NSW Women in Franchising

Racha Abboud

Partner, Baybridge Lawyers

Racha Abboud is a Partner at Baybridge and co-leader of the Commercial and Franchise team. A strategic advisor to businesses in Australia and internationally, Racha works with some of Australia’s most prominent brands, across various industries such as food, retail, fitness, pharmacy, automotive, and real estate. A leading authority in business and franchising, Racha challenges the status quo and delivers legal, and business advisory services uniquely tailored for each client.

In recognition of her professional achievements, Racha was named a Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Commercial Partner of the Year in 2020, a Finalist in both, the Lawyers Weekly and Australian Lawyers Partner of the Year for Mentoring in 2023 and a Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Corporate Partner of the Year in 2024.  Racha Abboud was recently included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia for Franchise Law.

Therese Frangie

CEO, Mad Mex

Therese is an inspiring executive with over two decades of experience in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry. Beginning her journey at the young age of 15, she has worked for renowned brands such as KFC, Starbucks, and Oporto. Currently, she holds the position of CEO at Mad Mex, where she is known for her exceptional leadership skills and driving a culture of excellence and la Familia. With an MBA under her belt, she brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic vision to her role. A proud mother of three beautiful girls, Therese advocates for diversity in the workforce and focuses on promoting work-life balance, efficiency and managing decision fatigue.

April Harwood

Chief Sales Officer, JAX Tyres & Auto

April Harwood brings over 25 years of experience to her role as Chief Franchising Operations Officer at JAX Tyres & Auto. Starting her journey as a franchisee, April utilises her deep-rooted understanding of and belief in the JAX model to proudly enable other families to establish and grow successful community-based businesses under the JAX brand. 

Overseeing the Product & Marketing, Operations, Business Development and Property segments, April's leadership style is defined by her commitment to collaboration and empowerment. Her practical and grounded approach drives both the success of her people and fosters a customer-centric culture across the network.   Some of April’s proudest achievements have been her integral role in the digital transformation of the JAX Group and her passion for creating opportunities for women in what is still viewed as a fairly male-dominated industry.

Emily Lucas

Senior Associate, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers

Specialising in Franchise law, Emily is a key member within HWLE's National Franchise Team.  She possesses a wealth of experience assisting clients in navigating the complex Australian market. Her proficiency encompasses a broad range of franchising matters, including drafting and negotiating franchise agreements, ensuring compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct, resolving disputes, providing strategic guidance for franchise expansion and growth and advising in relation to the sale and acquisition of franchise networks. With a keen eye for detail and a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape, Emily ensures that her clients are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions and achieve their franchising goals. Emily is a member of the FCA's NSW Women in Franchising Committee and has been recognised within the Best Lawyers 'Ones to Watch" Commercial Law category for the last two years.  Emily is also a lecturer and tutor at Western Sydney University where she has developed and oversees the unit "Law, Economic, Ethics and Change”.