An innovative initiative of the American Bar Association, the ABA Section of Business Law, and Catalyst, Inc., DirectWomen is the only program specifically designed to identify, develop, and support a select group of accomplished women attorneys to provide qualified directors needed by the boards of U.S. companies, while promoting the independence and diversity required for good corporate governance.

DirectWomen accomplishes its mission by:

• Providing strategic career development and networking opportunities to women exiting the active practice of business law who wish to continue contributing to the corporate world;
• Reinforcing the merits of gender diversity in the minds of corporate directors, and enhancing their appreciation for the tremendous reservoir of seasoned talent that senior women business law practitioners represent;
• Facilitating access of executive search firms to well-qualified women attorney candidates for independent director positions;
• Recognizing and honoring women attorneys who serve on the boards of public companies, lead corporate America and epitomize the value of diversity in the boardroom with the Sandra Day O'Connor Board Excellence Award.