50/50 Women on Boards Houston Hosts Leadership Event

Female corporate leadership advocates gathered on the Phillips 66 campus for The Houston Conversation on Board Leadership, an event hosted by 50/50 Women on Boards Houston that highlighted strategies for securing and succeeding in corporate board seats.

Inside the Houston Board Leadership Conversation

The morning featured a panel discussion exploring what it takes to earn and serve in a boardroom.

Panelists included Marcela Donadio, Howard Ungerleider, Vanessa L Allen Sutherland JD/MBA, and Mary Zappone. They shared candid insights on strategy, risk, and governance during the panel discussion.

Attendees also participated in small-group coaching sessions led by breakout director coach Carolyn Stone alongside other director coaches. The Phillips 66 team hosted the gathering, supported by 50/50 Women on Boards Houston co-chairs, leadership committee members, and volunteers.

Key Takeaways and Honorees

The event highlighted several core lessons for professionals targeting board service. A board seat is rarely the result of a single conversation, as relationships are built over years. Candidates must know the specific value and expertise they bring to the table, and modern boards need directors who can ask hard questions on strategy, risk, and governance.

Organizers recognized this year’s cohort of 50 Women to Watch for Boards. Heather Marie Spilsbury and the 50/50 Women on Boards team were recognized alongside this year’s cohort of 50 Women to Watch for Boards, with participants expressing inspiration and anticipation for the boardrooms they will strengthen.

Several leaders attended the Houston conversation, including Barbara Stoyko, Kim Padeletti, Sandra Pineau-Boddison, Lynette M. Aguilar, and Tequila Smith.

Keep reading