By David Smith, IFA

Over the past six months, the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Diversity Institute has continued to expand its impact through dynamic programming, insightful conversations, and meaningful community engagement.

The Diversity Institute is comprised of three active affinity group councils: the Black Franchise Leadership Council (BFLC), the Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council (HLFLC), and the Pride Franchise Leadership Council (PFLC). Each council is led by dedicated IFA member volunteers who are committed to sharing resources, elevating voices, and helping more people discover franchising as a path to entrepreneurship, wealth-building, and professional fulfillment.

Together, these councils are building bridges between the franchise community and a broader world of diverse business talent.

Expanding Awareness: HLFLC at the World Franchise Expo

On Friday, May 9, the HLFLC took center stage at the World Franchise Expo in Miami, FL, where the council hosted a live session titled “The Basics of Franchising.” This entry-level workshop aimed to demystify the franchise model for first-time entrepreneurs, offering a practical overview of franchising as a proven path to business ownership.

Speakers included:

  • Felipe Osorio, Area Manager – East, Paychex
  • Roberto Litwak, Lead Franchise Business Consultant, Domino’s
  • Javier Solis, CFE, Co-Founder, Toro Taxes Franchise
  • Jeimy Flournoy, Founder, Salon 809

The session attracted a diverse audience of aspiring franchisees and emerging business leaders from across the Hispanic and Latino communities, many of whom were attending their first franchise event. By meeting people where they are and delivering accessible, actionable information, the HLFLC is helping break down barriers to franchise ownership.

Leading with Inclusion: PFLC Webinar on Creating Safe Spaces

On Thursday, May 22, the PFLC hosted a powerful virtual panel discussion titled “Creating Safe Spaces: A Blueprint for Inclusivity.” The conversation brought together franchise leaders and inclusion experts to explore how building welcoming, affirming cultures can strengthen both team engagement and brand performance.

Panelists included:

  • Cassidy Ford, Director of Franchise Development, EverSmith Brands
  • Lee Braun, Founder & CEO, Perspire Sauna Studio
  • Chris Rollins, CEO, The Ripple Effect Leader
  • Jenny Nguyen, Founder & CEO, The Sports Bra

The group explored the intersection of inclusive leadership and business growth, offering attendees practical examples of how companies can thrive by prioritizing equity and belonging.

Whether participants identified as LGBTQIA+ or joined as committed allies, the session served as a powerful reminder that inclusive leadership is not a one-time initiative, but an ongoing journey rooted in empathy, awareness, and action.

Promoting Franchising on Campus: BFLC at the HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit

On Friday, June 20, the BFLC helped organize a panel at the third annual HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit, hosted by the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship. This unique event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, students, scholars, and ecosystem builders to share best practices and build lasting connections.

The session, titled “From Campus to CEO: Building Wealth Through Franchising at HBCUs,” spotlighted successful HBCU alumni who have forged their own paths in franchising:

Speakers included:

  • David Smith, Director of Diversity Programs, IFA
  • Keith Singletary, Franchisee, Chick-fil-A (Cheyney University Alum)
  • John Lancaster, Vice President of Franchise Development, Choice Hotels International (Howard University Alum)
  • Tisha Skinner, Multi-Unit, Multi-Brand Franchisee (Morgan State University Alum)

The panel showcased franchising as a viable pathway to wealth, leadership, and legacy, especially in Black communities that have historically faced barriers to ownership. By sharing real stories and candid reflections, the BFLC helped HBCU students and alumni envision franchising as a tangible, exciting future.

Looking Ahead

As the Diversity Institute’s councils continue their work, one message remains clear: franchising has the power to uplift, empower, and include, when we’re intentional about who we reach and how we lead.

From in-person events to virtual panels, from entry-level introductions to franchise ownership pathways, the Diversity Institute is broadening the reach of franchising so that more people from more communities can see themselves in this industry.

We invite IFA members and industry professionals to get involved, whether by attending events, mentoring emerging leaders, joining a council, or simply sharing how franchising has impacted your journey.

Together, we’re not just growing brands, we’re growing belonging, ownership, and opportunity for all.

David Smith is the director of diversity programs at the International Franchise Association.

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