In Their Own Words, With Purpose & Heart
We asked some current members of Black Women on Boards to reflect on how their involvement has enriched their professional journey and personal growth. We’re pleased to share their reflections here.
BWOB Member
Kim Thompson
Former Principal, PwC
“I joined two professional networks of senior executive women a year or so ago but will be renewing my membership only in one: Black Women on Boards. I have found BWOB’s carefully curated and unique events, programs and materials infinitely more valuable and enjoyable than the offerings of any other professional networking organization. Moreover, BWOB’s leaders and its members and the individuals from its partnering organizations are among the most insightful, inspiring yet still accessible and warm executives I’ve ever met.”
BWOB Member
Lori George
Board Director, Shake Shack
“Of all the groups I belong to, BWOB is the one I feel where I’ve found my tribe. When I get an invitation from BWOB I respond ASAP because I know it’s going to be an impactful experience with meaningful connections. If there's one thing I've learned on my board journey, it's that you must use your voice when you have a seat at that table and make sure that people who look like you get senior level exposure and roles.”
BWOB Member
Jean Harvey Johnson
SVP, AI Enablement & Process Optimization, Fiserv
"Across the history of my membership, I have received a thoughtful, relevant and interesting board opportunity every other month. No other program comes near that level of targeted access. For anyone looking for Black women leaders, focus here because this organization is where black women leaders want to be, where they are visible and valued."
BWOB Member
Bonita Stewart
Board Director, PagerDuty & Deckers Brands
“When I think about my experience to date with BWOB, I'm most impressed by the caliber of the connections and the genuine desire to collaborate and uplift one another. It's a truly supportive community."
BWOB Member
Nicole Lamb-Hale
Chief Legal Officer, Cummins
“I wish I had known sooner about the sisterhood that is Black Women on Boards. I appreciate being among such accomplished women who can relate to the opportunities and challenges faced by Black women in our pursuit of, and service on, corporate boards.”
BWOB Member
Seline Miller
Chief Financial Officer
“I wish this organization existed 30 years ago! So inspiring, empowering, and exhilarating. Every aspect of BWOB embodies collaboration, community, and endless personal support, for which we're all so grateful.”
BWOB Member
Lakecia Gunter
Former Chief Technology Officer, Global Partner Solutions, Microsoft
"What I'd like prospective Black Women on Boards members to know is that this is one of the most amazing communities of women! Women who will support you, who will lift you up, and who will help you achieve your career and board aspirations!" #sistersforlife
BWOB Member
Nichelle Maynard-Elliott
Board Director, Lucid Motors & Xerox
“What I love and appreciate most about BWOB is that members leave titles and other affiliations at the door. We come together as Black women in differing stages of our careers and board journeys to support and encourage each other, to help open doors and to spur each other on to success and excellence. Iron truly sharpens iron in this space. We remember that we are not alone and we are gaining ground together against all odds.”
BWOB Member
Crystal Willams
President, Rhode Island School of Design
“BWOB creates an amazingly warm, supportive environment and culture. The events are full of delight, generosity, celebration, and sincere excitement for and dedication to the advancement of others – always substantive, serious, and productive. I have been part of many endeavors and groups and cannot remember feeling so warmly embraced and so fed.”
BWOB Member
Melique Jones
EVP & Chief People Officer, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
“A common thread among the executives I've met via BWOB is the remarkable generosity and authenticity they bring to the community. Incredible expertise and impact are table stakes for this group; what stands out is the readiness to share perspectives, be a resource and encourage each other that so many BWOB members and friends consistently demonstrate. When I go home from a BWOB event, I feel unstoppable.”
BWOB Member
Karen Walker Johnson
Interim CEO, Clever Care Health Plan
“I’m selective in joining organizations and have found BWOB to be one of my best choices. The richness of the event content, the incomparable advice and education that I’ve received but as important, the genuineness of the relationships built and the willingness to be supportive on a sometimes, very difficult board governance journey are unmatched. Feeling blessed to be a part of this community.”
BWOB Member
Karesha McGee
CEO, Allana Advisory Services
“I'm always struck by the caliber of conversations I have with BWOB members. We go IN, and it is such a treat. It's rare that you attend an event that encourages balancing the professional with the personal. The blend of topics at the summit – from art collecting to theater fundraising to first-time audit chairs to dealing with challenging board dynamics -- is the mix of speakers and topics you didn’t know you needed!”
BWOB Member
Jennifer Montague
President & COO, Columbia Gas of Virginia
“I am impressed with the high-quality programming that’s being provided to Black women executives at the top of their respective fields for board preparation, as well as the willingness to support and include new members as they work to reach their goals of corporate board service. And I've been in awe at the intentionality of Merline and Robin as they make connections with boards and private equity to increase the number of Black women on boards.”
BWOB Member
Shannon Nash
Board Director, NETSCOUT, SoFi, & Lazy Dog
“I was one of the first 18 women on the Zoom call that would become Black Women on Boards. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would grow into this powerful movement — a sisterhood that transformed my trajectory, leading to my first corporate board and opening doors for so many others.”
BWOB Member
Karla Martin
Board Director, Savage X Fenty & Ramy Brook
“BWOB is more than a professional organization; it is a community, a family, and the ultimate safe space. We unite to share wisdom, best practices, fellowship, and friendship that uplifts and amplifies all of our voices. Whenever I reach out to a woman in the group for advice or thought partnership the answer is always a swift "How can I help?" I am immensely honored and proud to be a part of this group whose legacy in shaping what boardrooms can and should look like is undeniable.”