Atwork Franchisee Josephine Suryono Named IFA Franchisee of the Year

“Josephine’s drive and focus is palpable, and she is extremely deserving of the award,” said Jason Leverant, president and COO of AtWork. “She is always willing to collaborate with us, mentor fellow franchisees, and embrace any new initiatives we throw her way. We are so grateful for franchisees like Josephine who embrace the process.”

The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

Suryono is a true testament to grit and determination. Originally from Indonesia, she immigrated to the U.S. to pursue higher education before starting her engineering career, including a business analyst role at Hewlett-Packard. Inspired by her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, she later transitioned into business ownership, first with an indoor inflatable play and party franchise before opening her first AtWork office in 2017 in Sacramento.

Her deep commitment to helping seekers goes beyond placing candidates in positions – she actively works to transform lives. Whether connecting individuals with companies that accommodate their unique needs or providing career coaching to help candidates improve interview skills, Suryono ensures every job seeker finds the right fit.

“We believe every candidate has a home in the workforce,” said Suryono. “Whether it is supporting a single parent in securing steady work or coaching someone to ace their interview, we take pride in making a lasting impact. Everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed, and we are here to help them find that path.”

Beyond her business success, Suryono is a dedicated community leader. Her AtWork locations partner with nonprofits and government agencies to support refugees, provide outplacement services, and help individuals in need find meaningful employment.

“She is not just building a successful business—she is building opportunities for people. Her ability to foster deep relationships within her community while driving remarkable business growth is a testament to her leadership. The impact she has made in Sacramento and beyond is nothing short of extraordinary, and we cannot wait to see what she accomplishes next,” said Leverant.