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Celebrating 15 Years

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5050 Women on Boards 15th Anniversary Logo

Celebrating 15 Years of Advancing Women in Board Leadership

Charting a Bold Course

Founded by trailblazers Malli Gero and Stephanie Sonnabend, who recognized a glaring gender gap in corporate America, 2020 Women on Boards launched with a bold mission to reach 20% women on boards by 2020.

2010

Turning Data into Action

Turning Data into Action

Launched the first-of-its-kind Gender Diversity Index™ to transparently track women on public company boards, introduced a bold company rating system to benchmark board composition, and sparked national awareness with the in-person National Conversation on Board Diversity.

2011

Mobilizing a Movement

On 12/12/12, hosted simultaneous events in key U.S. cities, including NY, Boston, and LA to establish a national network of allies and leaders accelerating gender balance and equity on corporate boards.

2012
EXPLORE OUR JOURNEY

50/50 Women on Boards is a global 501c3 nonprofit founded in 2010 with a mission to accelerate gender balance and diversity on corporate boards.

With a vision for women to hold 50% of corporate board seats and women of color to hold 20% of all corporate board seats, we invest 84% of our funds in our educational programs and advocacy efforts to empower women to lead as board directors. Our research indicates that a board with diverse genders, races, ethnicities, thoughts, expertise, and experiences results in increased profitability, productivity, and workforce engagement.

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How We Take Action to Empower Women to Lead on Corporate Boards

EDUCATE

Our board training courses, Networking Hub and targeted leadership development programs for corporate groups equip women with the tools to excel in board leadership and cultivate meaningful board relationships.

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ADVOCATE

We champion women and women of color through our global events and public awareness campaigns. By fostering conversations with influential voices, we strive to positively impact and influence boardroom diversity.

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COLLABORATE

We partner with corporations and organizations committed to elevating diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Through these partnerships, we provide women in our network with opportunities to increase their visibility and develop their leadership skills.

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REPORT

Our Gender Diversity Index Directory tracks gender diversity on Russell 3000 company boards by state, sector, and our board rating system. We celebrate companies with balanced boards and encourage those with two or less women to pledge to increase diversity.

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Upcoming Events

At 50/50 Women on Boards, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to advance in their careers. Whether it’s advancing to a new position or attaining a corporate board seat, you can make your mark. We are here to help you visualize and realize your unique skillsets and expertise. More importantly, no matter how you engage with our nonprofit you will walk away with the confidence to grow your network and increase your visibility.

Get involved in one of our events or programs today!

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Leading the Change

2025 Events

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Board FundamentalsRepeating Event

Understand the mechanics of a board, learn about the various types of boards and committees, and familiarize yourself with the duties and commitments of a board member. Recognize the qualifications sought by boards when selecting new directors and gain the necessary competencies to steer your career toward leadership and board service.
07 Oct
8:30 am - 10:30 am
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Be Part of the Movement

At 50/50 Women on Boards, we're passionate about empowering women to lead. Corporations and women looking to make a difference in advancing gender parity and diversity on corporate boards partner with us to help guide these pursuits.
We believe in lifting as we rise. Our programs and advocacy efforts are designed to help women achieve board positions and develop the necessary skills for board leadership. But our mission doesn't end there. We encourage you to continue lifting other women along the way and to use your position to advocate for diversity and inclusion in all areas of business.
We also recognize the critical role that men play in achieving gender balance and diversity on corporate boards. We encourage male allies to join us in advocating for greater inclusion and to use their positions of power to support the advancement of women in business.
Together, we can break down barriers and create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all.
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PREVIOUSLY 2020 WOMEN ON BOARDS

Code of Conduct: Governing Data & Emerging Tech

Boards are no longer observers of emerging technology; they are stewards of how it’s governed. This panel goes beyond awareness to examine how directors can structure oversight, define accountability, and measure governance effectiveness in AI, data use, and digital innovation. Panelists will share practical strategies for building governance systems that ensure transparency, ethical decision-making, and responsible innovation at scale.

Your First Board Meeting: A Director’s Playbook

Designed for aspiring and newly appointed directors, this session offers practical guidance on how to step confidently into your first boardroom. Learn what to expect in early meetings, how to contribute with purpose, and how to quickly build credibility and trust among seasoned peers. Gain insight into board dynamics, unspoken protocols, and the critical questions new directors should be ready to ask and answer.

Tactics that Work: Case Studies in Navigating Shareholder Activism

In this tactical, director-focused session, participants will engage in case-based exercises to dissect real campaigns and pressure scenarios. From activist letters to proxy fights, explore how boards can craft strategic responses that reinforce governance integrity, protect corporate reputation, and align with long-term priorities. Walk away with actionable tactics and frameworks to strengthen board preparedness in the face of growing investor scrutiny.

Inside the Boardroom: Resilience Planning in Action

This interactive session places directors inside the boardroom during moments of disruption. Through tabletop exercises and real-world scenarios, participants will explore how boards can apply structured frameworks to assess geopolitical risk, anticipate threats, and make decisive decisions under pressure. Designed as a classroom-style session, this breakout provides practical tools to strengthen oversight and build a proactive board response strategy in an increasingly uncertain world.

Reputation & Response: How Boards Navigate Shareholder Activism

As shareholder activism intensifies, boards face mounting pressure to defend strategy, protect corporate reputation, and engage stakeholders with clarity. This panel brings together seasoned directors to explore how boards can respond effectively while maintaining credibility, board alignment, and stakeholder trust. Hear real-world insights on navigating activism in today’s high-stakes, high-visibility environment.

Navigating Global Markets: Trade, Tariffs, and Supply Chain Strategy

As global disruptions reshape business models, this panel will explore how boards can navigate the practical complexities of trade, tariffs, and supply chain shifts across regions. Panelists will share how directors are guiding companies through regulatory changes, sourcing challenges, and new market risks, while seizing opportunities for growth and operational agility.

Strengthening Oversight: Risk Management and Board Resilience

This keynote will equip directors to think globally about risk through the lens of geopolitical foresight, cross-border tensions, and long-term instability. Learn how boards can strengthen oversight and guide enterprise-wide resilience by anticipating disruption and embedding a proactive risk culture in a changing world.