The Business of Equality®
Business of Equality®
Business of Equality®
How WE Began
A decade ago, research-industry pioneer Shelley Zalis found herself to be the “only” in too many conference rooms.
Understanding The Future is Feminine®, she decided to change the equation for women in the workplace.
The Equality Lounge® (formerly The Girls Lounge®) was born at CES and is now the signature equality experience at the biggest industry and cultural events in the world.
Built by women for all conscious leaders, women are now in the rooms where business happens leading the conversations and actions.
From a Moment to A Movement
Today, The Female Quotient is in The Business of Equality®, 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!
We are the Home of Equality®, made up of conscious leaders and rising stars sharing curiosity, courage and passion for equality in the workplace.
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–is a trailblazing entrepreneur, three-time movement maker, and global advocate for gender equality in the workplace. 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 The Equality Lounge®, inclusive spaces found at industry conferences sparking conscious conversations and collective action to close the gender 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.
Through bold leadership and innovative action, Zalis is creating a new blueprint for workplace equality.
