OCTOBER 15, 2026
2026
FRANCHISE
INITIATIVE EVENT
Franchising: At the Intersection of Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Education. Join industry leaders for a premier event shaping the future of economic mobility in DFW.
Powered by Dallas College
PURPOSE
The 2026 Franchise Initiative Event is the premier regional gathering driving economic mobility, talent pipelines, and business ownership across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. By uniting entrepreneurs, brands, educational institutions, municipalities, and non-profits, this event bridges critical gaps among business education, workforce infrastructure, and capital deployment
AGENDA
Registration & Networking
Opening of Session
Speaker: Dr. Kevin Wortley — Associate Deputy Chancellor, Small Business Launch Pad, Dallas College BIO →
Strengthening and Scaling the DFW Franchise Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Building a robust infrastructure to scale emerging franchise concepts and local owners.
Speaker: Carlos White — CEO, Prexsentials LLC and City of Dallas Franchise Impact Ambassador BIO →
Speaker: Jeff Meade — Founding Director, Paul Quinn Center for Entrepreneurship BIO →
Speaker: Dr. Audhesh Paswan — Franchise Researcher and Professional, University of North Texas BIO →
Speaker: Jason Ruiz — AVP, PlainsCapital Bank BIO →
Workforce Recruitment, Retention, & Development Solutions For Franchise Companies
Deploying modern workforce tactics to optimize staffing, reduce turnover, and protect operational margins.
Speaker: Steven Bridges — Industry & Education Engagement Manager, WFSDallas BIO →
Speaker: Clarence Howell — Multi-Unit Franchisee, Marco’s Pizza and Mr. Appliance BIO →
Speaker: Robert Walker — Co-Founder and Franchisor, Family Affair Childcare Centers BIO →
Speaker: Dr. Darryl Williams — Vice Provost, Dallas College BIO →
Speaker: Tim Williams — President, Greater Dallas Restaurant Association and Chief Franchise Officer, Williams Chicken BIO →
Dallas College At the Forefront of Franchise Education + Entrepreneurship
Creating academic and educational building blocks to cultivate successful franchise entrepreneurs and fortify the DFW franchise ecosystem.
Speaker: Dr. Kevin Wortley — Associate Deputy Chancellor, Small Business Launch Pad, Dallas College BIO →
Speaker: Cennita France — Senior Business Advisor and SBIC Programs, Dallas College BIO →
Speaker: Mark Langford — Executive Director, North Texas Small Business Development Center BIO →
Speaker: Annie Hall — College Professor of Business & Entrepreneurship, Dallas College BIO →
Lunch and Fireside Chat with Workforce Czar Lynn McBee and CEO Laura Ward
Workforce Czar McBee will discuss with Laura Ward, CEO of Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, her role, key milestones achieved during her tenure, and collaborative strategies to enhance franchise development in DFW.
“Franchising As a Conduit To Create More Women Executives, Franchisors, and Franchisees”
Spotlight on Global CEO Mina Haque, Esq. and Tony Roma’s 2.0
Strategies to Broaden Pathways for Women Franchise Entrepreneurs
Speaker: Sandra Anojulu — VP of Technology and Operations Risk Management, Fannie Mae BIO →
Speaker: Brooke Hill — CEO and Co-Founder, Swella BIO →
Speaker: Stephanie Valadez — Franchise Owner, Assisted Living Locators BIO →
Speaker: Matilda Walker — Co-Founder and Franchisor, Family Affair Childcare Centers BIO →
Speaker: Greer Christian — Founder & Managing Partner, Vigilant Management Group BIO →
“How Non-Profits Strengthen and Grow the Franchise Industry”
Non-Profits As Conduits To Identifying Suitable Franchisors and Franchisees
Increasing Non-Profit ROI as a Franchisee
Speaker: Anne Evans — Chief Executive Director, SouthFair CDC BIO →
Speaker: Jonathan Massey — Senior Vice President, Franchise Development, Hana Brands BIO →
Speaker: Calvin Golden — Managing Member, Scale Wise Franchise LLC BIO →
Speaker: Carlos White — CEO, Prexsentials LLC and City of Dallas Franchise Impact Ambassador BIO →
Special Announcement
*Please Note: Times and speakers are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.
DON'T WAIT
Reserve Your Seat at the 2026 Franchise Initiative Event
Seats are limited. Join entrepreneurs, brands, educators, and civic leaders shaping the future of franchising across DFW.