CEDAR HILL, TX, August 26, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- April Lazo Rai has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Rai has established herself as a distinguished entrepreneur, franchise executive and business leader, recognized for her expertise in franchising, operations, strategic growth and financial management. She is a multi-unit franchise owner with Paris Baguette North America, where she has become one of the brand's leading franchisees. In 2026, she was appointed to the Paris Baguette Franchise Advisory Board, serving as a representative voice for franchise owners across the system. In this role, she collaborates closely with executive leadership to provide strategic guidance on new initiatives, operational improvements, franchisee support, brand growth and system wide enhancements. Her appointment reflects the trust and respect she has earned within one of the fastest-growing bakery café brands in North America.

Further underscoring her operational excellence, Ms. Rai's Allen, Texas café was honored with the 2026 Excellent Café of the Year – Central Region, recognizing it as the region's top-performing Paris Baguette location for exceptional bread and cake quality. Under her leadership, the café has also received the Best of Allen 2025 Best Bakery Award from Star Local Media and the Google Reviews Best of 2025 Best Bakery recognition from BusinessRate.

Since 2025, Ms. Rai has served as Chief Development Officer of Paragon Developers in Mansfield, Texas, where she oversees strategic development initiatives and guides the company's continued expansion. She is also the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Laraizo Group, a diversified holdings and management company with interests spanning hospitality, commercial real estate, franchise ownership, development and business management. In this capacity, she leads the organization's financial strategy while supporting long-term investment, operational growth and portfolio expansion.

Ms. Rai began her professional career at Lockheed Martin Corporation, where she worked from 2005 to 2021 as a Manufacturing Execution Systems Subject Matter Expert and Software Developer Analyst Staff. During her tenure, she earned multiple Special Recognition Awards and several Performance Management Team of the Year honors for her technical expertise, innovation and leadership on enterprise manufacturing systems.

Prior to embarking on her professional career, Ms. Rai earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science and engineering from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2007. In addition to her education, she credits her achievements to the unwavering support of her husband, whom she married in 2009, as well as encouragement from close friends and a strong community network. She also acknowledges her parents' steadfast support throughout her endeavors.

Ms. Rai's entrepreneurial career began at age 24 while she was still building her career in information technology. Together with her husband Rahul Rai, she launched their first business venture—a sports bar in Texas—which they operated successfully before expanding into retail, where they owned and managed successfully for eight years. Their passion for entrepreneurship continued to grow, ultimately leading Ms. Rai to leave Lockheed Martin and devote herself full time to building and expanding multiple businesses.

While traveling throughout Europe, Ms. Rai was inspired by the café culture and artisan bakery experience she encountered. That inspiration led her to become a Paris Baguette franchisee, opening her first café in Allen, Texas in September 2024. Since then, she has expanded her ownership portfolio and continues to play a significant role in helping shape the future of the Paris Baguette brand through both operational excellence and strategic franchise leadership.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Rai remains actively involved in her community through the various local Chamber of Commerce across the Dallas-Fort Worth region. She previously served with the Professional Asian American Network and the Asian Heritage Association, contributing her time to professional networking, community engagement and cultural initiatives. She also mentors emerging entrepreneurs and young professionals, sharing her experiences in business ownership, leadership and franchising.

During her undergraduate studies at The University of Texas at Arlington from 2003 to 2007, Ms. Rai was a member of the Filipino Student Association. Additionally, she mentors emerging professionals through the Association for Young Professionals.

Throughout her career, Ms. Rai has received numerous honors recognizing both her technical achievements and entrepreneurial success. In addition to Lockheed Martin's Special Recognition Awards and multiple Performance Management Team of the Year distinctions, she has been recognized with the Best of Allen 2025 Best Bakery Award, the Google Reviews Best of 2025 Best Bakery Award, and the 2026 Excellent Café of the Year – Central Region award for outstanding bread and cake quality at her Allen Paris Baguette location.

Born in Manila, Philippines, Ms. Rai enjoys international travel and experiencing diverse cultures and cuisines. Looking toward the future, she is focused on expanding her Paris Baguette portfolio through an area development agreement spanning multiple states, including Missouri, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. Together with her husband and through Laraizo Group, she is committed to building a nationally recognized portfolio of franchise, hospitality and commercial real estate businesses while continuing to champion innovation and excellence throughout the franchising industry.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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