Women On Boards Project

As the holiday season approaches, we’re filled with gratitude for the extraordinary team behind the Women On Boards Project. Our mission—to diversify boardrooms and create more inclusive leadership—is straightforward in its vision, though often more challenging to achieve than it should be. This is why our team’s commitment is so vital. Our organization is almost entirely volunteer-driven, powered by individuals who generously contribute their time, energy, and expertise to help us move closer to a world where diverse representation on boards is the norm. From coordinating board placements to fostering connections and advocating for change, each of you plays a crucial role in advancing this important mission. We know that this work requires dedication and resilience, and it’s truly inspiring to see each of you show up with purpose and passion. Thank you for all that you do, for believing in the vision, and for your endless support. This season, we celebrate you and everything we’ve achieved together. Happy holidays, and here’s to the impact we’ll keep making in the year ahead!

We're back with another Board Member Spotlight. Introducing Vanessa Dew! Vanessa Dew, Co-Founder of Health-Ade Kombucha, recently joined the board of Rootine through Women On Boards Project. In this insightful interview with our very own Jacqueline Claudia, Vanessa shared her thoughts on board service, leadership, and what this milestone means to her. Q: What inspired you to join a board? A: Serving on a board allows me to contribute at a strategic level, leveraging my experience in scaling Health-Ade Kombucha and navigating complex challenges. I’ve always been passionate about fostering innovation, and this role provides a platform to drive impactful decisions. Q: How has your career prepared you for board service? A: As a co-founder, I’ve been deeply involved in every aspect of building a business—from operations and branding to team leadership. These experiences have honed my ability to balance big-picture thinking with attention to detail, which is essential for effective board governance. Q: What excites you most about this new opportunity? A: I’m thrilled to collaborate with a dynamic team and help shape the company’s future. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to a mission-driven organization, and I’m excited to bring my entrepreneurial perspective to the table. Q: What advice would you give to other women aspiring to join a board? A: Don’t underestimate the value of your unique experiences. Whether you’ve led a team, built a brand, or overcome obstacles, these insights are invaluable. Build your network, seek mentors, and advocate for yourself—you have so much to offer. Congratulations again on your placement, Vanessa! We’re inspired by your leadership and excited to see all you’ll accomplish in this role.

The proof is in the pudding: more Women On Boards = better business outcomes… Bloomberg Intelligence has delivered yet another data-driven confirmation of what many already know: diversity isn’t just good ethics—it’s great business. In the past decade, women board representation has nearly tripled globally. This isn’t just a win for representation; it’s a win for shareholders. According to Bloomberg’s latest report, the most gender-diverse companies are outperforming their peers, delivering shareholder returns 2%-5% higher in developed markets. In emerging markets, they’re also proving less volatile. What’s driving this? Diverse boards mean diverse perspectives, more innovative thinking, and ultimately, stronger decision-making. The numbers don’t lie—diversity delivers. But while the boardroom is seeing progress (women now occupy 26% of global board seats, up from 9% in 2010), the top job remains elusive. Less than 10% of S&P 500 CEOs are women. Clearly, there is undeniable momentum, but there’s still a lot of room to grow. One thing we know for sure is that this momentum needs support to thrive. That’s where we step in—advocating for diverse leadership and opening doors for women to thrive in every room where decisions are made. If you’re inspired to be part of this movement—whether through donations or hands-on involvement—reach out. Together, it’s our goal to turn progress into parity. https://lnkd.in/gj_iHc7Q

Her 👏 gender 👏 does 👏 not 👏 limit 👏 her 👏 capability. Beautifully said, Dakota. Every girl deserves the chance to reach her full potential, free from limitations and bias. Her voice belongs in every space—whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or beyond. Together, we’re building a world where women’s voices shape decisions at the highest levels. Share this post with a woman or girl who empowers you, and remind her that her voice has the power to shape the future. We’ll go first – a major shoutout to our founders Sheryl O'Loughlin, Melissa Facchina, Kara Cissell-Roell, and Cassie Burr, who inspire us daily. #BoardMembers #WomenOnBoards #EmpowerHer

PLACEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT! We are beyond excited to share that Michelle Singer has joined the board at Twang Partners LLC, a family-owned leader in premium-flavored salts, sugars, and seasonings! Thanks to the support of our sponsor, Encore Consumer Capital, Twang partnered with us for a comprehensive search, and after careful consideration and perseverance, Michelle is now their newest board member. Michelle’s impressive experience as a consumer executive—building brands, launching products, and delivering outstanding results—makes her the perfect fit for Twang as they continue to excel in an ever-changing market. A huge thank you to Encore Consumer and Twang for trusting us with this search. Here’s to many more moments of collaboration and success! #BoardPlacement #WomenOnBoards #WomenInBusiness #Leadership

At Women On Boards Project, we’re not just placing women on boards—we’re reshaping leadership across high-growth industries. By 2025, we aim to place 100 women on consumer company boards, with a goal of reaching 150 by 2026. Thanks to supporters like you, we’ve already placed 64 women, but there’s more work ahead. Your donation goes directly toward critical initiatives: creating storytelling and educational campaigns to open doors, providing coaching and diagnostics to prepare companies for diverse leadership, and using data-driven strategies to track progress and spotlight areas for growth. Every dollar fuels our mission to build more inclusive, effective boardrooms. This Giving Tuesday, join us in building a more inclusive future. We've made 265 introductions—were you one of them? Help us make even more as we finish out 2024. Your donation will directly impact board diversity, fueling change for a future where inclusivity is the standard, not the exception. https://lnkd.in/gP3cqjqN #GivingTuesday #WomenOnBoards #BoardRoom #Donate

As we close out the month of gratitude, it’s time for our Women On Boards Monthly Roundup! We’re excited (and grateful!) to celebrate the women stepping into new board roles this month. Let’s give a big round of applause to: Alison Levin, Nada Aried, Molly Langenstein, Denny Post, Leslie Norwalk, Shamla Naidoo, Michelle Carnahan, April Lane and Bela M.! Your vision and expertise will undoubtedly make waves in your new positions. Here’s to driving progress and making an impact! #MonthlyRoundup #WomenOnBoards #LeadershipInAction

It’s the season of gratitude, and we’re feeling ALL the feels! 🔽 As we gather with loved ones and reflect on what we’re thankful for, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who makes our mission possible. To our incredible sponsors, thank you for believing in the power of diversity and for supporting our vision with such generosity. To our placements, thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey to board leadership—you inspire us daily with your strength and dedication. To our community, thank you for the unwavering support, engagement, and shared passion for change. And to our amazing team, thank you for your hard work, commitment, and heart—none of this would be possible without you. This season of Thanksgiving has us counting our blessings, and we’re filled with appreciation for each of you. Together, we’re building a future where every boardroom is more inclusive, and for that, we’re endlessly grateful. Wishing you all a warm and joyful holiday! #Gratitude #WomenOnBoards #HappyThanksgiving

It’s been a heavy month, and in truth, the past year has brought challenges that have left many of us feeling weary, even disheartened. In times like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and change. As we pause to reflect, we want to acknowledge this weight — the moments when resilience feels tough and hope seems distant. Yet, as we reflect, we are also reminded of a quiet but unbreakable truth: women supporting women is a light that doesn’t dim, even in the darkest times. Whether it’s lifting up our friends, inspiring our daughters, or making space for each other in the boardroom, our solidarity is a powerful, enduring source of strength and hope. As we move forward, let’s lean into that strength together and remember that it’s okay to feel the weight of what we’ve been through. Progress isn’t always easy or immediate, but together, we’re creating spaces where every woman’s voice is heard, every girl’s dreams are lifted, and every challenge we face brings us closer. The future may still feel uncertain, but we know this: we’re building it side by side, and the road ahead will be brighter because we’re walking it together.

This Women Entrepreneurs Day, let’s spotlight the women who bring fresh energy and purpose to everything they touch. Leaders like our placement Karina Kogan—a digital wellness strategist who’s taken Pvolve and ŌURA Ring to new heights—are showing us what it means to lead with vision and tech innovation in wellness Then there’s Maura Mottolese, who transformed Tate's Bake Shop into a household name, proving that dedication to quality and authenticity builds brands people genuinely love. And Caitlin Landesberg, founder of Sufferfest Beer Company, who merged her passion for the outdoors with her craft, creating a brand rooted in community and active lifestyles. Today, we celebrate these inspiring women for redefining what it means to lead and build with passion. Here’s to the founders and CEOs who make us want to aim higher and dream bigger. #WomenEntrepreneursDay #Leadership #Inspiration