2025 TRAILBLAZER HONOREE

Talia Bender Small

President, The Female Quotient

Talia Bender Small is the President of The Female Quotient (The FQ), a leading media and events company with the largest community of women in business. The FQ produces premium events, editorial, and social content that connect the world’s top brands with influential women leaders around the world across 30 industries.

Joining The FQ at its inception, Talia rose from university intern to President in just seven years, driving the company’s transformation into a global media business. She oversees strategy, operations, and partnerships with more than 200 Fortune 500 companies, leading growth initiatives that have expanded The FQ’s reach to a social and digital audience of over seven million.

Under her leadership, The FQ has built the first and largest community of women leaders at the world’s most influential gatherings – including the World Economic Forum in Davos, Cannes Lions, CES, the Super Bowl, and more. She has also spearheaded the company’s expansion into a robust media network, delivering measurable value for partners through integrated campaigns, thought leadership, and high-visibility activations.

Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Marketing & Advertising and a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeeper, she also serves on the NYU Steinhardt Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board. Her passion lies in building community and networks for women, helping them rise into leadership, and supporting them in achieving their fullest potential.

Nominated By: 

Shelley Zalis

Founder and CEO, The Female Quotient

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.

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.