Seven women entrepreneurs — two from the Dallas area — have been selected as semifinalists in 7-Eleven’s “Women’s Franchise Initiative” competition.

The reward for the winner will be a franchise-fee free 7-Eleven store, a prize valued at approximately $190,000.

The Irving-headquartered convenience retailer is winnowing down the seven potential franchisees to three finalists, with help from the contestants’ Why I Should Win videos, and the public.

Readers logging onto the competition’s website before 11:59 p.m., July 2, can view, and vote on, the semifinalists’ videos, during which they lay out the case for why they deserve to be a 7-Eleven franchisee.

“In their videos, the semifinalists have submitted some compelling personal stories and reasons they want to become a 7-Eleven franchisee,” said Larry Hughes, vice president of franchise systems for 7-Eleven, in a release.

Videos submitted by the two local semifinalists differ in tone and theme.

McKinney’s Thi “Grace” Nguyen is an accountant and CPA who, as an immigrant to Australia and then the U.S., started her life and career over not once, but twice. Nguyen held down jobs in companies as varied as fast-food chains, bakeries, and banks to earn money and get her education.

Alyson Lawson of DeSoto, meanwhile, discussed her reliance on mentors through her church, college, and community when it came to overcoming obstacles and gaining experience. The fairly recent college graduate operates a nonprofit organization that helps empower children and youth.

Though their stories are different, the women stressed importance of assisting others. Both were also adamant that, if they were awarded the franchise, their focus would be on supplying great customer service and helping others in their communities.

Lawson and Nguyen are going head-to-head with five other finalists, including Alisa Davern of Aliso Viejo, California; Avalon Young, from Sedalia, Colorado; Bridgette Patterson of Woodbridge, Virginia; Evelyn Scott, who lives in Chesapeake, Virginia, and Latanya Bennet from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

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