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About this event
In a dynamic panel discussion hosted by Nasdaq, key players in the realms of investment banking, board governance platforms, and private equity converge unravel the mysteries surrounding board candidate databases. Delving into the intricate landscape of corporate governance, the discussion sheds light on the plethora of platforms designed to connect board candidates with opportunities.
From established databases to emerging marketplaces, the panelists unveil the strategies and tactics necessary for board candidates to enhance their discoverability. Join this captivating salon to uncover the diverse array of candidate databases and gain invaluable knowledge on positioning yourself effectively in the competitive boardroom arena.
Experts
Belen Gomez Vice President Strategic Initiatives & Communications
Belen Gomez is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Communications and oversees operations and partnerships related to Equilar’s corporate governance research. She also leads Equilar’s Diversity Network (EDN) initiative focused on increasing diverse representation in boardrooms across the globe. Through the EDN program, Belen established partnerships with leading ethnic and gender diversity-focused organizations creating a “registry of registries” of board-ready executives. EDN partners include Catalyst, 30% Club, CalPERS and CalSTRS, Committee of Economic Development, among others.
With more than ten years in the corporate governance industry, Belen has extensive experience working with boards and senior executives from Silicon Valley start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Prior to joining Equilar, she managed executive leadership development and board recruitment practices where she worked closely with board leadership and potential candidates to place top board talent.
Belen often speaks publicly on board diversity and corporate governance matters, including events hosted by the Society for Corporate Governance, NASDAQ, Stanford Women on Boards, National Association of Stock Plan Professionals (NASPP), and Global Equity Organization (GEO). Her research on board composition and executive compensation has been cited in several regional, national, and trade publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Directorship, Directors & Boards, and Agenda
Deborah Ellinger Director; former Lead Independent Director
Deborah is a former CEO, a seasoned public company board director, and a Senior Advisor to Boston Consulting Group. She specializes in consumer-facing businesses, where she has achieved 10X returns by rebranding, adding services and content, expanding real estate, entering new distribution channels, and updating technology.
She led four Private Equity-backed (PE) companies over 15 years including Ideal Image MedSpas, The Princeton Review, Restoration Hardware, and Wellness Petfood. Earlier in her career she was a banker, an executive at Staples and CVS Pharmacy, and then a partner at Boston Consulting Group.
Deborah’s board experience includes Tupperware, iRobot, Covetrus, Interpublic Group, National Life Group, Sealy, and several private companies. She has been Lead Independent Director, Chair of many board committees, and has led numerous ad hoc committees during times of change. With deep experience in M&A, private equity, activist investor engagement, board governance, and women’s leadership, Ellinger earned recognition by the National Association of Corporate directors as a Top 100 Director in 2019. Deborah is a member of the Women Corporate Directors Foundation
Board.
Deborah is an engaging speaker, covering topics from the breakroom to the boardroom. Her talks draw from her tenure as a CEO and board member, emphasizing women’s leadership. She tackles topics such as boardroom strategy, governance, risk management, and activist investors. Recent audiences include the National Association of Corporate Directors, Women Corporate Directors, Harvard Business School and Boston Consulting Group.
Jeri Harman Awardee and Member
Jeri Harman is a seasoned executive, investor and entrepreneur who has built teams and markets for major institutional investors, and founded and run a highly successful private asset management business. Over the course of her career she has held (as an active board member or observer) Board roles in over 20 private middle market companies across the U.S. in a variety of industries, including healthcare, business services, consumer products, and industrial. She currently serves as Chairman of NN, Inc. (Nasdaq NNBR) and as a director of Engineered Performance Technologies.
As part of her investment and board roles, Ms. Harman has consistently provided advice on strategy, growth, management and organizational development, acquisitions and financial matters. Moreover, she is an expert in finance, M&A and capital markets issues and is a frequent speaker on these topics at conferences and symposiums across the country.
Ms. Harman is Founder & Chairman, and former CEO, of Avante Capital Partners. With over $900 million of capital under management, Avante makes debt and equity investments to finance buyouts, minority recaps, acquisitions and growth. In 2020, Avante was named One of the Most Innovative Firms in Commercial Finance by ABF Journal. In 2018, Avante was named Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) of the Year by the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The firm was also named Women-Owned Firm of the Year 2018 by Private Equity Women Investor Network.
