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Female leaders are a driving force in the franchising industry, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to success. Their leadership not only shapes businesses but also empowers communities and paves the way for future generations of female executives. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s essential to recognize the outstanding women leaders who are the heartbeat of our brands.
At Unleashed Brands, we take immense pride in fostering female leadership. Women hold key roles across our organization, driving strategic growth, inspiring teams, and making a meaningful impact on our franchise network.
Women in Leadership: Industry Insights
Overall Leadership Representation: Women hold approximately 30.6% of leadership positions globally, according to LinkedIn data.
C-Suite Representation: The number of women reaching C-suite roles is steadily increasing, with some reports indicating that around 29% of these positions are held by women.
Senior Management Roles: Women’s presence in senior management continues to grow, with figures reaching 37%, according to McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace report.
Spotlighting Women Leading the Future of Youth Enrichment
Today, we highlight five exceptional Unleashed Brands leaders shaping the future of youth enrichment and franchising.
Nancy Bigley – Multi-Brand Group President, Unleashed Brands
As Multi-Brand Group President, Nancy Bigley oversees six of the eight brands within Unleashed Brands. After leading the day-to-day operations for The Little Gym and Snapology for three years, she now spearheads brand strategy, franchisee training, operational efficiencies, and cross-brand collaboration.
Beyond her corporate leadership, Nancy is a dedicated advocate for franchising. She is actively involved with the International Franchise Association (IFA), where she mentors new franchisors through the Franship program and has served as Chair of the Women’s Franchise Committee. In 2022, she was honored with the IFA’s Women’s Franchise Committee Crystal Compass Award for impacting franchising and her local community.
Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders:
"Empower yourself by continuously learning and embracing challenges. Leadership isn’t just about guiding others—it’s about growing alongside them." – Nancy Bigley.
Samantha Musonda – Brand President, The Little Gym
With nearly 20 years of experience in brand operations, franchise support, and customer experience, Samantha Musonda leads The Little Gym with a deep passion for child development. She champions movement-based learning and helps children build essential life skills through gymnastics and structured play.
Samantha is also a trusted partner to franchisees, ensuring they have the tools to thrive while upholding the brand’s mission of fostering fun, growth, and confidence in children worldwide.
Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders:
"Stay true to your passion and never be afraid to bring your unique perspective. Your vision and dedication will pave the way for success." – Samantha Musonda.
Jamie Clark – Brand President, Class 101 & Snapology
Jamie Clark brings over two decades of marketing expertise, with over seven years dedicated to franchise support. She previously served as Marketing Director for Class 101, where she played a crucial role in enhancing brand visibility and franchisee support.
Now, as Brand President of Class 101 and Snapology, Jamie leads both brands into their next phase of strategic growth. A mother of two teenagers, she understands the needs of families firsthand, shaping franchise strategies that are both community-driven and family-focused.
Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders:
"Success comes from believing in yourself and continuously learning. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and never stop growing." – Jamie Clark
Carisa Findley – Brand President, XP League
With over 18 years of experience in franchising, Carisa Findley has held leadership roles at Curves, Xtend Barre, and TITLE Boxing Club before taking the helm at XP League. As Brand President and Senior Vice President of Franchise Support, she drives franchise success with a strong operational focus and a passion for youth development in esports.
Her leadership ensures that young gamers across North America can access structured, positive, competitive gaming experiences while franchisees receive comprehensive support to grow their businesses.
Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders:
"Take risks, embrace challenges, and trust in your abilities. The road to success isn’t always linear, but persistence and resilience will take you far." – Carisa Findley.
Susan Valverde – Brand President, Sylvan Learning
Susan Valverde’s journey from entrepreneur to brand president is a testament to perseverance and dedication. After immigrating from Monterrey, Mexico, she built a successful banking and economic development career before transitioning into education.
In 2002, Susan became a Sylvan Learning franchisee, expanding operations across South Texas and ranking among the top-performing franchisees. As Brand President, she now spearheads innovation in supplemental education, integrating AI-powered learning tools and developing partnerships with schools to ensure students receive high-quality academic support.
Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders:
"Embrace your unique perspective and never underestimate the power of hard work. Financial literacy is one of the most important skills for any entrepreneur." – Susan Valverde.
The Lasting Impact of Female Leadership in Franchising
Women in franchising are transforming the industry. Their leadership extends beyond their companies—mentoring the next generation of female executives and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
At Unleashed Brands, we celebrate the achievements of these inspiring women and recognize the importance of diversity in leadership. As more women break barriers in franchising, their impact will continue to grow, building stronger, more inclusive communities and businesses.
This Women’s History Month, we honor Nancy, Samantha, Jamie, Carisa, Susan, and all our other female leaders at Unleashed Brands not just for their leadership but also for the lasting impact they make on franchisees, kids, and families nationwide.