By Ericka Garza

The International Franchise Association (IFA) and the IFA Foundation launched the Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council (HLFLC), a new network for Hispanic franchise leaders nationwide.

The Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council is an affinity group within the IFA Foundation’s Diversity Institute. It provides uniquely Hispanic perspectives to franchisees and franchisors through meaningful discussions and networking opportunities to engage personally and professionally. HLFLC aims to foster awareness, understanding and access to franchise opportunities for Hispanic/Latino entrepreneurs, amplify the success of current franchise owners, and engage future franchisees through education and other resources.

Planned Programming for 2023: 

  • Franchise Expo South (FL)
  • Franchise Expo West (LA)
  • Franchise Customer Experience Conference 
  • Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15)
  • Restaurant Leadership Conference 
  • IFA FAN Annual Meeting 
  • Franchise Leadership & Development Conference

The Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council is comprised of Chairwoman Ericka Garza, Co-Chair Javier Solis, co-founder & CFO of Toro Taxes Franchise; Executive Council Members: Roberto Litwak, MBA, CFE, COO of Feher Consulting; Louie Picazo, CFE, president & founder of LOLA Consulting Group; Felipe Osorio, area manager east, Paychex; and Erika EncisoSosa, head of LAC franchise recruiting for Wendy’s.

The HLFLC participates at select MFV Franchise Expos throughout the year. At these expos, our leaders get the opportunity to inspire and share their journeys with the audience. Additionally, we’ve conducted a series of Spanish-language panels dedicated to entrepreneurship and franchising to highlight opportunities and invaluable resources afforded to the Hispanic community through the franchise business models. I am pleased to share that we participated significantly at the expos. We’re grateful for this platform to educate further. Our attendees leave with a greater understanding of the industry, business opportunities, and motivation to enter the world of franchising. 

 Latino Leaders Symposium

The Latino Leaders Symposium was held on Friday, April 21, in Plano, TX, at Yum! Brands Headquarters. This was the second Latino Leaders Symposium that HLFLC attended. This symposium is dedicated to bringing together individuals interested in the franchise business for the Hispanic markets of the U.S. and Latin America. This event draws franchisees, franchisors, investors and industry experts. This event allowed us to present our council members to share their journeys and discuss the importance of franchising and the influential economic contributions of Hispanics. I was happy to be invited as a panelist and discuss the importance of Women in Franchising.

 

Ericka Garza is Chairwoman of the IFA Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council and an International Franchise Association Board Member. For more information, please visit franchise.org.

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