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Women in the Boardroom Panel
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the Women in the Boardroom Panel on Monday, April 12. Our esteemed panelists shared their personal journeys into becoming a board member, what they wish they had known before landing their first seats, practical advice about how to become board ready and much more. If you did not have an opportunity to watch live, or if you would like to re-watch the panel discussion, the recording is now available to view on-demand.
Women in the Boardroom Scholarship Program
The Women in the Boardroom Scholarship Program was created to offer a professional development opportunity to women who are interested in joining a board of directors and help to maximize interest in them by board nominating committees. The scholarship will cover up to the entire cost of WELD Board Training and Placement Programs. The Scholarship Program is jointly sponsored by WV Women Moving Forward and the WVU Women’s Leadership Initiative. Interested applicants must reside in West Virginia.
If you would like to request scholarship assistance, please fill out the Women in the Boardroom Scholarship Program Application.
Women in the Boardroom Panel
April 12, 2021 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Zoom Webinar
While the number of women on boards of directors is increasing, progress towards greater diversity on boards remains slow. Since 2017, participation of women in the boardroom has slowly increased from 17 percent to 23 percent. And since it has been shown that improved decision-making, better financial performance, and greater collaboration and innovation are just some of the benefits of diverse and inclusive boards, this progress is painfully slow. How can we improve these numbers? And do you have the potential to have a seat in the boardroom?
These firsthand accounts from our panel of exceptional women with board experience will cover their firsthand knowledge plus their thoughts on:
- How we can increase the number of West Virginian women on boards of directors
- How one can be intentional and proactive in strategizing about how to join a board
- Credible programs that can help women get proper training to join boards
West Virginia Women Moving Forward is hosting this virtual panel. Collaborative partners that are involved in this effort include: the WVU Women’s Leadership Initiative, the WV Public Education Collaborative, the WV Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, Marshall University and the Women for Economic and Leadership Development.
WV Women Moving Forward will be giving away two copies of “Women and Leadership: Journey Toward Equity” to event attendees! This is the first comprehensive textbook to be published on this important topic. Winners will be announced in a follow-up email after the event.
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Beth Casey
Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council
Beth Casey is the Chief Executive Officer at Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council and is based in Charleston. Beth grew up in Girl Scouts and has earned her Silver Award and Gold Award. While she has been with Black Diamond for 12 years, she has worked for Girl Scouts for 28 years.
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Lisa DeFrank-Cole
Professor and Director, West Virginia University Leadership Studies Program
Dr. Lisa DeFrank-Cole is an author, leadership coach, and educator with more than 20 years of experience working in universities and in state-government. Lisa works with individuals and groups to support their leadership development through speaking, coaching, and teaching.
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Diana Lewis Jackson
President and CEO, Action Facilities Management, Inc.
Diana has always prioritized those around her, both in business and in her personal life. She mentors other women- and minority-owned businesses in West Virginia and beyond and was a leading board member of Members of Diversity, a local nonprofit for underserved youth that provided leadership, mentorship, and skill development.
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Gayle Conelly Manchin
Educator, Former First Lady of West Virginia and Former West Virginia Secretary of Education and the Arts
Gayle Conelly Manchin is a West Virginia educator. She previously served as Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Office of Education and the Arts and as a member of the State Board of Education, serving her last two years as President. Gayle is currently the Chair of the Board for Reconnecting McDowell, Inc.
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Jill Upson
Executive Director, Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs
Jill Upson is the Executive Director of the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs (HHOMA). She was appointed to this cabinet-level position in December 2018 after serving for four years in the West Virginia House of Delegates.
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Elizabeth Walker
Justice, Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia
Justice Beth Walker was elected to the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia on May 10, 2016, becoming the first Justice elected in a non-partisan race. She took office on January 1, 2017 and served as Chief Justice during calendar year 2019.
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Anna Williams
Student Body President, Marshall University
Anna Williams is a senior studying public communication and English at Marshall University. Williams made history in 2019 as part of the first-ever female ticket to be elected as Student Body President and Vice President at Marshall University.