Celebrating 15 Years

Renee Fraser

Renee Fraser

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Renee Fraser, Ph.D. is the founder and CEO of Fraser Communications, the largest woman owned and led integrated advertising agency in Southern California. Renee serves as the Chair of the Boards for Wise and Healthy Aging, as well as, Girls Inc. She was previously on the boards for National Volunteers of America, United Way of Greater LA County, Harvard University Women’s Leadership board at The Kennedy School, NAWBO-LA Leadership Board and Women Presidents Organization.

Renee was honored as one of the “50 Most Influential Females” by Los Angeles Magazine for her many contributions in civic leadership (United Way board, VOA National board and Co-Chair of Business Task Force to end homelessness in L.A./Home for Good). Renee encouraged entrepreneurship through her radio show “Unfinished Business”, for five years. She’s a featured columnist on Business.com and has been featured on Forbes, the Huffington Post, and many others. She is also the creator and host of The Deciders on KABC 790AM in Los Angeles every Saturday at 5:30 PM PT.

Since 2012, she has co-chaired the 2020WOB Los Angeles/Orange County events for the National Conversation on Board Diversity. On the 2020WOB board, she chairs the strategic branding committee.

Renee received her BA, MA and Ph.D. from University of Southern California. She lives in Santa Monica, CA.

Shape

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.