1851

The franchise industry has long been perceived as predominantly male-dominated. However there’s been a noticeable shift in recent years, with more and more women making their mark as successful franchisees and corporate leaders, challenging traditional norms within the sector.In honor of Women’s History Month, 1851 Franchise is highlighting the exceptional achievements and contributions of women who are shaping the industry. These women in franchising have all achieved great success as leaders, breaking through the glass ceiling and proving themselves to be key players in franchising. They serve as role models and inspirations for other women who may be looking to start their own business or climb the corporate ladder in the franchising industry.So without further ado, here is the full list of our top women influencing the franchise industry in 2024, listed in alphabetical order. 1851 Franchise will also be posting individual profiles on each candidate throughout the month of March.&nbsp;<ol><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/theboatanista/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lisa Almeida, Freedom Boat Club</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiabailey/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jania Bailey, FranNet</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicebruder/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Candice Bruder, Pure Sweat Studios</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-daher-b9b30150/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nichole Daher, Success on the Spectrum</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-bacon-defrece-71387611/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tina Bacon DeFrece, Big Frog</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-elrod-a32a5746/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Heather Elrod, Conscious Capital Growth &amp; Uni K Wax</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robingagnonrestaurantbroker/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Robin Gagnon, We Sell Restaurants</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-hanson-cfe-bccs-2903729/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kim Hanson, LearningRx</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/danessa-itaya-cfe-87397615/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Danessa Itaya, Bio-One, Inc.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-kraus-cfe-808051169/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ali Kraus, Benetrends</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiamay/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cynthia May, beem Light Sauna</a></li><li><a href="https://www.franchisetimes.com/alicia-miller-founder-and-managing-director-of-emergent-growth-advisors/article_bec3c7d6-dace-11ed-bc11-4be52b5e9c03.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Alicia Miller, Emergent Growth Advisors</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinamitchellfranchisespeakers/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Katrina Mitchell, the Franchise Speakers</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-monson/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Catherine Monson, Propelled Brands</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-morrissey-b10a112/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Heidi Morrissey, Kitchen Tune-Up and Bath Tune-Up</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannoconnell/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mary Ann O'Connell, FranWise</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-rincione-03a56735/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Samantha Rincione, Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawna-rollins-4a006585/?originalSubdomain=bb&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shawna Rollins, Delicious Treats Inc.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemonroerowan/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Michelle Rowan, Franchise Business Review</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamistig/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jami Stigliano, Diva Dance HQ</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-tavss-a3a55833/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melissa Tavvs, Tipsy Scoop</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alesiavisconti/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Alesia Visconti, FranServe</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shannon Wilburn, Just Between Friends Franchise Systems</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/edith-wiseman-281b6b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising-2725406" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Edith Wiseman, FranDATA</a></li></ol>As we reflect on their remarkable achievements and contributions during Women's History Month, it's clear that these women are not just making waves within the franchising industry but also leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment, resilience and innovation. Their impact extends far beyond the boardrooms and the franchises they lead.&nbsp;These women are trailblazers, mentors and advocates. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and their entrepreneurial spirits inspire us all to strive for greater heights. Let us continue to champion diversity and recognize the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the landscape of franchising for generations to come.

Celebrating 2024's Most Awesome Women in Franchising

2024’s Top Women in Franchising - 1851 Franchise

1851 Franchise

Every year, 1851 Franchise does a roundup of the most influential and successful women in the franchising industry. Here's our list for 2024.

celebrating-2024s-most-awesome-women-in-franchising

Wild Bill's Craft Beverage Company

Wild Bill's Soda, Wild Bill's Craft Beverages

Wild Bill’s Caps a Transformational 2025 With Market Expansion, Product Innovation and Franchise Momentum

wild-bills-craft-beverage-2025-wrap-2026-franchise-growth

Express Employment Professionals

Express Employment Professionals - End of Year Wrap 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Express Employment Professionals Celebrates a Year of Growth, Adding 38 New Owners to Its System 

express-employment-professionals-franchise-eoy-2025

Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press franchise, Lansing, MI. Pictured L-R: Paul, Val, Cary, Lyle, and Greg.

Minuteman Press Franchise in Lansing, MI Passes Torch to New Ownership

minuteman-press-franchise-in-lansing-mi-passes-torch-to-new-ownership

BooXkeeping

Why Sofia Bongard Chose a BooXkeeping Franchise Over Going Solo - 1851 Franchise

Why This San Diego Bookkeeper Chose BooXkeeping, a Bookkeeping Franchise Over Going Solo

booxkeeping-franchise-sofia-bongard

New U Women's Clinic & Aesthetics

image of New U Women’s Clinic & Aesthetics employees and franchise

How New U Is Redefining Women’s Health, Offering a Scalable Franchise Opportunity as the Next Big Category Creator in the $21 Billion Med Spa Industry

womens-health-wellness-franchise-new-u

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Hardee's Franchise - ARC Burger Lawsuit - 1851 Franchise

Hardee’s Lawsuit Targets Franchisee as 77 Restaurants Prepare to Shut Down

hardees-franchise-closures-arc-burger-lawsuit

Domino's Franchise - North Pole - Dec 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Domino’s Pizza Brings Delivery Cheer to North Pole, Alaska

dominos-pizza-franchise-north-pole-alaska

California Pizza Kitchen’s Sale Is the Latest in the Era of PE-Backed Turnarounds in Franchising

california-pizza-kitchens-sale-is-the-latest-in-the-era-of-pe-backed-turnarounds-in-franchising

Buying a fitness franchise, people exercising

Boutique vs. Big Box Gym Franchises: Which Offers Best ROI in the $7 Billion Fitness Market?

buy-fitness-franchise-boutique-big-box-comparison

Pieology Pizza Enters Chapter 11 Following Costly Bid To Save Struggling Stores

pieology-pizza-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy

Paris Baguette Welcomes Zac Sulma as New Chief Operating Officer

new-coo-zac-sulma

As Starbucks and Dunkin’ Navigate a Changing Market, New Coffee Players Keep Gaining Ground

starbucks-dunkin-franchise-coffee-market-trends

AI-related job cuts, October U.S. job cuts, American job cut record

AI-Fueled Layoffs Reshape the U.S. Job Market — And Highlight Franchising’s Resilience

ai-job-cuts-franchising-path-forward

Do You Qualify? A Look at the Chick-fil-A Franchise Requirements

do-you-qualify-a-look-at-the-chick-fil-a-franchise-requirements

The Top 15 Pet Supplies and Retail Franchises for 2025

The Top 15 Pet Supplies and Retail Franchises for 2026

the-top-15-pet-supplies-and-retail-franchises

Scenthound Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

scenthound-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Ellianos Coffee Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

ellianos-coffee-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Christmas Decor Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

christmas-decor-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Sparkle Dog Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Celebrating 2024's Most Awesome Women in Franchising

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS