Board Member Spotlight

Introducing Ana Badell, our next Board Member Spotlight!

Ana currently serves on the board at Rowan and the Executive Council for o9. With a career spanning major roles at Lululemon, Walmart and Starbucks, Ana is known for her people-first leadership style.

In December 2021, Women On Boards Project had the pleasure of placing Ana on the board of Rowan. Since then, she’s brought her holistic approach and passion for leadership to help guide Rowan’s growth and success.

Let’s learn a bit more about Ana!

What are your top career highlights?

1.) Turning an underperformer into a high achiever has been one of the most satisfying parts of my career. Seeing someone exceed their expectations has reinforced my belief in the power of leadership and coaching.
2.) Helping individuals align their careers with their passions and strengths has consistently resulted in not just personal success but also stronger organizational outcomes.
3.) Inspiring people by creating an environment where they feel empowered to express their talents, knowing they are fully supported, is the foundation of success. This is something I’ve applied throughout my career, especially during my time at Walmart, where people-first leadership drove results.

What inspired you to join a board?

It was a conversation with a mentor—a former Starbucks executive—who urged me to consider board service. She highlighted that my experience was valuable now, not just "someday." That conversation helped me realize the importance of stepping outside the day-to-day and contributing my leadership experience to other organizations.

It was about paying it forward and using my skills to help shape future success.

What does it mean to be a woman in the boardroom?

My journey has been about embracing my full identity as a Latine, gay, immigrant woman, and using that experience to inspire others. The unique perspectives I bring helps broaden discussions in the boardroom and make space for diversity of thought, which is critical to the success of any organization.

What's your favorite mantra?

“Respect for the individual.”

This goes beyond basic politeness—it’s about bringing love and grace to every interaction. It’s the mantra that keeps me grounded and focused on the people around me, even when things aren’t perfect.

What's your favorite weekend ritual?

I look forward to walking with my wife, Katherine, to Pike Place Market to buy fresh fish, especially wild Alaskan king salmon. What I love most is the sense of community—we’ve built strong relationships with our fishmonger and even our dog, Stella, is part of the experience… she expects her smoked salmon treat every Saturday. It’s a simple activity, but it reminds me of the importance of connecting and supporting local businesses.