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50/50 Women on Boards Announces 2026 Honorees

In a transformative announcement, 50/50 Women on Boards™ (50/50WOB) has unveiled its 2026 cohort of honorees in the program ‘50 Women to Watch for Boards’ (50WTW). This initiative showcases 50 extraordinary women leaders from North America, all poised to take on roles in public company boards. As board diversity increasingly correlates with improved company performance and long-term value, this recognition emphasizes the importance of having diverse perspectives in leadership.

The ceremony celebrating the honorees will take place during the Global Summit Week in New York City this September, providing a platform to recognize these leaders’ contributions and readiness to take on influential positions.

Heather Spilsbury, CEO of 50/50 Women on Boards, remarked on the significance of this initiative: ‘As board leadership becomes more critical to company performance, succession planning, and long-term value, identifying exceptional director candidates has never been more important.’ Spilsbury's insights speak to the need for companies to have access to qualified, diverse candidates that reflect the changing dynamics of today's markets.

A Rigorous Selection Process

The selection process for the 2026 honorees was highly competitive, with 314 applications submitted and evaluated by an independent Selection Committee comprised of seasoned board directors, governance experts, and leaders from executive search firms. This process ensures that the honorees are not only qualified but also embody the potential to contribute significantly to the boards they are considered for.

The committee includes renowned figures, such as:

• - Maria Ariza, CEO of BIVA
• - JoAnne Butler, Former Independent Director, Cordelio Power
• - David Chun, Founder & CEO of Equilar
• - Michael Montelongo, Independent Board Director, Civeo Corporation
• - Janet Wong, Independent Board Director, Valvoline, Inc.

These esteemed leaders assessed each candidate against stringent criteria, selecting a diverse group of women who have proven track records in leadership and governance.

Impact and Opportunities for Honorees

The selected 50 women will not only be recognized at the summit but will also gain access to invaluable resources and connections throughout the year. Honorees benefit from educational programs offered by 50/50 Women on Boards, as well as unique networking opportunities with influential governance leaders and key decision-makers. These initiatives aim to equip them with the tools necessary for successful board appointments in the future.

For public company directors and governance committees seeking to build their boards, 50/50WOB provides a searchable Honoree Directory, offering an accessible way to connect with these vetted leaders. Interested parties can reach out for specific board candidate searches by contacting the organization directly.

About 50/50 Women on Boards

Founded to advocate for diversity in corporate governance, 50/50 Women on Boards has been a game changer in promoting equity in boardrooms since its inception in 2010. The nonprofit’s ongoing efforts, including publishing the Gender Diversity Index™ and various research reports, highlight the critical need for gender diversity in leadership roles. By fostering a robust pipeline of board-ready candidates and engaging with companies that shape these appointments, the organization is helping transform the corporate landscape.

As we anticipate the upcoming Global Summit Week, the recognition of these board-ready women serves as a beacon of progress toward equity and inclusion in the corporate world. With 50/50 Women on Boards leading the charge, companies can look forward to a future where diverse perspectives drive innovation and success.