Yum! Brands’ Head of Global Franchising Wanda Williams recently appeared on the International Franchise Association's Her Success video podcast. During the discussion, Wanda talked about the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville and the launch of the Yum! Franchise Accelerator program.

In 2021, Wanda spearheaded the launch of the new Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence, in partnership with the University of Louisville, to provide existing and potential franchisees multiple levels of online education focused on the franchising model across industries. The Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence also focuses on recruiting and educating underrepresented people of color and women on the possibilities of franchising as a pathway to entrepreneurship.

In 2022, Wanda was integral in launching the Yum! Franchise Accelerator program in partnership with Howard University and the University of Louisville. The Yum! Franchise Accelerator program is a one-of-a-kind MBA elective opportunity supporting underrepresented people of color and women interested in the franchise restaurant industry.

Both programs are part of Yum! Brands’ global Unlocking Opportunity Initiative, in which the Company committed $100 million over five years to promote equity and inclusion, education and entrepreneurship for employees, frontline restaurant teams and communities around the world.

View the entire conversation here

Yum! Brands

Yum! Brands

Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, and its subsidiaries franchise or operate a system of over 60,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories under the company’s concepts – Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill. The Company's Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut brands are global leaders of the Mexican-inspired food, chicken and pizza categories, respectively. Habit Burger & Grill is a fast casual restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more. In 2024, Yum! was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America, Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, USA Today’s America’s Climate Leaders and 3BL’s list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens. In 2025, the Company was recognized among TIME magazine’s list of Best Companies for Future Leaders. In addition, Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut brands were ranked in the top 25 of Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises Ranking for 2025, with Taco Bell securing the No. 1 spot for the fifth consecutive year.

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