On Board is an Athena Program to improve the gender balance of San Diego company boards through skills based selection. On Board funds research, holds high-level networking and mentoring events and actively promotes women onto boards.

The short-term objective of the "On Board" program is to establish professional development opportunities, which include:

• Mentoring and education programs designed to help women get 'board ready' and further develop their corporate governance skills.
• Networking opportunities for aspirant women board members so that they can meet with other current board members, both male and female.
• Networking between women's organizations and other organizations at regional, state and national levels.
• Identification of boards where there is a desire to broaden the skills base of the directors.
• Facilitation of skilled women onto identified boards.
• Supporting and encouraging Athena women to achieve their board goals.

The long-term benefits of this project are:

• Improvement in corporate governance
• Opportunity to clarify future directions as new people on the board brings fresh ideas.
• Increased innovative and creative solutions
• A greater level of cohesion and a stronger team approach
• Strengthening of existing networks
• An injection of energy, enthusiasm and commitment to drive the implementation of business plans
• The opportunity to fill any gaps in board expertise

For more information, please contact athena-info@ucsd.edu.