ELLEVATE NETWORKWOMEN ON BOARDS: BOARD READINESS EVENT

By Kate Liebelt, President, Ellevate Network, Chicago Chapter, January 2025

“If the CEO of a company is the lead singer, the board of directors is the rhythm section.” – What is a Board of Directors? McKinsey, July 2023

Like the steady, underlying pulse of a great song, a strong Board makes a strong company. Boards provide vision, direction and oversight of public and private companies and not for profits. And therefore, Boards ultimately wield immeasurable power and influence over the economy and society.

Not surprising, the path to securing a coveted corporate board seat is circuitous, complicated and highly nuanced. Board members are selected based on their business leadership performance, expertise, and professional and personal networks. Timing and luck play a key role in securing a Board seat. Once they prove themselves, experienced Board members are often inundated with exciting, lucrative Board roles. Seasoned Board members get their pick of opportunities aligned with their values and interests. Conversely, executives just beginning their journey to Board Service are overwhelmed with the foundational Board requirements as well as the unwritten rules of networking to get a Board role.

To demystify and inspire the path to Board service, Ellevate Network hosted the Women on Boards: Board Readiness Event in partnership with Greenberg Traurig and Scharf Banks Marmor. These tripartite collaborators have a shared mission to connect women to Board opportunities and mentors. The event featured a private screening of OnBoard the Film which follows the journey of Black women on corporate boards and executive roles. The screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring internationally recognized corporate and media luminaries who shared their personal stories and words of wisdom around the path to Board service. Approximately 70 attendees enjoyed an evening of wisdom, inspiration, and collegiality.

About OnBoard the Film

OnBoard the Film is a documentary highlighting the experiences of Black women serving on corporate boards. The documentary explores the stories of the pioneering black women who led the way such as Patricia Roberts Harris who served on IBM’s Board, to modern day pioneers in finance, technology, consumer brands, life sciences and more. The film highlights the challenges, triumphs, and systemic barriers that Black women face in securing board positions. Through personal stories, expert insights, and industry data, OnBoard sheds light on the importance of board diversity and the impact of inclusive leadership on corporate governance and financial performance.

The Panelists

Panelists for this program were carefully selected based on their leadership, expertise and experience, and eminence across industries. Board service requires a unique blend of strategic oversight, industry expertise, and a commitment to governance. The following accomplished professionals bring a wealth of experience across media, finance, corporate strategy, law, and brand development—offering valuable insights into effective board leadership.

Cheryl Burton – Media Leadership & Public Engagement

As a 17-time Emmy Award-winning anchor at ABC 7 Chicago, Cheryl Burton has built a career delivering impactful journalism that highlights social issues and underrepresented communities. Her expertise in communication, storytelling, and public trust makes her a strong asset in boardrooms, where transparency and messaging are critical.

Shannon Nash – Finance, Technology & Board Diversity Advocacy

A seasoned Silicon Valley executive, Shannon Nash serves on the boards of NetScout Systems, SoFi Bank, and Lazy Dog Restaurants, bringing deep financial and governance expertise. As an attorney, CPA, and Qualified Financial Expert, her broad skill set strengthens corporate oversight. Additionally, through her film OnBoard, she champions the importance of diverse board representation.

Deidra Merriwether – Corporate Finance & Strategic Growth

As the Senior Vice President and CFO of W.W. Grainger, Deidra Merriwether oversees financial operations, corporate strategy, and investor relations for a Fortune 500 company. Her extensive leadership background—spanning engineering, M&A, and operations—equips her to provide financial acumen and operational excellence in board settings. She currently serves on the board of Weyerhaeuser Company and Ravinia Music Festival and has served on not-for-profit boards such as Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Desirée Rogers – Brand Strategy, Market Expansion, Public Service

A transformational business leader, Desirée Rogers has led major organizations, including Black Opal Beauty, Johnson Publishing, and the White House Office of Social Secretary under President Obama. Renowned for her ability to drive business reinvention and expand market reach, her experience in corporate strategy and brand development makes her an influential voice on boards seeking growth and inclusivity.

Marisa Murillo – Legal Expertise & Complex Financial Transactions

As a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, Marisa Murillo specializes in structuring and negotiating high-stakes finance deals across industries. With over 20 years of experience, she has advised clients on transactions ranging from millions to billions of dollars. Her legal expertise, particularly in corporate finance, is invaluable for governance, risk management, and strategic decision-making in board roles for several art museums and the Hispanic National Bar Association.

These executives exemplify the diverse expertise needed for effective board service, each contributing unique perspectives from their industries to drive corporate success and governance excellence.

