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50/50 Women on Boards Launches its Third Annual Campaign

On March 7, 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day, 50/50 Women on Boards™ (50/50WOB) has officially kicked off its third annual '50 Women to Watch for Boards' initiative. This campaign, spearheaded by the leading nonprofit dedicated to advocating gender balance in corporate boardrooms, aims to identify and uplift women who are prepared to take roles on public company boards.

Heather Spilsbury, the CEO of 50/50WOB, expressed the organization's commitment to amplifying women's voices within corporate leadership roles, noting that “the past two years alone have seen ten remarkable women from our initiative successfully securing seats on public boards.” This accomplishment underscores the organization's belief that there exists an abundance of talented women who are well-prepared to lead.

Understanding the Current Landscape

Despite the slight progression in women's representation on boards, with women now occupying 30.2% of corporate board positions, substantial disparities still persist. The 2024 Q4 Gender Diversity Index™ provided by 50/50WOB’s data partner, Equilar, discloses that 40% of companies within the Russell 3000 Index still include two or fewer women on their boards. This stark figure highlights the ongoing challenges that need to be overcome to achieve equitable gender representation.

The '50 Women to Watch for Boards' initiative seeks to tackle these issues head-on by furnishing corporations and committees with a specialized roster of qualified women eager to engage in public board sectors. By doing so, it enables companies to find outstanding candidates while simultaneously increasing the visibility of women leaders ready to step into these crucial roles.

Application Process and Opportunities

Applications for the program are now open, and female candidates who meet the necessary qualifications but currently lack a position on a publicly traded board are encouraged to apply before the April 30, 2025, deadline. Nominees can also be submitted by individuals who recognize board-ready women within their professional networks. Eligible candidates must be based in North America to qualify for consideration.

The selection process will be overseen by a prestigious committee consisting of influential figures from diverse sectors, including public company board chairs and stock exchange leaders from the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This year's esteemed committee comprises notable professionals like Maria Ariza, CEO of BIVA, and Edith Avilés, Non-Executive Director at HSBC, among others.

The Impact of Honorees

The selected honorees of the '50 Women to Watch for Boards' initiative will gain unparalleled visibility within the corporate landscape, as well as direct access to influential leadership. These women will receive tailored training and mentorship to help them navigate the path to securing board positions. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to participate in a range of high-profile events, ensuring they are both recognized and considered for board opportunities across various sectors.

With exclusive speaking engagements and VIP recognition, these honorees will be able to forge essential connections with corporate directors and leaders, thus enhancing their chances of being nominated for influential roles.

For more details or to submit an application, interested candidates and nominators can visit 50/50 Women on Boards Program Overview.

About 50/50 Women on Boards

Since its inception in 2010, 50/50 Women on Boards has been at the forefront of promoting gender and racial diversity in corporate governance. The organization tracks board diversity through its Gender Diversity Index™ and conducts educational programs aimed at preparing women for board positions. Their mission continues to inspire and equip women to break through the barriers that have traditionally hindered their access to leadership roles within corporate boardrooms.

Engaging with 50/50WOB means participating in a pivotal movement towards gender equality in business leadership. With the right resources and support, the future looks promising for women aspiring to serve on boards across North America and beyond.