On Friday, April 21, the IFA Diversity Institute visited Yum! Brands headquarters in Plano, TX to participate in the 9^th Annual Latino Franchise Symposium hosted by Latino Leaders Magazine. IFA’s Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council (HLFLC) Executive Committee members joined the event and participated on various panels throughout the day.

The symposium began with welcome remarks from Jorge Ferraez, Publisher, Latino Leaders Magazine. The audience then heard from James Fripp, Chief Diversity Officer, Yum! Brands, and Aaron Powell, Global CEO, Pizza Hut, who delivered two exciting presentations on brand diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

The Symposium consisted of a full day of sessions and networking designed to raise awareness and increase diversity in franchising for Latino entrepreneurs. IFA Hispanic Latino Franchise Leadership Council (HLFLC) Chair, Ericka Garza, participated on the panel session entitled, “Women in Franchising,” where she discussed the importance of increasing the number of Hispanic franchisees and also emphasized the need for creating large, women-led businesses through franchising to ultimately create generational wealth for Latino families.

IFA’s panel titled, “The Relevance of Latinos in the Franchising Industry,” moderated by Felipe Osorio, Area Manager, Paychex, highlighted the importance of Latino franchisor and franchisee success stories, the critical role of Latino suppliers, and the future of franchising for Latino communities.

The Diversity Institute would like to give a special thank you to Erika Enciso-Sosa, Wendy’s; and HLFLC members; Javier Solis, Toro Taxes; Roberto Litwak, Feher Consulting; and Louie Picazo; LOLA Consulting for participating as panelists.

The IFA Diversity Institute is proud to support the 2023 Latino Franchise Symposium and expanding franchise opportunities for diverse communities.