Women in franchising build businesses, lead brands, support entrepreneurs, and strengthen the communities they serve. Each year on October 14, United Franchise Group™ (UFG) celebrates those contributions through National Women in Franchising Appreciation Day, an observance UFG created in 2022. This year, women from across the UFG network are sharing what makes their work in franchising meaningful.
Women Are Choosing Franchise Ownership
Women continue to make their mark on franchise ownership. Guidant Financial’s 2026 survey found that women represented 28% of its franchise-owner clients, while Franchise Business Review reported that 86% of women respondents enjoyed being part of their franchise organization.
Those numbers reflect just one part of the story. Across UFG, women contribute to franchising from ownership, operations, technology, marketing, training, and leadership roles.
Women Building Brands and Supporting Owners
Women across UFG are helping shape franchise brands and the support systems behind them. Amanda Bloom, Client Support Manager at Accurate Franchising, has seen that change firsthand: “Today, we’re seeing more women not only owning franchise businesses but also leading brands and shaping the future of the industry.”
Christina Parsons, Chief Marketing Officer at United Franchise Group, points to “more women stepping into operations, development, and brand leadership roles that shape strategy rather than just support it.” Madison Gregory, International Launch & Support Manager, describes franchising as an industry where “you really get to thrive as a generalist.”
Katie Applefield, Director of Marketing for The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, says the most rewarding part of her career has been “creating actionable marketing plans with franchisees and watching their restaurant sales grow.” And Meagan Corey, Director of Marketing for Graze Craze, sums up her approach simply: “Franchising teaches you to think big while staying local.”
Franchise Owners Creating Local Impact
For women building businesses in their own communities, those relationships are just as important. Tracy Ripa, Signarama franchise owner in Fairfield, New Jersey, says the brand gave her “the support of an established franchise while allowing me to build meaningful relationships in my own community.”
Krista McCleish, Graze Craze franchise owner in Urbandale, Iowa, has learned that ownership also requires adaptability: “You have to be willing to adjust the plan without losing sight of the bigger goal.”
Amber Saddler, Fully Promoted franchise owner in Cincinnati, says, “Seeing our work become part of those moments is incredibly fulfilling,” reflecting the relationships she’s built with local clients.
Diane Hartz Warsoff, franchise owner with Exit Factor and Transworld Business Advisors, credits the system behind her journey: “Without the support of UFG, my partner and I would never have been able to accomplish what we have done.”
Explore more stories from the women building businesses, supporting franchisees, and shaping the future of franchising.