Val Boreland

She’s been in her current position less than 18 months, but Boreland helped lead USA Network to a record-breaking 11th consecutive year as the No. 1 cable entertainment network in 2016. Additionally, she’s utilized her experience and eye for content to push Syfy to become one of the top 20 cable networks in Q1 2017. In March, Boreland was selected by her alma mater, the University of Michigan, to be a keynote speaker for their Lean In Summit, which focused on female empowerment. “A network or company aiming to be truly diverse puts that commitment into practice from the cubicles to the corner offices, from the writers’ rooms to the director’s chairs and, of course, in front of the camera as well,” she says.