Strategies for Advancing Diversity in Franchising: Consider the HBCU Partnership Challenge

Image
IFA Foundation Logo
Wednesday, February 9, 2022; 2:00pm - Wednesday, February 9, 2022; 3:30pm
Speakers
John Lancaster, Vice President, Emerging Markets, Franchise Development, Choice Hotels International
Tim Williams, Director of Operations and Franchise Development, Williams Chicken
Moderated by: Earsa Jackson, Member, Clark Hill PLC, Chair, IFA Diversity Institute
Description

Sixty-seven percent of job seekers say a diverse workforce is important when considering job offers, and organizations that report higher levels of racial diversity bring in nearly 15x more sales revenue than their counterparts. One strategic way to cultivate a pipeline of diverse talent is to focus on students and graduates from institutions that focus on developing the next generation workforce from diverse backgrounds. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), in particular, can be key partners in connecting talent to opportunities in franchising. But where can your brand start?

The IFA and IFA Foundation work closely with the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus’ Partnership Challenge, which is a bipartisan effort to promote greater engagement and support between private companies and HBCUs. Congresswoman Alma Adams created the Challenge in 2017 to strengthen public-private relationships with HBCUs to ensure the schools’ future sustainability, increase career prospects for their students, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within all sectors.

If your brand is looking at ways to increase diversity, equity and inclusion, we encourage you to join this webinar to learn how other franchise brands are working toward their diversity goals through projects like the HBCU Partnership Challenge.

You’ll hear about:

  • What is the HCBU Partnership Challenge and why is necessary
  • How HBCUs can serve as a talent pipeline for a diverse workforce and connect with future owners
  • Ways your brand can support HBCUs to ensure the long-term health of educational institutions serving diverse communities
  • How other brands are leveraging the HBCU Partnership Challenge to advance their diversity, equity and inclusion goals

Franchised local businesses are open for opportunity and, by assisting and supporting HBCUs, we can and will advance a more diverse franchised workforce.