Join us to hear from two influential leaders as they discuss how the Commonwealth can lead the AI Revolution.
01/21/2025
9:30am - 11:00am
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
Hear from James E. Rooney about the state of the economy, and how it all matters to businesses, residents, and policymakers.
01/22/2025
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Virtual
Join on us on Friday, January 31, as we host our highly anticipated 2025 Pinnacle Awards Luncheon.
01/31/2025
11:00am - 1:30pm
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
Go deeper than basic DEI training to achieve higher productivity, satisfaction, and revenue growth with our new corporate workshop.
Join our Transformational DEI Certificate! Our comprehensive learning & development offerings are designed to connect and grow strong leaders who lead both inside and out of the office.
Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.
Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.
City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.
We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).
The Fierce Urgency of Now Festival brings Boston’s diverse young professionals together with business leaders, organizations, and their peers to build connection, advance careers and ignite positive change.
09/14/2024 -
09/17/2024
Suffolk University - Sargent Hall
BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.
For 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.
The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.
We support small business through public policy initiatives, events designed to connect small businesses in Greater Boston to their peers and established business leaders, professional development offerings, and free small business advising.
Explore our mission and values to better understand how we are leading the business community forward.
Our member directory is your resource to discover, connect, and engage with Boston’s businesses from every industry and sector.
In this blog, we highlight four ways to use your personal and professional time this month and beyond, including showcasing the diversity of businesses in Massachusetts across all communities; reflecting on the Commonwealth’s nation-leading work to uplift LGBTQIA+ people and businesses; exploring a calendar of exciting events; and more. Join us in celebrating and amplifying the LGBTQIA+ community in Greater Boston.
Supporting, patronizing, and hiring LGBTQIA-owned businesses can help them grow and succeed, creating a more diverse and vibrant economy where everyone benefits. We encourage you to make a conscious effort to support LGBTQIA-owned businesses and provide opportunities for LGBTQIA+ individuals, ensuring that everyone has the chance to succeed and contribute to our collective progress.
Here are five incredible local LGBTQIA+ owned businesses—offering everything from digital marketing expertise to a venue for safe and exciting nightlife:
Owners of Flourish & Foundry, an LGBTQIA+ and woman-owned business located on Tremont Street in Boston, Sarah Marchione and Marcus Hamblin, built their success on improving the experience of shopping for home decor. Valuing ethical sourcing, low environmental impact, and quality, Flourish & Foundry strives to create impact on the broader community while helping their customers live authentically in their homes.
Flourish & Foundry believes what you bring in your home matters. Connect with them today for an individualized shopping experience!
A pivotal part of Boston’s queer culture, the new Dani’s Queer Bar aims to celebrate the identities of the LGBTQIA+ community in Greater Boston and create a sense of belonging. Dani’s Queer Bar highlights the importance of their work, sharing that “in a world that can sometimes feel isolating, Dani’s Queer Bar is a beacon of hope and connection…Our bar isn’t just about a brick and mortar; it’s about creating a legacy of support, empowerment, and understanding.”
Don’t miss the opening of this exciting space and continue to build a legacy of empowerment and understanding. Visit Dani’s Queer Bar’s website for more information!
Roessel Joy is an LGBTQIA+ owned staffing agency with a commitment to finding clients their dream jobs. Founded in 2018, Roessel Joy excels in facilitating the hiring process with precision, ensuring you find the ideal candidate or job opportunity. Their meticulously refined system guarantees a seamless experience from start to finish.
In an ever-evolving market, navigating the job search or candidate selection can be daunting. Roessel Joy is dedicated to simplifying this journey for you. Reach out to them today to advance your career or enhance your business!
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweeties, an exciting new ice cream shop opening soon in Roslindale, MA and owned by wife-duo Anika and Jamila Gramsey. Their mission is to foster community through the most delightful ice cream, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients to craft unique and delicious flavors. As they prepare for their grand opening, Sweeties is now hiring enthusiastic team members. Be sure to follow them on Instagram to see the latest updates and get excited for their debut!
A Massachusetts-certified minority, women (M/WBE), and LGBTQIA+ business enterprise, Tomo360 is a digital marketing agency. They serve companies with digital marketing needs in various industries, such as nonprofits, government, life science, business services, education, and hospitality.
Based in Lowell, MA, and serving clients across continents, this digital marketing agency provides award-winning websites, social media campaigns, email marketing, videography, social and Google advertising, and more. Connect with them today to learn how they can jumpstart your marketing, and let’s continue to champion diversity in business!
