---
title: "Sophia Wastler: A Woman of Wonder Lighting Up the Franchise World"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/3eb8085d-0faa-484f-87cd-8b6589f100ba
source: "Franchise Magazine USA"
original_url: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/sophia-wastler/
category: "Franchise Industry"
industry: "Franchise Industry"
published: 2024-10-28T02:55:49.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T01:01:47.822Z
image: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SophiaWastler.jpg
---

# Sophia Wastler: A Woman of Wonder Lighting Up the Franchise World

**TL;DR:** Sophia Wastler, founder of Starz Program, has been recognized as one of Franchise Dictionary Magazine's '50 Women of Wonder' for her dedication and impact on the lives of others in franchising. Starz Program plans to expand into new territories in Maryland and Virginia.

*originally published in Franchise Magazine USA on 2024-10-28. [Read the original](https://franchisemagazineusa.com/sophia-wastler/).*

## Story

Starz Program founder Sophia Wastler has been recognized as one of Franchise Dictionary Magazine’s “50 Women of Wonder” (WOW) in their 2024 issue! The honor highlights not only Sophia’s accomplishments with Starz Program but also her incredible influence on peers and aspiring female entrepreneurs in franchising. This recognition is a well-deserved celebration of her dedication, vision, and the profound impact she’s had on the lives of others.

> “Highlighting our ’50 Women of Wonder’ (WOW) is an annual tradition! We are truly proud to honor the contributions of these incredible women,” shares Alesia Visconti, CEO of Franchise Dictionary Magazine. “While we are seeing more women in the franchise space, there is still work to be done. These fran-tastic WOW winners are women at the very top and set the example by not just breaking the glass ceiling but shattering it! We are all better professionals thanks to them sharing their insights and wisdom.”

Sophia’s work with Starz Program is a testament to her commitment to inspiring young minds and creating positive change. The program, known for its unique approach to early childhood education and enrichment, has grown under Sophia’s leadership, touching lives and building brighter futures for students across various communities. Now, with plans to expand Starz Program into new territories in Maryland and Virginia—including Annapolis, Bethesda, Columbia, Towson, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Charlottesville, and Roanoke—Starz is seeking passionate individuals who want to join Sophia in her mission of #SpreadShine.

As a Woman of Wonder, Sophia leads with a purpose that resonates across the franchise landscape, inspiring both current and future franchisees to believe in the power of making a difference. With her leadership, Starz Program is not only educating but also empowering the next generation, and this latest recognition marks yet another chapter in her remarkable journey.

## Entities

- unit expansion (topic)
- General (sector)
- Franchise Magazine USA (publication)
- franchise awards (topic)
- Franchise Dictionary Magazine (publication)
- Virginia (location)
- Maryland (location)
- early childhood education (topic)
- women in franchising (topic)
- Alesia Visconti (person)
- Sophia Wastler (person)
- Starz Program (company)

---
Originally reported by Franchise Magazine USA (https://franchisemagazineusa.com/sophia-wastler/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/3eb8085d-0faa-484f-87cd-8b6589f100ba).