By: Noren Hirani and Jackie Johnson
The Young Women Lawyers (YWL) hosted their third successful event of 2017 on Sunday, June 11. Just over 30 female lawyers under a 5-year call gathered at Q-Haute cuisine for brunch and a panel discussion entitled “So you want to be on Board”.

YWL attendees conversing over coffee before the panel discussion.
Panelists Diane Petite, Q.C., former President of the AWL and board member of ATB Financial, Tina Antony, board member of the Calgary Opera, Janet Soles, executive recruiter and former board member of the Calgary Petroleum Club, and Melanie Pituch, Famous 5 Foundation board member, shared their insights and personal experiences about serving on for-profit and philanthropic boards. Tina Antony shared some of her research on women serving on public Boards in Calgary and led a frank discussion on the lack of diversity on boards in our city.
Attendees were urged to pursue opportunities to serve on a board early on in their careers. Panelist also addressed educational courses and programs that can prepare new entrants for a board position.
YWL is considering a follow-up event on board governance sometime in 2018.

Panelists pictures with AWL board members: Danica Doucette-Preville, Diane Pettie, Q.C., Tina Antony, Noren Hirani, Janet Soles, Melanie Pituch, and Jackie Johnson.
Thanks are extended to Cayley Rauw for the photos.