Shelley Zalis—CEO, Founder, and “Chief Troublemaker” of The Female Quotient—is a trailblazing entrepreneur, three-time movement maker, and global advocate for creating a workplace for everyone. She is redefining the rules of leadership and driving systemic change.
At The Female Quotient, Zalis built the largest global community of women in business, uniting more than 6 million women across 30 industries in more than 100 countries. The organization is renowned for its signature FQ Lounge™, spaces found at industry conferences sparking conversations and collective action to close the gap.
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.
