Alumnae Initiatives

The Board Institute plays an important role in how best to position oneself for board service.  In addition, DirectWomen has multiple initiatives designed to support Board Institute Alumnae in their board search. For more information about any of the initiatives below, please contact Kelsey Vuillemot (kvuillemot@52.86.209.117) or call DirectWomen at (833) 239-6636.

Board Search Announcements

Corporate leaders and partnering non-profits periodically contact DirectWomen for help finding eligible director candidates. When we receive these requests, we alert the alumnae network and encourage those interested to submit updated resumes.

Alumnae-Only Calls

DirectWomen hosts alumnae-only calls to reinforce what alumnae learned at the Board Institute and to help them to stay “on track” with their board searches. The calls provide an opportunity for alumnae to learn from those who have successfully secured boards seats, share challenges and successes, discuss topics of interest to the group, and provide support for one another. Email Kelsey Vuillemot (kvuillemot@52.86.209.117) for information about upcoming quarterly calls.  

Regional Groups

DirectWomen organizes its alumnae into six regional groups. Regional co-chairs organize informal get-togethers and small regional events for alumnae. The groups facilitate networking and generate board opportunities on a regional level.

SUCCESS STORIES

Christina Ibrahim

Christina Ibrahim is a Global Business Executive and Legal Expert who brings extensive international and domestic experience as General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Board Member,

Kimberly T. Ellwanger

Kimberly Ellwanger serves as a board member of Heritage Bank, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Olympia, WA, with 67 branches in Washington and Oregon, and Heritage Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:

Diane C. Honda

Diane Honda is a public board director and CXO who accelerates growth for mid to large technology companies by creating the people, operational, and governance frameworks needed to scale. Diane