#United States #Los Angeles #50/50 Women on Boards #Gender Diversity #Corporate Champions

2026 Global Summit Kicks Off with The Breakfast of Corporate Champions

The 50/50 Women on Boards organization, a crucial player in promoting gender diversity in corporate governance, is set to launch its 2026 Global Summit with the prestigious event known as The Breakfast of Corporate Champions. Taking place on September 17, 2026, this event underscores the group's commitment to enhancing the representation of women in the boardroom, kickstarting an influential gathering that aims to drive meaningful dialogue around corporate governance.

Honoring Leadership in Gender Balance

Since its inception in 2011 by Janice Ellig, this biennial breakfast has evolved into a vital platform for honoring companies that excel in fostering gender diversity within their corporate boards. As the CEO of the Ellig Group and a former President of the Women's Forum of New York, Ellig's work has galvanized an ongoing conversation around the strategic necessity of gender-balanced boards. The event not only acknowledges the achievements of organizations but also delves deeper into the critical impact of inclusive leadership.

Heather Spilsbury, the current CEO of 50/50 Women on Boards, stated, "The Breakfast of Corporate Champions is an important initiative for us. It is pivotal in reminding business leaders of the value that gender diversity brings to board compositions, which is increasingly recognized as a public good."

With more than 50 influential CEOs and board directors from top SP 500 companies participating as speakers over the past decade, the breakfast has established itself as a cornerstone for discussions on best practices in board governance. The presentation of the Muriel F. Siebert Leadership Award further energizes the event, recognizing a CEO who consistently advocates for the inclusion of women in governance roles.

Past recipients include prominent figures such as Julie Sweet of Accenture, Ken Frazier from Merck, and Mary Barra of General Motors, all embodying the spirit of leadership required to navigate complex corporate landscapes while prioritizing diversity.

The Importance of Gender Diversity

The concept behind the breakfast is straightforward: more women in board positions equates to better governance. As Janice Ellig articulated, having a diverse board leads to heightened decision-making excellence and the creation of long-term value for organizations. This year’s breakfast will honor those SP 500 and Fortune 1000 companies that have surpassed the national average of 40% female representation on their boards, setting a standard for others to follow.

In addition to powerful testimonials, the format will include an engaging panel featuring dynamic CEOs who will share insights and inspire practical steps towards enhanced board diversity. David Chun, CEO and Founder of Equilar, expressed enthusiasm about his firm’s partnership with the event. “Board composition is a clear indicator of corporate responsibility and potential,” said Chun. His firm's participation emphasizes a critical view of how today's business leaders are architecting tomorrow's corporate governance landscape.

Moving Forward at the Global Summit

Following The Breakfast of Corporate Champions, the Global Summit will continue to address the evolving challenges in governance, bringing together a diverse group of corporate directors, executives, investors, and governance experts. Attendees will engage in forward-looking discussions shaping the future of board leadership in an ever-changing business environment. This includes the announcement of the 50 Women to Watch for Boards, a program recognizing rising women leaders poised to significantly impact corporate governance.

As an essential prelude to this, a reception will be held on September 16, where honorees, speakers, and industry peers will network and discuss shared challenges and successes.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to find out additional details, visit the official website at www.5050wob.com/global-summit.

About 50/50 Women on Boards

50/50 Women on Boards (50/50WOB) stands as a global nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering gender balance and diversity on corporate boards. Since 2010, the organization has published the 50/50 Women on Boards Gender Diversity Index, spotlighting the diverse composition of board directors among Russell 3000 companies. Through various education programs and advocacy efforts, including the 50 Women to Watch for Boards initiative, they continue driving the vital conversations necessary for future advancements in board diversity. Its impactful work seeks to equip leaders with insights and resources as they navigate their board journeys. To know more, visit www.5050wob.com.

In summary, the upcoming Global Summit and its kickoff breakfast signal a strong commitment to evolving corporate governance frameworks that recognize and prioritize the importance of gender diversity. As organizations meet their responsibilities once characterized by stagnant norms, the need for innovative leadership has never been more pressing, illustrating that gender balance isn’t just an ethical imperative — it's an economic one.