Launch Leadership Team-Boardvance
In December 2024, Boardvance was launched as a bold social impact initiative committed to advancing women into corporate board leadership. Created to address the critical one-to-five-year gap many women face before securing their first board seat, Boardvance developed a unique ecosystem that includes advanced training, strategic mentoring, and powerful peer networks. The successful launch of this organization would not have been possible without the extraordinary, all-volunteer leadership of the Boardvance Launch Leadership Team. This powerhouse group of women brought their time, talent, influence, vision, and deep community connections to make the movement real.
Paula Garcia-Arsenault of JPMorgan Chase is a trusted advocate for Boardvance, particularly in championing more inclusive outreach and engagement within underserved and underrepresented communities.
Susan Heller of Greenberg Traurig generously contributed her expertise as a nationally recognized intellectual property attorney, ensuring that Boardvance was protected and positioned to grow with strength. Susan heads the firm's pedigree global IP practice and co-manages the Orange County office.
Shannon Lamb, also a respected attorney, has served as our liaison to OneOC, our fiscal sponsor, ensuring strong governance and compliance while guiding our organizational and legal framework.
Dr. Sue Padernacht, a Ph.D. in leadership and organizational development and consultant who founded nCline Leadership, mapped the proprietary curriculum for the Boardvance Navigator Mastermind Program. This intensive board-readiness program now serves as the cornerstone of our member experience.
Denise A. Scott, Vice President of Client & Community Relations at PNC Bank, is a tireless advocate for Boardvance and was instrumental in establishing PNC as one of our Founding Partners.
Cara R. Stewart, Founder of WunderMarx, brought her unmatched expertise in brand strategy, communications, and launch execution. As the Chief Brand Officer of Boardvance, Cara led the branding, marketing, PR, and campaign development that propelled Boardvance into the spotlight.
Together, this leadership team worked countless hours behind the scenes—planning events, creating content, mentoring members, and advocating for equity. Their passion, professionalism, and dedication have built the foundation for a movement that will impact generations of women leaders.
Boardvance is proud to nominate this outstanding group of women for the Spirit of Volunteerism Award. Their leadership is a shining example of what’s possible when values-aligned women come together with a shared mission to change the face of leadership in our communities and our boardrooms.