Panel Highlights

The panelists engaged in a fascinating discussion that is best described as authentic, passionate, and invaluable for anyone on a Board or desiring to serve on a Board. The OnBoard screening served as a catalyst to spark conversation that drove to the heart of why executives choose to serve on Boards, how they secured their first Board seat, and how they are bringing others up into Board roles.

Moderator Cheryl Burton set the tone, emphasizing the power and influence in the room, stating, “We are going to learn, lift, love, and add light tonight.” The discussion that followed was a candid and empowering exchange of insights on navigating board opportunities, leveraging networks, and ensuring that diverse voices are heard at the highest levels.

Shannon Nash shared her motivation behind OnBoard the Film, explaining how a lack of accurate historical documentation about the first Black woman on a corporate board drove her to take action. “When you Googled the first Black woman on a board, you didn’t get Patricia Roberts Harris,” she revealed. “That’s a lack of our history being too oral. I knew we had to make this film to correct history.” Nash also discussed the importance of networking and mentorship, urging aspiring board members to understand the board selection process and actively position themselves for consideration.

Deidra Merriwether reflected on her early experiences in board service, recounting how her first corporate board role at Sears Canada shaped her strategic thinking. She stressed the importance of financial preparedness and long-term career planning. “I was looking at my retirement plan and realized this was another job I could do,” she said. Merriwether highlighted how board participation not only provides financial benefits but also expands leadership opportunities within corporations. She emphasized the need for mentorship, adding, “I don’t like the concept of mentors. I like friends—people I can call.”

Desirée Rogers spoke about the careful selection of board members and the responsibility of board service. She reflected on her journey, learning from influential leaders like John Rogers' mother, who served on 17 corporate boards. “At 25, I saw her books and binders, and I thought, ‘What is she studying?’ That was my introduction to what a corporate board really is.” Rogers also warned against joining boards for the wrong reasons, advising, “You need to be really smart about whether they will allow you to have a voice at the table. No matter what the money is, you have to ask yourself: Am I enjoying this?”

Marisa Murillo underscored the power of board service in amplifying underrepresented voices and advancing personal and professional goals. She emphasized that serving on boards should be intentional and values-driven. “I became really passionate about participating only with museums that had exhibitions and programming that represented who I am and what I stand for,” she shared. Murillo urged women of color to recognize their influence in corporate and nonprofit spaces, reinforcing that “we are the future, and we have to use our power.” The panel concluded with a call to action: supporting and mentoring the next generation, ensuring that board diversity continues to grow, and standing firm in the face of political and corporate resistance to inclusion.

Advice for Getting on a Corporate Board

1.Leverage Your Unique Expertise and Network Strategically

Board selection is not just about qualifications; it’s about timing, connections, and the specific needs of the organization. Shannon Nash emphasized the importance of positioning yourself strategically, saying, “Every year, boards look at a matrix of skills they need. You could be the best CFO, but if they’re looking for an HR expert, you won’t get picked.” Building relationships with key decision-makers and making your expertise known in the right circles is essential. Joining nonprofit boards, professional organizations, and networking groups such as How Women Lead or the Private Directors Association can increase your visibility and credibility as a board candidate.

2. Understand the Role of a Board Member—You Are Not the Operator

One of the most common mistakes aspiring board members make is misunderstanding their role. Desirée Rogers cautioned, “If you even hint that you don’t understand the role of a board, you’re out.” Boards are responsible for strategic oversight, not day-to-day operations. Deidra Merriwether shared how she learned this firsthand: “I had to remind myself that I was a strategic advisor, not the operator.” Successful board members provide high-level guidance, ask the right questions, and support leadership without overstepping.

3. Choose Boards That Align with Your Values and Career Goals

Board service should be about more than just prestige—it should align with your passions and long-term goals. Marisa Murillo shared how she became selective about the boards she joined, saying, “I now only participate in institutions that truly represent who I am and what I stand for.” Similarly, Rogers advised being intentional about board choices: “No matter the money, you have to ask: Am I enjoying this? Does this align with my values?” Whether it’s a corporate or nonprofit board, ensure the mission and leadership culture resonate with you.

The panelists reinforced that breaking into board leadership requires preparation, patience, and persistence. Aspiring board members should seek mentorship, develop their personal brand, and be strategic about the opportunities they pursue. As Nash summed up, “Nobody gets on a board alone—someone has to support your candidacy. Be ready when that moment comes.”

Summary

At the end of the program, attendees had the opportunity to network with the speakers, hosts and each other. It was evident that important introductions were made and new relationships were formed. We are all on a shared journey to increase diversity of thought and experience on Boards to drive corporate performance.