Franchise Thought Leaders: Women in Franchising

Celebrating Female Franchise Leaders on International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month

March 8th is International Women’s Day, and every March is Women’s History Month. Both celebrations are dedicated to honoring women’s contributions and achievements. Considering the remarkable growth of franchising and the incredible women who have been a driving force behind it, it’s important to look at the impact of women in franchising and understand how their leadership, innovation and resilience are shaping its future.

Some of the most impressive leaders in franchising are women. Women hold high-ranking positions in just about every type of franchise company and every business sector. Women are major players in the C-suites of large brands; they are franchise founders, franchise owners, franchise consultants, franchise brokers, franchise influencers and franchise thought leaders. 

Corporate America vs. Entrepreneurship

Women are making great strides as entrepreneurs in and out of franchising. Women own an impressive 12.3 million businesses in the U.S. that generate $1.8 trillion annually. The success stories in women-owned businesses are countless, and so are the opportunities. Entrepreneurship and franchising offer a level playing field not often found in corporate America. The reality is that women in the workforce often work harder for less pay and recognition than their male counterparts. The 2023 McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace Report reveals that for every 100 men promoted from entry-level to manager, 87 women were promoted. Because of the gender disparities in early promotions, men hold 60 percent of manager-level positions in a typical company, while women occupy just 40 percent.  

As we saw in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie movie, women still face discrimination at work. According to The Hill, the Barbie Movie turned heads because it made people more aware that patriarchy still exists in the workplace even though women have made significant gains over the past 50 years.

While franchising may not exactly create a Barbieland-type utopia for women, it offers more opportunities than corporate America does. In franchising, women do not have to miss out on career opportunities because they took a few years off from work to raise children or need more flexibility in their schedules. Women make amazing franchise owners and leaders, and they don’t need a relevant resume to enter franchising. Resume gaps make no difference for successful franchise ownership; all that matters is what a person brings.

Although many would argue that franchising still has room for improvement regarding gender equality, most people would agree that franchising opens more doors for women than corporate America does. It did for the fearless female leaders below, who paved the way for themselves and empowered others through franchising. The impact of women in franchising is undeniable as they contribute to a powerful network, providing support, mentorship, and opportunities for one another.

Women in Franchising

Carey Gille, Franchise FastLane

“When one looks at the cross-section of franchise industry participants, from the boardroom to Main Street, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better example of inclusivity for women. And it’s top-to-bottom – the IFA has its own dedicated Women’s Franchise Committee, countless franchise brands were either founded or are currently led by women, and a third of all franchisees are female. Franchising presents an environment where women are treated equally and can excel according to their talent and abilities. The freedom and flexibility that franchise ownership offers are also a driving factor in allowing women everywhere to achieve that critical balance they often seek between career and family. At Franchise FastLane, we’re extremely proud to inspire inclusion and lead by example. Four of our brands were founded or led by women, and we employ a higher percentage of female staffers than any other franchise sales organization.” —Carey Gille

Sherri Seiber, FranFund

“Statistics indicate women will not achieve gender parity in this generation or the next. As both women and leaders, we may not be able to impact women worldwide, but we can support and include women in our sphere of influence. We can reach for the women behind us and pull them up. We can support, lift, and learn from women ahead of us. What does support look like? It includes sharing how we overcame workplace obstacles and what aspiring female leaders should embrace or avoid. I love the following quote from an unknown author: ‘Be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown without telling the world it was crooked.’” —Sherri Seiber

Karol Mercurio, IFPG

“When I started my journey as a franchise consultant 24 years ago, the term ‘franchise consultant’ wasn’t well known. At the first consultant meeting I attended, I found myself in a sea of men without a woman in sight (other than administrative staff). I knew there were obstacles to overcome, both in my role as a consultant and with most male candidates. I constantly tried to prove myself to the male consultants and candidates until I didn’t. That’s when it all changed.  I decided to let them prove themselves to me!  After all, I’m the expert!!!  I gained confidence and respect, and my prospect base grew.

Today, when I attend a franchise event, I am so proud to look around the room to find a sea of amazing women, making the role of a franchise consultant far better and more respected than it was in the past. Our ladies rock!!!   —Karol Mercurio

Rebekah Horowitz, REP’M Group

“Franchising provides a path to wealth creation for so many people who are outside of the ‘traditional‘ wealth access points — in particular, those without a college education, immigrants, minorities, and women. Everyone deserves a chance to succeed or fail on their own merits, but too often, opportunities are limited to the same groups who already have a head start in life. The beauty of franchising is that it levels the playing field — regardless of who you are and where you’re from, if your concept and execution are outstanding, nothing’s holding you back from winning. It’s amazing to see so many female entrepreneurs become brand founders and small business owners in this space, and to witness the impact they can have on their families and communities. As an industry, franchising is always right at the center of innovation, ingenuity, practicality, and old-fashioned hustle — a great example of the American dream. Making that dream accessible to more people, and especially more women, is a huge part of what drives us every day.”  —Rebekah Horowitz

Danielle Correia, sugaringLA

Franchising presents significant opportunities for women. As a female franchise founder, I’ve not only carved out paths for myself but also empowered other women by providing career opportunities and fostering financial independence. The women within the sugaringLA franchise system pay it forward, managing our franchises and actively improving women’s lives. It is an honor and a privilege to make this kind of impact. —Danielle Correia

Faizun Kamal, The Franchise Pros

“Franchising stands out as an inclusive haven for women, offering flexibility and income for those seeking an alternative to traditional jobs. It allows women to grow at their own pace, aligning work hours with personal responsibilities. Notably, female entrepreneurs are increasingly using franchising to scale their successful businesses, paving the way for a successful exit and lasting legacy. Whether you’re a professional woman seeking a change from corporate life or a visionary entrepreneur aiming for nationwide growth, franchising might just be your ideal path.” —Faizun Kamal

Marcieli Pastorio, Maha Juice Franchising Group

“As a mother, wife, friend, and leader, I wear many hats. Yet, my ultimate purpose as founder of Maha Juice Franchising Group goes beyond myself. I’m driven by a desire to change lives and transform communities through healthy eating. Whether speaking to young girls on TV news or addressing the Brazilian community about immigrant challenges, my voice carries weight and significance.

In me, you find not just a businesswoman, but a visionary leader with passion and purpose to inspire. My journey serves as a reminder that with resilience, determination, and an open heart, anything is possible. Together, let’s empower communities and inspire young women to reach for their dreams.” —Marcieli Pastorio

Laura Spaulding, Spaulding Decon

Our research has shown that only 31% of franchise owners are women. Spaulding Decon aims to change that by recruiting and training more women. We find that women do better in our business due to their empathy, and caring nature when meeting clients. We also provide advancement opportunities for women to become future franchisees. —Laura Spaulding