What's Happening?
CNBC has announced the addition of Jacqueline Reses, Co-Founder & CEO of Lead Bank, and Patience Ball, Impact Chairperson at Apollo, to its Changemakers Advisory Board. This board is responsible for selecting
honorees for the CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business list, which recognizes women who are making significant contributions to the business world. The list, now in its third year, is inspired by Julia Boorstin's book 'When Women Lead' and aims to celebrate women who are reshaping industries through leadership and innovation. Reses and Ball bring extensive experience in finance and entrepreneurship, which will be crucial in identifying the 2026 honorees. Nominations for the list are open until November 21, 2025, and the final list will be announced in February 2026.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of Jacqueline Reses and Patience Ball on the CNBC Changemakers Advisory Board underscores the growing recognition of women's roles in transforming business landscapes. Their expertise in finance and investment will help spotlight women leaders who are driving change and innovation. This initiative not only highlights the achievements of women in senior leadership roles but also encourages gender diversity in business, which has been shown to lead to higher returns and more inclusive economic growth. By celebrating these leaders, CNBC is promoting a more equitable business environment, potentially inspiring more women to pursue leadership roles and contribute to economic development.
What's Next?
The next steps involve the nomination process for the 2026 CNBC Changemakers list, which is open until November 21, 2025. The board will use a data-driven approach to evaluate nominees based on their impact and contributions to their respective industries. The announcement of the 2026 honorees is scheduled for February 2026, followed by a celebratory event in the spring. This process will likely attract attention from businesses and organizations committed to promoting gender diversity and may influence other sectors to adopt similar initiatives.