Ms. Harman has over 35 years of financing and M&A experience, involving well over $1.5 billion in aggregate investments. Prior to founding Avante, Ms. Harman started-up and led the Los Angeles offices for two multi-billion dollar publicly traded private equity and mezzanine investment funds - American Capital and more recently Allied Capital, where she was also a member of Allied’s Investment Committee. Earlier career highlights include various senior level positions with Prudential Capital. She has served as a Steering Committee Member of PEWIN since its inception and was recently asked to join the PEWIN board.
She has received numerous recognitions over the years including most recently being named an Exceptional Women Awardee. Ms. Harman was named to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s LA 500 Most Influential People in Los Angeles in 2018 through 2022. In 2021 and 2022, the LA Times named her a Banking and Finance Visionary. In January 2016, Ms. Harman was on the cover of Mergers & Acquisitions magazine and named one of the Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A, a recognition she again received in 2017 through 2022. In March 2017, she was recognized as one of 15 Trailblazers by Buyouts Magazine. In 2013, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Los Angeles inducted Ms. Harman into their Hall of Fame.
Rebecca Thornton Managing Director and Head, Director Advisory Services
Over two decades of experience in director recruitment, board advisory services and CEO succession planning at J.P. Morgan, Spencer Stuart and Heidrick & Struggles. Over the course of her career she has advised over 2,000 companies across a wide range of industries and special situations including IPOs, SPACs, spins, activism defense and companies exiting bankruptcy. She has also worked with private equity firms, families and founders looking to evolve their governance models.
Selena Singleton Head Of Strategic Development
Selena Singleton is the Head of Strategic Development for Nasdaq’s Corporate Platforms Business. This branch of Nasdaq houses the listings business as well as an array of SaaS and Advisory offerings for both public and private companies. Selena is responsible for assessing both organic and inorganic expansion opportunities to optimize revenues, operations, and client success at all stages of a company’s lifecycle. Selena also leads Board Engagement for our listings business, ensuring that Directors in our ecosystem have access to our resources that will aid them in driving great governance.
Selena joined Nasdaq from Alibaba.com where she led partnerships building out the organization’s US operations. There, Selena managed P&L for customer acquisition via the partner network that she grew. Prior to Alibaba.com she was Director of Business Development at New York Life Ventures, sourcing strategic partnerships and investment opportunities for the entire firm.
Outside of Nasdaq, Selena serves as a mentor for startups at the Founder Institute. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and the Alvin Ailey Young Patrons Circle.
Selena has a bachelor’s degree from Howard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. In 2022 and 2024, she was recognized as one of Savoy Magazine’s most Influential Executives in Corporate America.
Hosts
Coco Brown CEO
Coco Brown is the Founder and CEO of Athena Alliance. Athena has helped thousands of leaders build their Portfolio of Impact and grow and advance in their executive careers. The company has also brought almost 500 women to corporate boards from growth stage private companies to name brand public companies. Coco has personally worked with hundreds of top leaders, CEOs and boards to evolve modern leadership. She’s served on ten commercial and non-profit boards and advisory boards, and has led two notable companies (Taos, acquired by IBM, and now Athena). She is part of Nasdaq's Governance Insights Council, and is often called on to share guidance to the evolving focus and breadth of responsibility within the Modern Boardroom. Coco was recently named one of the 100 Most Powerful People of Silicon Valley.
Tue, Jun 25 @ 12:00pm PT (0.75 hrs)
VIRTUAL (Join us remotely! RSVP for link)
Invite Only
Salon
Upcoming Events
Join us for a Salon or Meetup to get a peek inside our community! Peer Groups and Learning Circles are exclusively for members - log in here
- ALL events
- A Look Inside Athena
- Peer Group
- Salon
- Meetup
- Orientation
A Look Inside Athena
A Look Inside Athena is held monthly for prospect members to come and understand how Athena works. They will learn more about the backstory of Athena, see a tour of our platform, and have the opportunity to discuss more of what they are interested in and ask questions about joining our community.
Salons
Learn about the most pressing topics facing executives today in an intimate, yet casual, virtual setting. Hosted by board directors and leaders from the world's top brands.
Meetups
Gather with Athena members in your area for a casual, in-person Meetup. These are planned by request and hosted by Athena members in various cities. If you're interested in hosting and/or joining a meetup in the future, reach out to the Member Success Team and let them know.
