Spring Prep and Powerful Progress: 200+ Women and Counting

As I prepare for our upcoming spring cohort of the ACE Board Certification program, I find myself reflecting on just how far we have come. Over 200 women have now completed this course and earned their certification as Corporate Directors. Even more inspiring? These women have gone on to fill well over 120 board seats.

That is the power of preparation, community, and courage.

Every season, I take time to review our curriculum, refine my presentation, and add insights that reflect today’s boardroom landscape. The world is changing fast, and what’s discussed in boardrooms, among shareholders, and by regulators shifts year to year. I want the women I train to walk into their first boardroom meeting feeling confident, current, and capable.

This is much more than theory, it’s about readiness. Real readiness.

What makes me so proud is watching our graduates complete the program and apply what they learn. They are getting interviews. They are getting selected. They are joining boards and stepping into leadership at the highest level. They are becoming part of the boardroom conversation.

After three decades in mining and finance, often as the only woman in the room, I was oblivious to how many accomplished, experienced candidates were out there. It took some curiosity to find them…. And I have. 

I found an incredible talent pool of astute, trustworthy, team-oriented candidates who absolutely deserve a seat at the table. And that’s when the vision for ACE really crystallized: to build a pipeline, to open doors, and to train new candidates for boards. 

It has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. Along the way, I have also had the privilege of working with outstanding allies and affiliates, mentors and peers who have supported this work and share the same goal: new, qualified candidates bringing fresh and experienced value for more effective boards.

Board work takes special backgrounds and drive from our leaders. It is demanding. It is high stakes.  For those who want to be part of the decisions that shape our companies, our industries, and even our societies, this is the place to be.