Debbie Blacher is a social entrepreneur who believes in leveraging the franchise model to accelerate social change. She imagines a world where the opportunity to own a business is based on character and ability - not zip code or skin color. She is confident that inclusive business ownership can close the wealth gap.After founding, franchising, and scaling her healthy school lunch company to 20 locations and $10 Million in sales, Debbie felt unfulfilled. When George Floyd was killed and BLM riots inflamed the nation, she knew her efforts could have greater impact on the world. In December 2023, Debbie founded a nonprofit called Change the Wealth. As its Executive Director, she works with community leaders, impact investors, and franchise systems to create scalable wealth-building opportunities for low income black and brown Americans who thought the American dream was meant for somebody else. As a previous franchisor, Debbie observed firsthand how a franchise business can lift its owners, employees, and community. From college educations and family vacations to home ownership and retirement savings, the lifestyle changes made possible by successfully replicating a proven business model can be life-changing. What if that same wealth building opportunity was available to people who need it most? This mission now lights her up every single day.Prior to pursuing her entrepreneurial passions, Debbie had 15 years of corporate and start up experience in human resources and organizational development with specific expertise in recruiting, training, team building, performance management, and executive coaching. Debbie graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Psychology and Business, from Purdue University with an M.S. in Human Resources Management, and from Georgetown University with a Certificate in Organizational Development. In 2023, Debbie’s businesses were awarded social impact funds from the American Heart Association for their work on wealth inequality. In 2022, she was selected as a Fellow in the RALLY Social Enterprise Accelerator designed to elevate the impact of world-class social entrepreneurs. In 2015 Wholesome Tummies was a recipient of the inaugural University of Florida Gator 100, awarded to fastest growing alumni companies based on 3-year compounded sales. Debbie’s businesses have been featured in USA Today, Entrepreneur Magazine, Franchise Times, and other national publications. Debbie has also been featured as a "Mystery Millionaire" guest on the Steve Harvey show!Debbie believes we are #BetterTogether.