Peer Groups
We have an incredible community of female leaders at Athena and we want to bring you closer together! Join a Peer Group and build a network of peers you can engage with for guidance, lessons learned and insights around a shared interest. Choose a topic that most interests you or drop in and out of multiple peer groups as it suits you best. You’ll find at least one peer group available to join every week. Each live session goes for one hour, no preparation is needed, just show up as you are. We look forward to seeing you there!
Learning Circles
A Learning Circle is an opportunity to connect with a small group of other Athena members in a focused yet casual setting, creating accountability around targeted learning to assist you in achieving your goals. Over the course of 6 sessions, club members will meet every 2 weeks to participate in an organic, peer-led discussion of the session's "chapters" consisting of 1-2 Athena salons which are to be reviewed on your own prior to the group session. When joining, members are committing to completing all 6 sessions.
Guided Networking
Typically led by one of Athena's coaches, networking events provide members an opportunity to meet one another in a smaller intimate and virtual setting.
Partner Events
These are typically in-person events led by Coco and our partnering companies on topics that are relevant to the industry and audience of our business partners.
Workshops
A workshop is an interactive session for members to actively practice something, such as their pitch. These sessions typically involve breakout rooms, member to member feedback and are not recorded.
Orientations
For members new to Athena looking for ways to engage, these bi-weekly orientations led by an Athena Member Success Manager, provide a live tour of Athena, member success insights, and a chance to get questions answered.
Enterprise Events
Athena customizes virtual learning events with expert business leaders tailored to a unique company’s needs. These events cultivate cross-functional community, development, and learning across the partner organization.
Other
Athena listens and we're always adding new event types and opportunities for members to engage. See what new events we are currently offering members.
No Upcoming Events Found.
Peer Group
Audit Committee
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Carol Coughlin, Katrinka McCallum
Fri, Dec 13 @ 11:00am PT (0.75 hrs)
Virtual (Join us remotely! RSVP for link)
Open to Public
A Look Inside Athena
Discover Athena: Inside Look and Conversation
Host: Justin Reeves
Peer Group
Life Sciences Professionals
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Barbara Troupin
Peer Group
Go-to-Market Leaders
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Rebecca Jones
Orientation
Athena Member Orientation
Host: Athena Member Success Manager
Peer Group
Board Readiness Course Alumnae
Host: Erin Essenmacher
Peer Group
Engineering and Product Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: SuiLin Yap
Salon
Chairing the Nominations and Governance Committee
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Alice Brennan
Salon
Women in Product x Athena: Executive Edge Info Session
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Carmen Palmer
Salon
Ripped from the Headlines: Risk, Crisis & Tech Governance in Turbulent Times with Andrea Bonime-Blanc
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Andrea Bonime-Blanc
Peer Group
Unleash Your Impact Alumnae
Host: Jocelyn King
Salon
How to Be a Human-Centered Leader and Stay Focused on Performance and Results
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Maria Ross
Salon
CHRO Perspectives with Jacqui Canney, CPO of ServiceNow: The Intersection of HR and AI
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Jacqui Canney
Meetup
Member Meetup: Holiday Happy Hour in Los Angeles (4:00-8:00 PM PT)
Host: Nicole Ward-Parr
Experts: Coco Brown
A Look Inside Athena
A Look Inside Athena
Host: Coco Brown
Peer Group
Compensation Committee
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Suja Chandrasekaran
Peer Group
First Time Board Members
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Cate Goethals
Peer Group
HR Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Geoff Balzano
Peer Group
Building a Company
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Coco Brown
Orientation
Athena Member Orientation
Host: Athena Member Success Manager
Fri, Jan 03 @ 11:00am PT (0.75 hrs)
Virtual (Join us remotely! RSVP for link)
Open to Public
A Look Inside Athena
Discover Athena: Inside Look and Conversation
Host: Justin Reeves
Peer Group
Navigating a Career Transition
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Cate Goethals
Salon
Strategies for Women at All Career Stages to Excel and Secure a Corporate Board Seat
Host: Rochelle Campbell
Experts: Keith Dorsey
Salon
The Leader's Voice Playbook
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Dia Bondi
Salon
CEO Perspectives with Walter Bugno, CEO of Games Global
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Walter Bugno, Sheila Bangalore
Peer Group
The Board and Beyond for Women in Law
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Alice Brennan
Mon, Jan 13 @ 12:00pm PT (0.5 hrs)
Virtual (Join us remotely! RSVP for link)
Open to Public
Salon
Info Session on Athena Academy Board Readiness Course
Host: Erin Essenmacher
Salon
Introduction to the Audit Committee
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Katrinka McCallum, Carol Coughlin
Peer Group
Fractional Executives
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Shelly Morales
Peer Group
Engineering and Product Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: SuiLin Yap
Salon
The Power of Mentorship
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Sheri Miksa
Salon
CHRO Perspectives with Karen Fascenda, CPO of Udemy
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Karen Fascenda, Belen Gomez
Peer Group
First Time Board Members
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Cate Goethals
