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How Shelley Zalis Turned a Moment of Doubt into a Movement for Women Supporting Women

Image courtesy of The Female Quotient

25 Jul '25
By The Shift
25 Jul '25
By The Shift

The Shift highlights women’s stories through the lens of impact. It hopes to contextualize history and inspire action.

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Shelley Zalis, CEO and Founder of The Female Quotient, is a trailblazing entrepreneur and advocate for building workplaces that work for everyone. Leading the largest global community of women in business, over 6 million professionals across 30 industries, she is redefining leadership and shaping the modern workplace.

The Shift:

Who are three women that inspire you?

Shelley:

My mom, my three sisters, the incredible women in The Female Quotient community who show up every day with purpose and power.

The Shift:

What is one defining moment in your career or life that empowered you to create change, and how has it shaped the path you’re on today?

Shelley:

In 2016, I received an invitation to the World Economic Forum in Davos, but with a caveat: “We want you to come, but you might not feel welcome.”

My head said, “Why go somewhere you’re not wanted?” But my heart whispered, “You have to go.” So I listened to my heart. We showed up. No bells. No whistles. Just a tiny space, a big idea, and even bigger hopes. We called it The Girls’ Lounge: The Place for the 17%—because at the time, only 17% of attendees with coveted white badges were women. I decided to invite 50 powerhouse women from The Female Quotient pack.I figured, if no one else showed up, we’d bring the energy ourselves.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. But then—it happened. They didn’t just show up. They stood up. They spoke up. They filled the room with purpose, presence, and unity. That was our heartbeat moment. The next year, we doubled our space. The year after that, we quadrupled it. Today, we’re not just at Davos—we’re a mainstay. That moment taught me something I carry with me every day: When you lead with purpose and passion, you are unstoppable. And when women support women, anything is possible.

This is the power of the pack. A woman alone has power. Together, we have impact.

 

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Shelley Zalis is honored as part of The Shift’s “90 Plus One” list, which recognizes influential women shaping contemporary culture. With Gloria Steinem featured on the inaugural print cover, the list pays homage to her 91 years of activism by highlighting a powerhouse community of women shifting culture.