DirectWomen at a Glance

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ABOUT US

The mission of DirectWomen is to increase the representation of women lawyers on corporate boards.

Nearly 40% of DirectWomen alumni have been elected to serve on at least one corporate board.

OUR VALUE PROPOSITION

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Empirical studies indicate that lawyer-directors’ professional judgment, legal expertise, and familiarity with regulation and risk management improve the value and operation of the company.

Do you know a company that is seeking qualified candidates for their board of directors? Find out more information about DirectWomen’s alumnae email DirectWomen’s Executive Director, Shawn Taylor Kaminski, at skaminski@directwomen.org or call DirectWomen at (833) 239-6636 for specialized board recommendations.

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OUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS

WEBINARS
DirectWomen is pleased to offer quarterly webinars on topics related to board service.

SANDRA DAY O’CONNOR BOARD EXCELLENCE AWARD LUNCHEON
At the Luncheon, DirectWomen presents awards that celebrate lawyer directors and excellence in board service. DirectWomen’s awards include: the Sandra Day O’Connor Board Excellence Award, the Distinguished Alumna Award, the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Corporate Board Award, and the Mary Ann Jorgenson Board Empowerment Award. Do you know a company that is seeking qualified candidates for their board of directors? Find out more information about DirectWomen’s alumni via our online database or email DirectWomen’s Executive Director, Shawn Taylor Kaminski, at skaminski@directwomen.org or call DirectWomen at (833) 239-6636 for specialized board recommendations.

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BOARD INSTITUTE
The annual Board Institute is a key way in which DirectWomen fulfills its mission. This highly-selective program positions board-ready women lawyers for board service.

More than 300 lawyers have participated in the Board Institute over the past 18 years and provide a rich pool of director candidates. 

INTERNATIONAL BOARDS PROGRAM
In 2023, DirectWomen hosted its first-ever program outside the United States, Unlocking the Secrets of International Board Opportunities, in London. The sold-out program brought together more than 100 CEOs, board directors, search firm executives, general counsel, top law firm leaders, and aspiring board directors.

Seeing a demand for DirectWomen’s unique programming abroad, the organization held its International Boards Program again in 2024 at the United States of America Embassy in London and in 2025 at the London Stock Exchange.

Check back for details on the 2026 International Boards program.

SUCCESS STORIES

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Sylvia J. Kerrigan

Sylvia Kerrigan has over a decade of experience in the boardroom as a director and former executive for the industrial, transportation, and energy sectors.

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Maureen Brundage

Maureen Brundage is an accomplished corporate board member, global C-suite executive, and international business leader who has worked across diverse industries. Throughout her career, she has been a trusted advisor.

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Susan S. Lanigan

Susan Lanigan has over thirty years of professional experience as a senior executive of three publicly-traded retail companies, as a current member of the boards of directors of two publicly-traded.

Direct Women is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 83-3461885.

Contact Shawn Kaminski for Support

skaminski@directwomen.org