Peer Group
HR Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Geoff Balzano
Peer Group
Life Sciences Professionals
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Barbara Troupin
Salon
Receiving Feedback Well
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Elena Krasnoperova
Peer Group
Black Women Thriving
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Julianna Hynes, Maeve Richard
Peer Group
Building a Company
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Coco Brown
Salon
Experienced Board Director AMA with Sheila Bangalore
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Sheila Bangalore
Peer Group
Navigating a Career Transition
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Cate Goethals
Salon
CHRO Perspectives with Tami Rosen, CPO of Pagaya
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Tami Rosen
Salon
When To Quit Your Job
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Kelli Dragovich
Meetup
Member Meetup: Leadership Luncheon in Pleasanton, CA (12:00-2:00 PM PT)
Host: Christine Heckart
Peer Group
The Board and Beyond for Women in Law
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Alice Brennan
Peer Group
Engineering and Product Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: SuiLin Yap
Peer Group
Fractional Executives
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Shelly Morales
Salon
Ethical and Responsible AI: A Governance Framework for Boards
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Sonita Lontoh
Salon
Nailing the Board Interview
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Nora Denzel
Peer Group
First Time Board Members
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Cate Goethals
Peer Group
HR Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Geoff Balzano
Peer Group
Life Sciences Professionals
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Barbara Troupin
Peer Group
Black Women Thriving
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Julianna Hynes, Maeve Richard
Peer Group
Building a Company
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Coco Brown
Peer Group
Navigating a Career Transition
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Cate Goethals
Salon
Board KPIs and Data Governance
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Helen Lin, Eli Potter
Salon
Understanding Your Offer and Negotiating Salaries
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Cynthia Abbott Kerr
Peer Group
The Board and Beyond for Women in Law
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Alice Brennan
Peer Group
Engineering and Product Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: SuiLin Yap
Peer Group
Fractional Executives
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Shelly Morales
Peer Group
First Time Board Members
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Cate Goethals
Peer Group
HR Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Geoff Balzano
Peer Group
Life Sciences Professionals
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Barbara Troupin
Peer Group
Black Women Thriving
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Julianna Hynes, Maeve Richard
Peer Group
Building a Company
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Coco Brown
Salon
Sustainable Innovation: At the Speed of Light and at the Edge of Space
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Rika Nakazawa
Peer Group
Navigating a Career Transition
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Cate Goethals
Peer Group
The Board and Beyond for Women in Law
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Alice Brennan
Peer Group
Engineering and Product Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: SuiLin Yap
Peer Group
Fractional Executives
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Shelly Morales
Peer Group
Black Women Thriving
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Julianna Hynes, Maeve Richard
Peer Group
Building a Company
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Coco Brown
Peer Group
First Time Board Members
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Cate Goethals
Peer Group
HR Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Geoff Balzano
Peer Group
Life Sciences Professionals
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Barbara Troupin
Salon
Creating a Portfolio Life You Love
Host: Coco Brown
Experts: Ali Kole
Peer Group
Navigating a Career Transition
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Cate Goethals
Peer Group
The Board and Beyond for Women in Law
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Alice Brennan
Peer Group
Engineering and Product Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: SuiLin Yap
Peer Group
Fractional Executives
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Shelly Morales
Peer Group
First Time Board Members
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Cate Goethals
Peer Group
HR Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Geoff Balzano
Peer Group
Life Sciences Professionals
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Barbara Troupin
Peer Group
Black Women Thriving
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Julianna Hynes, Maeve Richard
Peer Group
Building a Company
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Coco Brown
Peer Group
Navigating a Career Transition
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Cate Goethals
Peer Group
The Board and Beyond for Women in Law
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Alice Brennan
Peer Group
Engineering and Product Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: SuiLin Yap
Peer Group
Fractional Executives
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Shelly Morales
Peer Group
First Time Board Members
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Cate Goethals
Peer Group
HR Leadership
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Geoff Balzano
Peer Group
Life Sciences Professionals
Host: Cata Chacon
Experts: Barbara Troupin
Peer Group