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Sylvan Learning Brand President Susan Valverde and franchisees Denise Tompkins and Jessica Rollins are driving growth, innovation and educational success while making an impact in their communities.
As we celebrate National Women’s History Month this March, it’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the women shaping the future of education and business. At Sylvan Learning, the nation’s leading supplemental and enrichment education franchise, women play a vital role in leadership and franchise ownership, driving growth, innovation and community impact. Leading the charge is Susan Valverde, brand president of Sylvan Learning, who brings a unique perspective as a former franchisee. Alongside her, franchisees Denise Tompkins and Jessica Rollins stand as inspiring examples of female entrepreneurs who have built thriving businesses while empowering students and families.
Valverde’s journey with Sylvan Learning began with a chance encounter. While accompanying her husband to a certification exam at a Prometric Testing Center inside a Sylvan location, she was drawn to the energy and impact of the brand. That moment led to a 15-year tenure as a franchisee before she transitioned into corporate leadership.
“I saw kids running in wanting to learn and a little boy starting to read on his own,” Valverde said. “That was the fastest decision I think I’ve ever made.”
After successfully operating her own centers, Valverde took on various leadership roles at Sylvan, eventually stepping into the role of brand president in 2024. Now, she is leading the brand into a new era under the ownership of Unleashed Brands, focusing on expanding Sylvan’s reach and resources to support students, parents, and franchisees.
“We don’t compete with schools; we’re here to advance their goals,” Valverde said. “Being a part of a company focused specifically on kids unlocks a new layer of resources for us, allowing us to serve even more students.”
Tompkins is marking a significant milestone this year — 25 years of franchise ownership with Sylvan Learning in Bedford, New Hampshire. Her journey began in 1999 after four years of teaching in public schools. Wanting to continue her passion for education in a more personalized environment, she partnered with her father and a family friend to purchase three Sylvan locations.
“What stood out to me was Sylvan’s focus on meeting kids where they are and helping them fill in their specific learning gaps,” Tompkins said. “Unlike the public school system, Sylvan allowed me to work with children individually and create realistic expectations based on their abilities.”
Over the years, Tompkins has remained deeply committed to her community, tailoring her center’s offerings to local needs. Her college prep program, launched long before it became a corporate initiative, and has helped countless students navigate the college admissions process. She credits her longevity to her relationships with families and her dedication to academic success.
“This milestone is a testament to the relationships we’ve built and the lives we’ve touched,” Tompkins said. “It’s not about luxury or expansion — it’s about staying true to what we love doing and making a difference.”
Rollins, another powerhouse female franchisee, is celebrating 20 years with Sylvan Learning in Rockford, Michigan. Her journey began in 2002 as a part-time teacher, eventually leading her to purchase three locations in 2017. Today, she owns 11 Sylvan Learning centers across the state, growing her impact exponentially.
“My husband and I both work full-time in the business, and we grew up in Lowell, just outside of Rockford,” Rollins said. “It’s been really exciting for us to expand back into the area where we grew up and support students in the schools we once attended.”
Rollins attributes her success to Sylvan’s data-driven curriculum and a strong network of educators working together. With 139 staff members across her locations, she emphasizes collaboration and shared expertise as a key to success. Additionally, she encourages her directors to volunteer in their communities, reinforcing Sylvan’s mission beyond the classroom.
Looking to the future, Rollins is focused on strengthening partnerships with local schools, ensuring that students facing barriers such as transportation or financial constraints still have access to quality education.
“By bringing our programs directly to students at school, we’re able to meet them where they are,” she said. “This is a priority not just in Rockford, but across all of our Michigan centers.”
National Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate female leaders who are breaking barriers and making lasting impacts. Valverde, Tompkins and Rollins exemplify the power of women in franchising and education. Through their leadership, dedication and passion for helping students succeed, they continue to inspire the next generation of learners and entrepreneurs.
As Sylvan Learning moves forward under Valverde’s leadership and franchisees like Tompkins and Rollins continue expanding their influence, the brand’s commitment to academic success and community engagement remains stronger than ever. These women are proof that when education and entrepreneurship come together, the results are nothing short of transformative.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning.
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