A growing number of investors and corporate-governance experts say an absence of women on boards can be a detriment to shareholder returns. Last year, State Street Corp. (STT - Get Report) , a big money manager, voted against the reelection of directors at 400 companies that failed to take steps to add women to their boards, the company said in a press release.

She was a shrewd investor and a powerful voice for women's rights. And since her husband John traveled so much as president, she ran their household and managed their finances. And while he wanted her to invest their money in land, she realized she could earn a higher rate of return with U.S. government bonds.

We are so grateful to the amazing women who have opened up their hearts and offices to us and offered tons of great advice to the next generation of female leaders. We are grateful to now be a part of the conversation. And we are appreciative of the fact that the conversation is getting bigger, especially amid the #MeToo movement. We are especially grateful to all the men who have supported and sponsored these amazing women.