Celebrating 15 Years

Introducing the 2023

Women

to watch

For Boards

Search Our Directory and Find

Board-Ready Talent

These exceptional women were chosen from over 400 talented applicants for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in their fields.

Our selection process was rigorous and thorough, and we're confident they will make outstanding public board directors. Stay tuned for more updates on the 50 Women to Watch for Boards program and our upcoming events.

Congratulations to our 50 Women to Watch

For Boards 2023 Finalists!

View finalists in alphabetical order

appointed to a board

Patricia-Carrolo-headshot

appointed to a board

Dawn-Marie Hutchinson 2024

appointed to a board

Nicole reich

appointed to a board

Amy Shore

Search the Semi-Finalists

Thank you to all the talented women who applied to the program. We're inspired by your dedication and passion, and we encourage you to apply next year! Because there were many accomplished applicants, we've included a list of the 50 semifinalists.

50 Women to Watch for Boards Selection Committee

Our 50 Women to Watch for Boards campaign was overseen by an elite Selection Committee comprised of public company Board Chairs, Nominating Governance Committee Chairs, Corporate Directors, and Stock Exchange Leaders in the US, Mexico, and Canada. The Selection Committee carefully reviewed all of the nominations and selected the 50 women who demonstrated the highest level of qualifications and potential to serve on a public company board. Their expertise and insights ensured that the list represents top women talent across industries and provides a valuable resource for companies seeking to achieve more balanced and diverse boards.

Thank you to our Sponsor!

Thank You to Our Campaign Partners!

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.