September 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates the history, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. By Rikki Amos
September 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates the history, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. This month provides us an opportunity to look forward to the future of franchising and how we can continue both diversifying our leadership ranks and supporting Hispanics and Latinos in their franchise ownership journey.
In May, the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the IFA Foundation launched the Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council (HLFLC), a new network for Hispanic franchise leaders from all across the country. Ericka Garza, president, Au Bon Pain, is the chair of the council and spoke with the Lily Lopez, president and CEO of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce about the need for and goals of the council, and her personal journey. “I have to give full credit to people who have believed in me and gave me the opportunity to get to the next career level, for education, for appearances like this, but most importantly, what has been successful for me, is to give back. People have invested in me, people believe in me, and that’s something that I get the honor and opportunity to work in franchising: You create paths, now you mentor people, now you give them that success that God has been really good to me,” Garza said. And now, Garza wants to help others advance in their careers and bring more Hispanics and Latinos into the franchising community through the HLFLC.
The HLFLC adds to the IFA Foundation’s Diversity Institute and will provide uniquely Hispanic perspectives to franchisees and franchisors through discussions and networking to engage on the personal and professional level. The council also will highlight the opportunities afforded to the Hispanic community through the franchise business model, amplifying the success of current franchise owners and engaging future franchisees.
To get involved or join the HLFLC, please contact David Smith, senior manager, diversity programs at the IFA Foundation: dsmith@franchise.org.
Rikki Amos
As executive director of the IFA Foundation, Rikki Amos leads the IFA’s organizational strategic planning and implementation; board management and governance; finance/budgeting/P&L; and fundraising while being an ambassador on behalf of the Foundation, the IFA, and the franchising sector. The IFA Foundation works to build the future of franchising and seeks to raise awareness of the opportunities available to all through franchising.