Celebrating 15 Years

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2020 Women on Boards Supports Peaceful Protests against Racism and Violence

Dear 2020WOB Friends and Supporters,
We are writing in response to the horrific events we have witnessed in our country over
the last week and months. We support the peaceful protesters who courageously march
so we may bring about meaningful change and ensure that George Floyd and the many
African American men and women who have lost their lives due to racism and police
brutality will not have died in vain.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the deep inequities that face women
of color, at home and at work. More people of color have lost their lives to
coronavirus. Women and people of color lost a greater percentage of jobs due to the
pandemic and the drastic downturn in the economy, which will negatively impact their
long-term careers. 2020 Women on Boards is the leading campaign to advance women
to serve on corporate boards. It is our earnest desire to propel women of all races and
ethnicities into positions of influence where they can help solve deep-rooted problems in
business and society.

We cannot allow these devastating crises to push women back from the progress we
have made. Based on independent research studies, gender diversity on corporate
boards is a competitive advantage, and helps companies survive crises and remain
viable. From identifying creative solutions, to embracing a diverse workforce, to
recognizing unconscious biases, women bring enormous value during challenging times
like these. That’s why women on boards, and in senior management, are essential to
solving complex and historic race and gender issues.

2020 Women on Boards is grateful to our supporters, contributors, volunteers, and staff
for their tireless efforts in advancing women to corporate boards of directors over the
last ten years. Having women of color in positions of influence is key to healing,
growing, and thriving for the betterment of businesses and our communities. 2020
Women on Boards is on board to accelerate a more just, equitable, and inclusive
society. Racism has been tolerated far too long.

Betsy Berkhemer-Credaire
CEO, 2020 Women on Boards

Stephanie Sonnabend
Co-Founder & Chair of the Board

Malli Gero
Co-Founder & Vice Chair of the Boar

Don’t Stop Here

More To Explore

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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.

Speakers include: Sita Lowman, Nithya Das, Suresh Sharma, Byron Loflin

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.

Speakers include: Gaby Sulzberger, David Cahoy, Rachael Coffey, Eduardo Gallego

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.

Speakers include: Titi Cole, Mia Mends

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.

Speakers include: Rodger Baker