For engineering leaders, the path to the boardroom can feel less visible — and less accessible. Venture capitalists often assume that technical expertise is already represented by founders, leaving fewer seats open for engineering leaders to join as independents. At the same time, investing itself — whether angel, venture, or fund-based — is something women are still rarely encouraged or invited to do.

This panel will tackle both challenges head-on: how to break into board roles, and how to step confidently into investing. Leaders who have done both will share candid experiences about building networks, positioning your expertise, and overcoming the biases that keep engineering leaders — especially women — on the sidelines. The conversation will also highlight how investing and board service build influence, expand opportunity, and create wealth that multiplies across careers and communities. For leaders aiming to expand their impact, this session will illuminate what it takes to get into the rooms where decisions — and futures — are made.