Transforming the Landscape of Business Leadership
FROM A MOMENT TO A MOVEMENT
Transforming the Landscape of Business Leadership
How WE Began
A decade ago, research-industry pioneer Shelley Zalis found herself to be the “only” in too many conference rooms.
She knew she needed to change the equation for everyone in the workplace.
The FQ Lounge™ was born at CES and is now the place where business happens—a powerful platform for storytelling, partnerships, and community engagement that fuels progress.
today
The Female Quotient is changing the equation for everyone, strategically partnering with the most influential businesses in the world through experiences, media and advisory.
We have the largest global community of women in business across every industry.
A HUG, HELLO AND A YES!
A HUG,
HELLO
AND A YES!
A HUG,
HELLO
AND A YES!
Our team is made up of leaders and rising stars sharing curiosity, courage and passion. We are committed to shaping the future through conversations that drive intentional action and create lasting impact.
We believe in collaboration, the Power of the Pack™ and a welcoming culture for all. No exceptions.
Our Founder
and CEO
Our Founder and CEO
Shelley Zalis, CEO, Founder, and “Chief Troublemaker” of The Female Quotient (The FQ), is a trailblazing entrepreneur and global advocate for creating workplaces that work for everyone. She is redefining leadership and driving change across industries.
Under Zalis’s leadership, The FQ has grown into a leading media and events company with the largest global community of women in business, connecting over 7 million professionals across 30 industries in more than 100 countries. The organization produces premium events, editorial, and social content that connect top brands with influential leaders worldwide.
Renowned for The FQ Lounge™, immersive spaces at industry conferences and cultural events, including the World Economic Forum in Davos, Cannes Lions, CES, and the Super Bowl, Zalis has created platforms where leaders convene to share ideas, spark action, and foster workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. It began with The Girls’ Lounge, founded at CES as a gathering space for women at tentpole events and has evolved into a home for all conscious leaders across the globe.
Previously, Zalis transformed the market research sector by founding Online Testing Exchange (OTX), which she later sold to Ipsos. She also co-created #SeeHer, an initiative promoting accurate portrayals of women and girls in media.
A sought-after thought leader, Zalis is a LinkedIn Top 20 Most Influential Voice and a contributor to TIME, Forbes, and IMD. Her accolades include the Matrix Award, Industry Legend Award, Mosaic Award, EY Entrepreneur of the Year, and a spot on the Global Leaders 50 List. In 2024, The Female Quotient was named one of Fast Company’s Brands That Matter.
Through bold leadership and innovative action, Zalis is creating a new blueprint for workplace transformation.
