Boardroom Ready Program

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Boardroom Ready

Empowering executives to make an impact in boardrooms

About Boardroom Ready

Boardroom Ready was created in 2016 to assist executive professionals in the life sciences secure their first director role. The program is designed to enhance opportunities of finding a board appointment through classroom education and applied learning sessions. There are networking events, ongoing programming focused on current industry issues, and development opportunities to give participants every advantage in achieving their goal of board service.

The success of the Boardroom Ready program is unprecedented and since inception has made a positive impact on corporate boards. There are over 200 program alumnae and more than 150 board placements serving in eight countries.

In addition to the board preparedness curriculum is the community of Boardroom Ready alumnae who support each other and amplify their message to accelerate their path to the boardroom.

How does the Boardroom Ready program work?

Applications for the 2026 program are now closed. Applicants must have an active paid WIB membership and an interest in continued involvement with WIB.

A diverse selection committee of six men and women who are experts in the board selection process will review and evaluate each application.

While there is no “magic formula” for what the selection committee looks for, successful applicants in the past have had extensive industry expertise (often holding a C-suite title) as well as experiences and traits desirable for a wide variety of boards.

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status over the summer.

The final list of participants will be announced after all selected applicants confirm their participation.

The fee to participate in the 2026 Boardroom Ready program will be $8,000. Participant fees must be paid in full before the program starts.

Included in the fee are all in-person events, most meals during the September and October sessions, and time with a resume consultant.

Please note that all Boardroom Ready participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements and costs to attend in-person Boardroom Ready events, including the board certification course at George Washington University and the applied learning course and retreat in San Francisco.

The Curriculum

A three-day course held at George Washington University in Washington, DC in September 2026.

During the classroom component, participants gain a deep understanding of director duties, board composition, time commitment, board operations, and best practices when participating on public and private company boards.

This session is an extension of September’s classroom component. This session will be held in San Francisco in October 2026.

You will have the opportunity to work with a resume consultant. The consultant will assist with the development of your board CV, bio, and LinkedIn profile.

Meet the 2025 Boardroom Ready Cohort

Previous Boardroom Ready Cohorts

Click on the years below to meet our past cohorts.

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

The 2025 Boardroom Ready Executive Profiles Directory

All Boardroom Ready alumnae can choose to be included in our Executive Profiles Directory that is updated frequently. If you are looking for board-ready executives to join a board, access the Directory below.