profits. 

Maureen received her BA in Speech Communications from SUNY Oneonta, where she met Elizabeth at the beginning of their sophomore year. It was love and friendship at first sight!  She was the Fashion Merchandising Coordinator at The Academy of Art University; prior to that she was the Director of Merchant Training for Macy’s West. 

She received the designation of CIP (Certified Image Professional) from AICI (Association of Image Consultants International) in 2008, was on the AICI board for four years, and received the Rising Star Award in 2007. Maureen was lucky enough to cover New York Fashion Week for several seasons, including the finale of "Project Runway". She wrote a style column for the East Bay News Group for several years and has continued that effort on her own blog, as well as for Jennifer Montana Design. She also worked with Wardrobe For Opportunity for many years as a volunteer dresser for low income individuals seeking employment.

Maureen has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 30 years. She and her husband Ken raised their son and daughter in Oakland, California. She and her family spend as much time as possible in Lake Tahoe. Skiing, hiking, swimming, reading and SUPing make Maureen happy.

While she is passionate about fashion, Maureen is even more passionate about ensuring her best friend Elizabeth’s goal of making the early detection of ovarian cancer easier. Forty-plus years of Elizabeth’s friendship, laughter, joy, heartbreak, vulnerability, travel, and so much more were the ultimate gift to Maureen. Walking by Elizabeth’s side throughout her brave journey was a privilege that will forever change her. Maureen’s goal is to make Elizabeth’s Wish a reality by focusing on public education and early detection of ovarian cancer. 

Maureen says, “Elizabeth’s impact will be far greater than her time here on earth, as she laid the groundwork for other women to have a leg up on fighting it, through education and early intervention.”