Celebrating the Global Women on Boards Class of 2024 in Paris
The Global Women On Boards (GWOB) Class of 2024 celebrated their graduation with a three-day gathering in Paris, reflecting on their transformative six-month journey and envisioning the future of board leadership. Before arriving in Paris, the 2024 Class attended the first Global Women on Boards Network Summit in Milan. The program, designed to empower women aspiring to corporate governance roles, culminated in an inspiring blend of learning, connection, and celebration at the Columbia Global Paris Center.
The program began at Reid Hall, the Paris home of the Columbia Global Centers, where delegates from Kenya, Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Puerto Rico met in person for the first time. The energy in the room was palpable as participants reflected on their GWOB journey and explored ways the program can further support their ambitions in corporate boardrooms.
The day continued with a visit to the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), France's financial regulatory authority. Delphine Perez provided a comprehensive overview of AMF’s governance structure and shared insights into how regulators are adapting to evolving financial landscapes, including the rise of digital assets and sustainable finance.
“The impact of Global Women on Boards' work cannot be overstated. Through their comprehensive six-month digital training program, they empower women from around the world to pursue leadership positions in various industries. Supported by a robust network of mentors and alumnae, participants gain not only the confidence but also the critical skills needed to excel in governance and leadership roles. This initiative goes beyond skill-building; it fosters a sense of community, provides invaluable networking opportunities, and inspires a new generation of women to break barriers and shape the future of global leadership.
At Reid Hall, we are honored to host their graduation ceremonies, which serve as a testament to the transformative impact and profound value of their work.”
– Brunhilde Biebuyck, Director of Reid Hall and the Columbia Global Paris Center
The GWOB program is a six-month initiative aimed at equipping women with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship needed to excel in corporate governance. Each participant is paired with an experienced mentor who provides personalized guidance, ensuring the mentee is prepared to navigate boardroom challenges effectively. Some mentors, such as Kristen Davis, founder and CEO of CinqC, participate every year. The program emphasizes board diversity, fostering better decision-making and enhanced business outcomes by integrating varied perspectives. GWOB is a partnership between LeadWomen Malaysia, the Women on Boards Network Kenya, and the Nairobi and the Paris Columbia Global Centers. There are offices in Nairobi, Kenya and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
A hallmark of the program is its culmination in rigorous board simulations, which allow participants to apply their learning in real-world scenarios and receive valuable feedback from qualified observers.
The Global Women on Boards (GWOB) program is a six-month initiative designed to prepare and empower women for effective board leadership through a structured and immersive learning experience. The program is divided into three key pillars: Learn, Build, and Engage, with the first two phases focusing on building a strong foundation for strategic and effective board participation.
The Learn phase lays the groundwork for participants to develop essential skills and knowledge through workshops, while the Build phase deepens participants' understanding of the technical aspects of board governance.
The Paris Global Center hosted the Engage phase of the 2024 program, which included board simulations and the graduation ceremony. Brunhilde Biebuyck, Director of the Paris Global Center, and Marie Doezema, Senior Special Projects Manager, opened the proceedings, reflecting the Center's commitment to supporting global leadership development. Beyond the ceremonies, the Paris Global Center managed essential logistics, such as coordinating visits, meals, and transportation, ensuring the event ran smoothly.
The Nairobi Columbia Global Center is another critical partner in the GWOB initiative. Collaborating with Women on Boards Kenya, the Nairobi Center supports the program by promoting diversity in corporate leadership and strengthening regional connections. The director of the Nairobi Global Center, Murugi Ndirangu, was unable to attend this year’s graduation, but has supported the program from its inception. This year, Catherine Musakali, a founding member and chair of WOBN, and Anne Abraham of LeadWomen Malaysia attended the graduation. The program was organized by Liza Liew, with the support of Sheila Nelima.
As the Class of 2024 departs Paris, their accomplishments highlight the transformative impact of the GWOB program. With the support of the Columbia Global Centers and a robust network of mentors and peers, these women are poised to bring new perspectives and leadership to boardrooms worldwide.
The GWOB mission resonates far beyond Paris, inspiring a global movement toward more inclusive leadership.