There are more resources now than ever before to help women in franchising connect
As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, we can’t help but look around to admire all the amazing women who have shaped our lives or inspired our own stories. In the franchising world, there might not be a better time to be a woman. Not only do we have amazing resources to grow ourselves and our brands, but we have wonderful mentors who have paved the way to create diversity and inclusion for us.
As we started attending in-person conferences again last year, we also started to see a new wave of faces—mine included. During breakout sessions, case-studies and panels, I always made a note: Do I see women in the back of the room staying quiet? Are there even women IN the room at all? These are questions, as a female, I always seem to ask. However, I was the most pleased when I started answering my own questions. There ARE women in the room and not just sitting in the back trying to go unnoticed. These women are standing up now, asking the tough questions, giving their opinions and pushing the needle on different views.
Culture, Smulture panel (L to R): Brian Schnell, Faegre Drinker; Silvia Slemmer, Wild Birds Unlimited of Carlsbad, CA; Danessa Itaya, Property Management, Inc.; Nancy Bigley, The Little Gym International; Michelle Rowan, Franchise Business Review, Paul Pickett, Wild Birds Unlimited (moderator)
When I attended the IFA Convention this year in San Diego, I sat in on the session, “Culture Schmulture, Why Does It Matter? And…YES It Does!”. The room was filled to the brim with diverse and eager attendees. As I glanced up at the front of the room, I couldn’t help but smile at what the session panel looked like. Not only was FBR’s president, Michelle Rowan, one of the panelists, but she joined four others on stage. All but one were female.
Whether you’re a franchisor, supplier, franchisee or someone just trying to gather more information about franchising, the industry is changing—and women are represented and supported now more than ever. My hope is that we find more ways to get involved, challenge ourselves and one another, and create a space that everyone is proud to be a part of. From all of us here at FBR, Happy International Women’s Day!
With all the great knowledge and resources out there for us today, here are a few ideas for how you can get more involved with other amazing women leaders in our industry:
As a reminder, we have another great way to recognize franchise brands that support women! Check out FBR’s Top Franchises for Women Awards!
Photo: The Women’s Franchise Committee at the Annual Leadership Conference at the 2022 IFA Convention. The Women’s Franchise Committee is committed to providing resources for women seeking career growth opportunities in franchising.
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