Breaking Barriers, Building Businesses

Report to Members

By Michele N. Siekerka, NJBIA President and CEO On Aug 27, 2025

Empowering more women to lead through corporate board directorship reached a significant milestone this year: female directors have finally broken the 30% barrier!

In Q1 of 2025, women held 30.4% of corporate board seats on the Russell 3000 Index, the largest publicly traded US companies. That is a 14-percentage point increase from 2017 when only 16% of the Russell 3000 board seats were held by women.

However, the global nonprofit 50/50 Women on Boards, which tracks this with its data partner Equilar, is not breaking out the champagne just yet – and neither should we. The pace of progress has slowed, only a 1% year-over-year increase in recent years, down from the 3% increase in 2021. In 2024, 81% of new female board directors came by way of corporate expansion to ensure there were ample seats at the table for their participation.

The 50/50 Women on Boards Gender Diversity Index shows New Jersey corporations have kept pace with their counterparts in states where 20 or more Russell 3000 public companies are headquartered. As of Q1 of 2025, 30.1% of publicly traded New Jersey companies have women board members, and 14.3% of those boards are gender balanced.

Yes, progress has been made, but more opportunities await. The New Jersey Women Business Leaders Forum, powered by Citizens, is one of those opportunities. This event will draw more than 500 professionals on Sept. 17-18 to learn from experts, be inspired, and make key connections that will expand their professional networks and opportunities for advancement.

This is the largest annual professional women’s conference in New Jersey today, and is distinguished from others by its energy, deep-dive leadership training sessions and the way it spotlights the incredible achievements of women leaders. Speakers who share their insights and inspiring professional journeys motivate all who hear their stories to pursue leadership roles, whether in the boardroom or elsewhere in their organizations and communities.

And while the name “Women” might suggest otherwise, don’t be fooled. Men have increased their participation year over year, proving that building leadership is at the center of the programming. 

The WBLF is not only for those on corporate career paths. Entrepreneurs, students, and professionals in the nonprofit sector also attend to learn, grow, and build successful businesses. With over 50+ speakers, six workshops, 15 breakout sessions and inspiring TED-style talks, this year’s WBLF is a professional opportunity not to be missed.

Ladies and gentlemen alike, whether you are just starting your career, or well on your way, this conference will empower you. To find out more, scan the QR code on this page. See you in Somerset on Sept. 17! 

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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