Letter from the Editors During this unusual time in the world, community is more important than ever. We all have had to find new ways to connect not only with work and school, but also with friends and family. In the September/October issue, “Community Engagement” is our focus. We are talking to women about how they engage in their communities and how they communicate effectively to build stronger relationships. We also announce a new project – The Coterie for Women! The Coterie for Women is an online platform which empowers women from all experiences and perspectives to Live Richer Lives by providing community, resources, mentorship, support, education, opportunity and fun! Please take a minute to check out our new website – you can even join for free for a limited time! Visit us at https://www.thecoterieforwomen.com/. Our cover story this month is a story that, without author and historian Jane Plitt, may have been lost to history. Jane has dedicated years to researching and telling the story of Martha Matilda Harper who was the pioneer and founder of modern-day retail franchising. As women in the franchising space, her contributions are ones we should all know and share. We also interview Ericka Garza of Pizza Hut and Yum! Brands. She is on a mission to increase the number of female franchisees across Yum! Brands. She tells us what she is working on and why it’s important. Orla Pylant, a Snapology franchisee discusses the importance of family and how Snapology offered her the flexibility to engage more with her family and build a community through education. Laura Spaulding, the subject of Pride, tells her story of building an accepting and empowering community of her own when other communities failed her. If you want inspiration, this is a story you shouldn’t miss! As an independent magazine, The Franchise Woman welcomes anyone who has something to offer to our female audience. We welcome all brands and make every effort to present stories that delve into the hearts of women across the industry. Our podcast, Where Passion and Purpose Collides, has some exciting segments. Look for us on YouTube and Spotify. We salute our Franchise Women for using their time, talents and treasures to make the world a better place. If you have a great story, please reach out. We can’t wait to meet you! Fiercely,
Elizabeth Denham Rebecca Monet Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor
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The Franchise Woman
