50 Women to Watch for Boards

A Powerful Pipeline of Board-Ready Executives
Applications are closed

Enter your email to receive an alert when nominations open on March 7, 2025.

Advancing Women in Board Leadership

50 Women to Watch for Boards is a groundbreaking campaign that closes the gender gap in corporate boardrooms. Our initiative spotlights accomplished executives prepared to step into board leadership, driving meaningful impact in corporate governance.

Since its inception in 2023, 10 women have secured corporate board seats through the 50 Women to Watch campaign in organizations as diverse as Mueller Water Products, 1st Capital Bancorp, Big Lots, Piedmont Office Realty Trust, and many more.

Apply to be considered for the 2025 cohort and create a more balanced corporate landscape.

Advance Your Board Candidacy

Addressing the Underrepresentation of Women in Corporate Governance

Women, particularly women of color, remain significantly underrepresented on corporate boards. Forty percent of Russell 3000 companies still have two or fewer women on their boards, underscoring the need for continued action.

The 50 Women to Watch for Boards campaign highlights highly qualified women executives ready to contribute their expertise to public company boards. Our program provides a unique platform for women to showcase their leadership, industry knowledge, and governance experience while expanding their networks and visibility in the board community.

The 50 selected women will be among the best-prepared executives for board service, demonstrating the leadership and insight necessary to make a lasting impact in the corporate world.

Showcase Your Leadership

Why Apply? Boardrooms Need More Women Like You

By participating in 50 Women to Watch for Boards, you join a movement dedicated to achieving gender-balanced corporate leadership.

If you’re a woman executive, entrepreneur, founder, or subject matter expert seeking to elevate your board career, we encourage you to apply. Or, if you know an exceptional woman leader in your network, invite her to self-nominate.

Meet the 2025 Selection Committee

Our distinguished Selection Committee, comprising public company board chairs, governance experts, and corporate directors across North America, nominates the 50 Women to Watch with the strongest qualifications for public board service.

María Ariza

CEO

Joe Hurd

Non-Executive Director

John Driver

Chairman and CEO

Janet Wong

Independent Board Director

David Chun

Founder & CEO

Lara Lee

Independent Director

Claire Chung

Independent Board Director

Edith Avilés

Non-Executive Director

Regina García Cuéllar

Independent Board Member

Agnes Bundy Scanlan

Independent Director

Hari Panday

Board Member

Lisa Lim

Independent Board Member

How 50 Women to Watch for Boards Can Catapult Your Board Career

The 50 Women to Watch gain unparalleled exposure and access to key opportunities to help accelerate your board journey.

Public recognition on 50/50 Women on Boards’ website and social media.
Featured opportunities for media interviews and speaking engagements.
Exclusive board training and mentorship through 50/50 Women on Boards.
Invitations to high-profile networking events and advisory groups.
Increased visibility among corporate directors and search firms.

Nomination Process and Eligibility

To be considered for our 50 Women to Watch for Boards list, candidates must complete the nomination form providing specific details about their experience, expertise, and qualities for board service. Sharing your professional story helps the Selection Committee get to know you and your unique perspective.

Please note that only residents of North America (Canada, Mexico, and the United States) are eligible to apply. Women currently serving on a publicly traded company board are ineligible (*See terms and conditions and *learn more about the application process).

The nomination form takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, and you can save your progress and return to the form later if needed.

We encourage all eligible women to apply and share their accomplishments and aspirations with us. Together, we can promote gender diversity and create a more equitable business world.

Enter your email to receive an alert when nominations open:

Sponsor 50 Women to Watch for Boards

Companies that value board diversity can gain direct access to this extraordinary pipeline of board-ready women through sponsorship. Sponsoring organizations receive exclusive benefits:

Access to the 50 Women to Watch for Boards list, including contact details.
Brand recognition in campaign materials and across 50/50 Women on Boards platforms.
Opportunities to connect with and support top executives prepared for board service.

By sponsoring 50 Women to Watch, your company demonstrates a strong commitment to creating gender-balanced boardrooms and fostering a more equitable corporate landscape.