Julie S. Janson
Julie Janson is executive vice president and chief executive officer for Duke Energy Carolinas. She has responsibility for regulatory and legislative affairs – and for the long-term strategic direction, growth
ABOUT US
The mission of DirectWomen is to increase the representation of women lawyers on corporate boards. DirectWomen identifies leading women lawyers from around the country who are able to provide the experience, independence, and business judgment required for board effectiveness. Through its various programs, DirectWomen develops and positions women attorney leaders for board service. It also serves as a resource for companies seeking qualified women board candidates.
DirectWomen is a national nonprofit that works to increase the representation of women lawyers on corporate boards. More than 40% of DirectWomen alumnae have been elected to serve on at least one corporate board.
OUR VALUE PROPOSITION
Research by Catalyst and many other organizations, including McKinsey & Company and Credit Suisse, reveals that companies with women board members, particularly those with three or more women board members, financially outperform, on average, those with fewer or no women board members.
Empirical studies indicate that lawyer-directors’ professional judgment, legal expertise, and familiarity with regulation and risk management improve the value and operation of the company.
Through its various programs, DirectWomen readies women attorney leaders for board service and serves as a resource for companies seeking qualified board candidates.
Do you know a company that is seeking qualified candidates for their board of directors? Find out more information about DirectWomen’s alumnae via our online database or email DirectWomen’s Executive Director, Shawn Taylor Kaminski, at skaminski@52.86.209.117 or call DirectWomen at (833) 239-6636 for specialized board recommendations.
OUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
DirectWomen is pleased to offer a variety of virtual video programs. For the latest registration information, visit our upcoming programs page.
SANDRA DAY O’CONNOR BOARD EXCELLENCE AWARD LUNCHEON
At the Luncheon, DirectWomen presents awards that celebrate women lawyer directors and excellence in board service. DirectWomen’s awards include: the Sandra Day O’Connor Board Excellence Award, the Distinguished Alumna Award, the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Corporate Board Award, and the Mary Ann Jorgenson Board Empowerment Award.
BOARD INSTITUTE
Each year DirectWomen identifies a small group of leading women lawyers from around the country to participate in the annual Board Institute based on an assessment of their ability to provide the experience, independence, and business judgment required for board effectiveness. The Board Institute provides working sessions designed to help participants develop their value proposition and personal board-search strategies.
INTERNATIONAL BOARDS PROGRAM
In 2023, DirectWomen hosted its first-ever program outside the United States, Unlocking the Secrets of International Board Opportunities, in London. The sold-out program brought together more than 100 CEOs, board directors, search firm executives, general counsel, top law firm leaders, and aspiring board directors.
Seeing a demand for DirectWomen’s unique programming abroad, the organization held its International Boards Program again in 2024 at the United States of America Embassy in London. The program sold-out again in 2024, with nearly double the capacity.
The 2025 International Boards Program will be held at the London Stock Exchange in June.
SUCCESS STORIES
Peggy A. Heeg
Peggy Heeg is an experienced corporate director and business leader who has served in executive and board leadership positions for numerous public and private companies. She has significant audit committee,
Karen King
Karen King is a Managing Director of Silver Lake, the world’s leading large-scale technology investment firm, with over $80 billion in assets under management and committed capital. Silver Lake differentiates