It’s important to acknowledge the progress made here in Massachusetts and celebrate our state as a true trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ rights. While there is still more work ahead, the Commonwealth has led the nation in establishing, affirming, and protecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Massachusetts was the first state to recognize marriage equality through the landmark Goodridge case in 2003, acknowledging constitutional protections to marriage for same-sex couples. These principles were later recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015 guaranteeing that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry nationally. Retired Chief Justice Margaret Marshall, a Chamber Distinguished Bostonian and Pinnacle honoree, who wrote the majority opinion for that case, is still applauded for her impact, and the Justice’s opinion “remains a praise song to equality,” shares Renée Graham in the Globe.
Additional protections include Massachusetts law which explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and HIV status. It also allows amendments to birth certifications, licenses, and other IDs to reflect gender identity, bans conversion theory, and creates protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care.
The Chamber remains committed to the LGBTQIA+ community: “The success of the LGBTQIA+ community is vital to the future of the Commonwealth. Our workforce, companies, and economy are stronger with the vision and significant contributions of LGBTQIA+ leaders. The Chamber will continue to lead the business community in shaping the most equitable business community where people can harness their identity for success,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber Foundation’s survey of young residents revealed that 31% of LGBTQIA+ individuals reported that they are more likely to leave Greater Boston in the next 5 years. If we do not take action to create welcoming and inclusive workplaces, our region risks losing members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Chamber is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable business community that supports the diversity of Boston’s workforce. As part of our commitment, the Chamber created a new corporate workshop available exclusively for Chamber members. Strengthen your team’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion for staff and clients with this comprehensive workshop, ideal for companies of all sizes and industries. Workshops are led by Boston’s Future Leaders alum Ali Kane, Principal of ALK Consulting, who brings over 10 years of experience advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Grounded in leading research and lived experience, Ali will guide your staff through the fundamentals of gender identity and sexual orientation, and best practices for inclusion in the workplace.
The workshop will support staff at all levels of their inclusion journey to better understand the LGBTQIA+ community and how they can foster safe, affirming environments to support staff, client satisfaction, and retention. For more information, contact us today.
This month there is no shortage of Pride-focused events to attend, and we’ve curated some options from our community for you to check out below.
The Portraits of Pride Ball is a celebration of the 2024 Portraits of Pride Exhibit and serves as a crucial fundraiser supporting the mission and programs of the newly launched Boston LGBTQ+ Museum of Art, History & Culture, which was founded by Jean Dolin. This event will draw LGBTQ+ leaders, advocates, elected officials, business figures, and members of our community, promising an inspiring blend of entertainment and purpose. The evening’s program will feature a presentation by the Museum’s Board Chair, engaging live performances and music, and present the Portraits of Pride Awards to community leaders and allies who have championed the arts for LGBTQ+ artists.
Don’t miss the memorable Portraits of Pride Ball on Friday, June 7 at the Hynes Convention Center.
On Monday, June 3, at City Hall Plaza, the City of Boston will celebrate the start of Pride month with a flag raising, remarks from Boston Pride 4 The People, Road of Rainbows, Museum of Science, and more. Learn more about this free event.
Looking to celebrate pride month while embracing your creativity? Grab a paintbrush and let your creative juices flow in a supportive and inclusive environment, at the Boston Public Market. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local Boston LGBTQIA+ organization. Don’t miss out on the fun and rewarding opportunity to celebrate pride month, reserve your spot now for Saturday, June 1 at 6pm.
Interested in joining an informative panel featuring LGBTQIA+ leaders while enjoying a night of networking? Capital One Cafe is partnering with the Boston Theater Company’s Road of Rainbows for this discussion focused on financial freedom in the LGBTQIA+ community. Register now for this event being hosted June 5, 2024, from 6-8pm.
On Saturday, June 8th, join the Road of Rainbows 5K at the Boston Common with hundreds of athletes. Road of Rainbows is the first athletic event of its kind in Massachusetts, where gender has no bounds. After the race, enjoy a photo booth, performances, and community vendors. Learn more about the Road of Rainbows 5K here.
Join the Red Sox’s Pride Night at Fenway Park on Tuesday, June 11. Don’t miss this annual celebration at Fenway Park, where everyone is encouraged to wear the Red Sox Pride jersey. Grab tickets for this game.
Get ready to celebrate Boston Pride Weekend with Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom at their June comedy show! They will be releasing their new Pride beer, “Love Conquers Ale,” and will have talented comedians performing throughout the night including Connor Doherty, Zach Stewart, Chloe Cunha, Nora Panahi, Mary Spadaro, and Will Smalley. Amy Tee will be MCing for 90 minutes of non-stop laughs. Don’t miss out on this special event. Buy tickets now for Thursday, June 6, starting at 8pm.
Let us uplift the LGBTQIA+ businesses in Greater Boston, celebrate our region’s progress, continue fostering inclusive workspaces, and attend as many pride events as time permits! Happy Pride!
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