DirectWomen at a Glance

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

Research by Catalyst and many other organizations, including McKinsey & Company and Credit Suisse, reveals that companies with women board members, particularly those with three or more women board members, financially outperform, on average, those with fewer or no women board members.

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 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.

OUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
DirectWomen is pleased to offer a variety of virtual video programs. To watch past programs, visit our on-demand virtual programs library.

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.


BOARD INSTITUTE
The annual Board Institute is a key way in which DirectWomen fulfills its mission.

More than 285 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. The program sold-out again in 2024, with nearly double the capacity.

The 2025 International Boards Program will be held at the London Stock Exchange in June.

SUCCESS STORIES

Peggy A. Heeg

Peggy Heeg is an experienced corporate director and business leader who has served in executive and board leadership positions for numerous public and private companies. She has significant audit committee,

Teresa M. Sebastian

Teresa Sebastian is a C-Suite executive and board member. She has spent two decades in boardrooms driving strategy, participating in the creation of shareholder value, and implementing best practices. Sebastian

Loria B. Yeadon

Loria Yeadon is President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, where she has re-aligned the organizational structure for greater impact and efficiency, built a dream senior leadership team,