By: Career Mastered Staff
As more women prepare for corporate, private, and nonprofit board leadership, several organizations are opening doors through education, networking, and advocacy. Whether you’re just beginning your board journey or seeking your next seat, these resources can help you chart your path.
1. National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD)
A membership organization for board directors, NACD offers education, credentialing, and peer networks to strengthen board governance across industries.
Website: www.nacdonline.org
2. Private Directors Association
(PDA)
Focused on private company boards, PDA provides board-readiness programs, certificate training, and matching services that connect executives with board opportunities.
Website: www.privatedirectors.org
3. 50/50 Women on Boards
A global campaign advocating for gender balance in corporate boardrooms. The organization produces an annual Gender Diversity Index and trains women for board readiness. Website: www.5050wob.com
4. Black Women on Boards (BWOB)
An influential network championing Black female executives for corporate, private, and nonprofit board roles. BWOB offers mentorship, visibility, and pathways to board placement.
Website: www.bwob.io
5. The Boardlist
A curated digital marketplace connecting CEOs, investors, and board recruiters with highly qualified women candidates recommended by their peers. Website: www.theboardlist.com
6. African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI)
Dedicated to expanding Black leadership on nonprofit, public, and private boards through training, mentorship, and placement initiatives. Website: www.aabli.org.
7. Catalyst
A global nonprofit advancing women in leadership through research, corporate partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen the pipeline for women board directors. Website: www.catalyst.org
8. BoardSource
Focused on nonprofit governance, BoardSource offers training, tools, and board-matching resources to help women step into meaningful nonprofit leadership.
Website: www.boardsource.org
Pro Tip: Build Your Own Board Prospectus
Create a Board Prospectus—a personal profile outlining your expertise, leadership achievements, and the value you bring to a board. It’s your professional passport to board service. Think of it as your personal marketing packet for board service — more comprehensive than a bio.
It includes:
- Your Board Bio
- A summary of expertise and industry experience
- Examples of strategic impact or governance experience
- A list of target industries or board types you’re pursuing
- Any certifications or board-readiness training (e.g.,NACD, PDA)
It’s often used when approaching recruiters, board nominating committees, or organizations.
BY: Career Mastered Staff
