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50 Women to Watch for Boards Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there an application and program fee this year?

The $25 nonrefundable application fee and $1,000 nonrefundable program fee help ensure the sustainability and continued expansion of the 50 Women to Watch program.

What does the program fee cover?

Selected participants receive:

  • Board training and mentorship from our selection committee
  • Complimentary access to all in-person events and the Global Summit
  • Recognition & invitation to the Equilar Board Leadership Summit in New York (including flights)
  • Year-round visibility to elevate candidates for board opportunities

This comprehensive support ensures that each participant is well-prepared for board service and receives significant exposure to board recruiters and corporate leaders.

Are there financial assistance options available?

We encourage applicants to seek sponsorship from their companies through professional development, leadership advancement, or employee resource group funds. Many organizations offer financial support for leadership programs, and we are happy to provide guidance on making these requests.

How can I request sponsorship from my employer?

Companies often support leadership development through, and we can provide:

  • A template request letter for applicants to use when seeking employer sponsorship
  • Talking points on how this program aligns with company DEI and leadership goals
  • Information on the impact and benefits of board service for executives
What happens if I apply but am not selected?

The $25 application fee covers the administrative costs of reviewing submissions.

If my employer cannot cover the cost, what are my options?

If employer sponsorship is not available, you may consider:

  • Industry associations or foundations
  • Mentor or peer sponsorships from leaders in your network

We understand that funding professional development can be a challenge, and we are committed to helping applicants explore their options.

What is the timeline for applications and payments?
  • Applications open: March 7, 2025
  • Applications close: May 7, 2025
  • Selection notifications: Early June
  • Application fee of $25: Due upon submitting your application
  • Payment deadline for selected 50WTW participants: June 30, 2025
Where can I learn more about the applicant process and criteria?

You can learn about the 50 Women to Watch applicant process, eligibility, and selection process here.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

If you have any questions, please reach out to 50WTW@5050wob.com.

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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.