In a groundbreaking event on November 14, 2023, the Global Conversation on Board Diversity by 50/50 Women on Boards (50/50WOB) highlighted business leaders committed to achieving gender balance and diversity on corporate boards. EY was selected the Premier Global Sponsor, while Mastercard, Wells Fargo, Equilar, McKesson, and Jamison were recognized for their essential contributions to the cause.
According to Kris Pederson, Americas Leader of the EY Center for Board Matters, "women on boards can positively impact organizations' profitability and productivity by bringing their diverse skills and experiences to organizational governance."
The event was the finale of a series of 20 strategic networking sessions held in six countries, with over 400 business executives and board directors in attendance. Thanks to more than 200 sponsors and in-kind contributions, the annual broadcast educated approximately 4,000 women leaders and equipped them with tools to pursue board seats.
Heather Spilsbury, CEO of 50/50WOB, expressed gratitude to sponsors and supporters, highlighting their essential role in achieving the goal of having at least 50% of corporate board seats held by women and at least 20% held by women of colour. In order to develop their careers, the association actively provides strategic networking opportunities for women by connecting them with influential company directors.
The event also featured discussions with leaders from major organizations and recognized the finalists of the "50 Women to Watch for Boards," a group of exceptionally competent women ready to contribute to the boards of public corporations. The Global Conversation on Board Diversity is raising awareness and demand for diverse and gender-balanced boards, which will have an influence on corporate governance in the future.
