1851

As we celebrate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.womenshistorymonth.gov/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sylvan-learning-empowering-women-in-education-2728779" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">National Women’s History Month</a> this March, it’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the women shaping the future of education and business. At&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sylvanfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sylvan-learning-empowering-women-in-education-2728779" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sylvan Learning</a>, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanvalverde/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sylvan-learning-empowering-women-in-education-2728779" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Susan Valverde</a>, brand president of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/info">Sylvan Learning</a>, who brings a unique perspective as a former franchisee. Alongside her, franchisees&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-tompkins-2b7ba18/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sylvan-learning-empowering-women-in-education-2728779" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Denise Tompkins</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-rollins-836a1095/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sylvan-learning-empowering-women-in-education-2728779" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jessica Rollins</a> stand as inspiring examples of female entrepreneurs who have built thriving businesses while empowering students and families.<h2>From Franchisee to Brand President: Susan Valverde’s Leadership at Sylvan Learning</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/how-susan-valverde-is-shaping-sylvans-future-2728315#stories">Valverde’s journey with Sylvan Learning</a> 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unleashedbrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sylvan-learning-empowering-women-in-education-2728779" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Unleashed Brands</a>, 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.”<h2>Denise Tompkins: Celebrating 25 Years of Impact in Bedford, New Hampshire</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/celebrating-25-years-denise-tompkins-reflects-on-her-sylvan-learning-journey-2728316">Tompkins is marking a significant milestone this year</a> — 25 years of franchise ownership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sylvanlearning.com/locations/us/nh/bedford-tutoring/bedford/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=celebrating-25-years-denise-tompkins-reflects-on-her-sylvan-learning-journey-2728316&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sylvan-learning-empowering-women-in-education-2728779" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sylvan Learning in Bedford, New Hampshire</a>. 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.”<h2>Jessica Rollins: Expanding Educational Opportunities Across Michigan</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvan-learning-franchisee-celebrates-20-years-of-academic-success-in-rockford-michigan-2728374">Rollins, another powerhouse female franchisee, is celebrating 20 years</a> with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sylvanlearning.com/locations/us/mi/rockford-tutoring/rockford/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=sylvan-learning-franchisee-celebrates-20-years-of-academic-success-in-rockford-michigan-2728374&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sylvan-learning-empowering-women-in-education-2728779" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sylvan Learning in Rockford, Michigan</a>. 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.”<h2>Women Leading the Way in Franchising and Education</h2>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&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning">https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning</a>.

Sylvan Learning - Empowering Women in Education - Susan Valverde - Denise Tompkins - Jessica Rollins

Empowering Women in Education: Sylvan Learning Women Leading the Way

1851 Franchise

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.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Empowering Women in Education: How Sylvan Learning’s Female Leaders Are Making an Impact

sylvan-learning-empowering-women-in-education

Dillas Quesadillas

Design with photo of Michael Mabry and Dillas Primo Quesadillas logo

Franchise Times: New Franchise Exec Says Dillas Is Bringing ‘Excitement’ Back to QSR Category

michael-mabry-franchise-growth

Lawn Squad

Greener, Faster, Smarter: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Lawn Squad 

Greener, Faster, Smarter: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Lawn Squad as a Treatment-Only Lawn Care Franchise

lawn-squad-franchise-opportunity

Jollibee

How Jollibee’s Veteran Leadership Team Is Rewriting the Playbook for U.S. Expansion

franchise-leadership-growth

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of guest checking in at Woodhouse Spas reception desk

franchise-questions-answered

Mellow Mushroom

How Mellow Mushroom’s Model Made it the Perfect Addition to Brad Harper’s Restaurant Portfolio

How Mellow Mushroom’s Flexible Model Made it the Perfect Addition to Brad Harper’s Growing Restaurant Portfolio

mellow-mushroom-brad-harper-restaurant-growth

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

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

CNBC: McDonald’s Will Assess if Franchisees Are Offering Value for Customers Under New Standards

mcdonalds-franchise-standards-value-metric

How AI Is Transforming Restaurant Operations and Franchises

ai-impact-restaurants-franchises-human-centric-technology

Round Table Pizza Franchisees Take FAT Brands to Court Over Marketing Fund Mismanagement

round-table-pizza-franchisees-take-fat-brands-to-court-over-marketing-fund-mismanagement

Scenthound Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

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

Robert Palmer’s Long Game: Turning a Cleveland Lawn Business into the Lawn Squad Franchise

growing-the-lawn-squad-franchise-scaling-authority-brands

Newk's Eatery Franchise - Columbus, Mississippi Expansion - 1851 Franchise

Newk’s Eatery Taps Seasoned Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Multi-Unit Operators for New Columbus, Mississippi Expansion

newks-franchise-columbus-ms-patel

How The Glass Guru Is Building a Franchise Culture of Partnership, Not Just Sales

the-glass-guru-franchise-culture-of-partnership

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

Photo of group of dogs standing together in day care facility

Top Pet Boarding and Day Care Franchise Opportunities for 2025

top-pet-boarding-daycare-franchises

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

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

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Eli Cohen, Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

C5 Restaurants Grows its Texas Footprint with 40 Layne’s Chicken Fingers Locations Planned Statewide

eli-cohen-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

Paris Baguette Welcomes Zac Sulma as New Chief Operating Officer

new-coo-zac-sulma

Empowering Women in Education: How Sylvan Learning’s Female Leaders Are Making an Impact

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS