 Chamber Awards

Honoring Boston’s Best and Brightest

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of awards programs throughout the year that recognize and celebrate the inspiring individuals and organizations who are making an impact in their workplace and communities.

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Danielle Dorey

Vice President, Programs

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

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Pinnacle Awards

The Pinnacle Awards is the premier event for women in business, and honors incredible leading women for their outstanding contributions to the workplace and commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the region.

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2026 Honorees

Dr. Mary K. Grant

President, Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Achievement in Arts & Education – Dr. Mary K. Grant is a nationally recognized leader in public higher education with more than 30 years of experience….Read more

Achievement in Arts & Education –
Dr. Mary K. Grant is a nationally recognized leader in public higher education with more than 30 years of experience. She currently serves as President of Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)—the nation’s only independent public college of art and design—where she brings a clear vision, deep care, and a lifelong belief in the power of creativity and education.

A dedicated advocate for public colleges and universities, Dr. Grant has also led the University of North Carolina Asheville as Chancellor and served for thirteen years as President of her alma mater, the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), advancing civic learning, student success, and institutional growth. She also served as President and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate and as Senior Administrative Fellow for Civics and Social Justice, leading the Martin Richard Institute at Bridgewater State University.

Throughout her career, Dr. Grant has emphasized that education is not only about earning a degree—it’s about discovering purpose and preparing for a meaningful life. She is a strong voice for public service, civic dialogue, and the role of higher education in shaping the next generation of citizens and leaders. Known for her commitment to expanding access and opportunity, she is a champion of equity, inclusion, and the power of creative education as essential to building stronger communities.

Beyond campus, she contributes her leadership to several regional and national organizations. She is Vice Chair of the Board of the Norman Rockwell Museum, Past Chair of the National Campus Compact Board, Secretary of AICAD, an ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Presidents’ Council member, and serves on advisory and nominating panels for EdVestors, Boston Public Schools, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. She’s also a regular contributor on GBH’s The Culture Show with Jared Bowen.

In every role, Dr. Grant has worked alongside students, faculty, and community members to lead with creativity, care, and purpose. A first-generation college graduate, she understands firsthand the impact of higher education—and continues to champion its promise every day.

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Patricia Jacobs, Ph.D.

Massport, Chairman, Board of Directors, Avangrid, Independent Director, AT&T, President of Northern Region (retired)

Lifetime Achievement – Patricia Jacobs, Ph.D., “Pattie,” is a seasoned executive and independent board director with extensive national and international…Read more

Lifetime Achievement –
Patricia Jacobs, Ph.D., “Pattie,” is a seasoned executive and independent board director with extensive national and international expertise in the technology sector. She has experience leading and advising on corporate strategy and revenue growth in the communications, energy, and transportation industries. Pattie is known for being deeply substantive, highly collaborative, strategic, and committed to supporting her colleagues and team.

Over 26 years at AT&T, Pattie held several leadership positions and has deep expertise in technology, communications, and media. She most recently served as the President of AT&T’s Northern Region, where she led the company’s strategy on corporate affairs, M&A approvals, regulatory policy, workforce/culture, and brand reputation across 24 states, growing revenue and mitigating risk on capital-intensive wireless and fiber network investments. etween 1997 and 2022, Pattie held several other leadership positions at AT&T, including President, New England; Vice President, International Public Affairs; and Vice President, Federal Public Affairs.

While leading philanthropy and partnership strategies at AT&T, Pattie became known as a civic leader in Boston through her support of key issues and organization in the City. She launched multi-year educational campaigns against texting-and-driving, and cyber-bullying, speaking directly to thousands of high school students in Boston and across New England. Pattie also launched a Youth Digital Leadership campaign, providing more than $1.5 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, Camp Harbor View, and The Base to encourage Boston’s youth to use technology to create positive change in their communities. Pattie also led the charge for AT&T to contribute $1 million to the One Fund, and served on the boards and made similar significant contributions to the JFK Presidential Library and the Home Base program to support military veterans.

Pattie currently chairs the Massachusetts Port Authority Board of Directors, a financially independent, for-profit public authority with more than $600M in annual revenue; 1,300 employees; and a complex portfolio of aviation, maritime, and real estate assets, including Boston’s Logan Airport and the Port of Boston. She was originally appointed to the board by Governor Baker in 2016 and served as Vice Chair. In 2023, she was reappointed to the board for a second seven-year term and asked to serve as Chair by Governor Healey. She also currently chairs the Audit and Finance Committee and serves on the Real Estate & Strategic Initiatives Committee, as well as the HR, Diversity and Compensation Committee.

In addition to serving as Chair of the Massport Board, Pattie also serves as an independent director for Avangrid, a leading sustainable energy company with more than $48B in assets and 8,000 employees serving 3.3 million customers in the Northeast and a diverse onshore and offshore renewable energy portfolio across 24 states. She currently serves on the board’s Executive Committee.

Pattie also serves as an independent director for ATN International (ATNI), a provider of communications services and broadband infrastructure in U.S and international markets, focusing on rural geographies with high demand for technology infrastructure investments. She is a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance, and the Compensation committees.

Pattie is a committed civic leader, serving on the boards of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston and the Friends of Post Office Square. She is on the Board of Advisors for the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, as well as the Honorary Board of the Home Base Program for Veterans at Mass General Brigham. She has been named one of Boston’s “Power 50” by the Boston Business Journal, and #6 of New York’s “Telecom Power 50” by City & State. Pattie earned her Ph.D. in international politics from Boston College, and her bachelor’s degree in government with a minor in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

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Elizabeth Lowrey FIIDA, RDI

Principal, Elkus Manfredi Architects

Achievement in the Professions – A principal of Elkus Manfredi Architects, Elizabeth Lowrey has been responsible for Elkus Manfredi’s interior architecture…Read more

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Sandra M. McCroom

President & CEO, Children’s Services of Roxbury

Achievement in Management – Non-Profit Sandra M. McCroom is a visionary leader and passionate advocate for equity, justice, and community empowerment….Read more

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Shavel’le Olivier

Executive Director, Mattapan Food & Fitness Coalition

Emerging Executive – As an advocate for positive change, Shavel’le creates and implement visions that strengthen communities for the better. Shavel’le…Read more

Emerging Executive –
As an advocate for positive change, Shavel’le creates and implement visions that strengthen communities for the better. Shavel’le is deeply committed to serving the communities she lives, works, and travels in. Her passions are educating and motivating young leaders and driving awareness to a people-centered approach to transportation. A successful day for her is when she can use her resourcefulness and creativity to make a genuine difference for a single individual, a community, or an organization.

Shavel’le served two years as an AmeriCorps member serving one year with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and another with Massachusetts Mentoring Partnership (MMP). During her two-year term she served with a mentoring organization called DREAM. DREAM serves kids who lives in affordable housing and pairs them with mentors who come from a nearby college/university. Her main role was to support 80 college students and their mentees during weekly meetings and programming. At DREAM she was able to establish a new DREAM location, recruit over 40 mentors and mentees, and give basic training to the new mentors that involves the processes of DREAM and boundaries, and what it means to be a DREAM mentor. She also was able to sustain relationships with DREAM partners and funders as communication, visibility, and trust were main components in DREAM.

She also founded and organizes a major biking event called Mattapan on Wheels that was created to address issues of safer infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians in Mattapan, provide an opportunity for young people to develop their leader ship skills, and bring attention to cycling in the Mattapan community. As she travelled through the transportation world, she co-founded a talk in 2020 called Transportation Talks to bring residents that live in Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury, and that identity as Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color together to explore how transportation affects our quality of life.

Shavel’le Olivier is a 2014 graduate from Boston College where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science, double majoring in Marketing and Management and Leadership. In 2019 she received her masters in Nonprofit Management with a concentration in Organizational Communications at Northeastern University and is now the Executive Director of Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition (MFFC). She recently completed a graduate certificate at the Boston University School of Public Health in 2023 and a Business Essentials Certificate from Harvard Online Business School. She is also a Boston Business Journal 40 under 40 2024 nominee and a 2021 Commonwealth Heroine.

Lastly, Shavel’le co-founded a consultant agency, Consult LeLa where she engages young people between the ages of 10-40 in the planning processes happening in their neighborhoods.

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Robyn Riseberg, MD

Founder, Boston Community Pediatrics

Achievement in Health Care – Dr. Robyn Riseberg is the Founder of Boston Community Pediatrics (BCP), the fi rst nonprofi t pediatric private practice…Read more

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Kimberly Sherman Stamler

President, Related Beal

Achievement in Management – Private Sector – Kimberly Sherman Stamler is President of real estate development and investment company Related Beal, the…Read more

Achievement in Management – Private Sector –
Kimberly Sherman Stamler is President of real estate development and investment company Related Beal, the Boston office of Related Companies, where she is responsible for the overall management of the firm. Sherman Stamler leads the company in its pursuit of new developments and opportunities across New England, and oversees the firm’s financing activities, partnerships, and operations. Throughout her career, Sherman Stamler has led teams and projects through land and site acquisitions, permitting and entitlements, debt and equity financing, public / private partnerships, joint venture structuring, design and construction, marketing, asset and property operations, and dispositions.

Sherman Stamler has overseen the growth of Related Beal since its inception. Under her leadership, starting in 2014, Related Beal has completed or has under construction multi-family and for sale housing (market-rate, workforce and affordable), commercial offices and headquarters, life science developments, hotel developments, and retail and civic space.

In her roles at Related Beal and Related, Sherman Stamler worked on various transactions across all asset classes, including The Beverly, Boston’s largest affordable and workforce housing development in 25 years, The Quinn and The Harris in the South End that now occupy the former Quinzani Bakery site and the execution and management of several Related Fund Management developments including The Arlington in the Back Bay. Other recent projects in Boston include Lovejoy Wharf, home to residences and the new headquarters for Converse, Inc. atop a restored and activated wharf, the development of Congress Square in downtown Boston which was previously Fidelity’s headquarters, Innovation Square and the Innovation and Design Building in the Seaport, and The Whitney Hotel in Beacon Hill.

Sherman Stamler joined Related Companies in 1999 and was previously responsible for overseeing Related’s residential operating portfolio including the retail within the portfolio. Sherman Stamler worked on the expansion of Related into Chicago and was the development executive on The Clarendon and One Back Bay in Boston, beginning her work on that project in 2003. In partnership with The Hudson Companies, Sherman Stamler has been responsible for the development of five buildings and retail at Riverwalk on Roosevelt Island in New York City, as well as for the evolution of this 19-acre site into a community by adding new park space and local and national retailers.

Sherman Stamler serves on the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, is a trustee of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute where she chairs the Facilities Trustee Advisory Committee, and is a Vice Chair of A Better City. She sits on the boards of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and NAIOP Massachusetts. Sherman Stamler is on the Advisory Committee for the Women’s Foundation of Massachusetts and is a member of the Sam Zell and Robert Lurie Real Estate Center at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She previously sat on the boards of Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston and the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, and on the Real Estate Council of Nontraditional Employment for Women. Sherman Stamler was a PENCIL partner with the New York public schools and a David Rockefeller fellow through the Partnership for New York City.

Sherman Stamler is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in Urban Studies.

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Mary Skipper

Superintendent, Boston Public Schools

Achievement in Management – Government – Mary Skipper is the proud Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools (BPS) and has served in this position…Read more

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Rose Staram

Owner & Founder, RoseMark Production

Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts — in the heart of Mattapan — Rose Staram is a living testament to the…Read more

Achievement in Entrepreneurship –
Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts — in the heart of Mattapan — Rose Staram is a living testament to the power of faith, resilience, and unshakable vision. The daughter of a single, disabled immigrant mother raising three children in a modest two-bedroom apartment, Rose grew up in circumstances that tested her spirit and forged her strength. Her mother’s perseverance became her greatest teacher, showing her that dignity, determination, and love could outshine any hardship. From those humble beginnings — eating spaghetti and hot dogs while dreaming of something greater — Rose’s story is one of relentless belief. She attended parochial school, excelled in sports and academics, and earned a scholarship to Boston College, where she graduated with a degree in Business.

After college, she became a tax accountant by day to pay the bills, while spending her evenings and weekends volunteering at events — nurturing the passion that had always fueled her spirit. In 2010, Rose took a leap of faith by volunteering for the Obama for America re-election campaign, where her talent for organization and leadership quickly stood out.

She was soon hired to serve as an Advance Lead for President and First Lady Obama during the 2012 campaign — briefing generals, commanding members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and coordinating movements and events at the highest levels of government. What began as volunteer work became her calling and the foundation for her life’s purpose in event production.

Today, as the Founder and CEO of RoseMark Production, Rose leads one of the most dynamic event strategy and production companies in the nation. Her client list reads like a who’s who of leaders and luminaries — Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Michael Bloomberg, Tom Steyer, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Ambassador Tom Nides, and organizations such as the Emerson Collective.

From briefing generals to curating presidential events, she has transformed her humble beginnings into a platform that commands global respect. In 2025, Rose made history as the first Black woman in America to serve as a general service contractor in a U.S. convention center — a groundbreaking achievement that reflects her trailblazing spirit. That same courage led her to Israel, where she took a small, diverse team of women and people of color to produce one of the largest events ever hosted by the Embassy of Israel.

The event drew over 4,000 attendees, including President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. Ambassador Tom Nides, and dignitaries from around the world. With limited resources but boundless vision, Rose and her team brought the impossible to life — a true reflection of her belief that greatness comes from heart, not circumstance. Rose’s leadership is defined by what she calls visionary resilience — the ability to see possibility where others see limitation. Her journey, from a poor inner-city child to a global event leader, is a beacon of what can be achieved when faith and vision intersect. Her story has inspired many, earning her recognition as a recipient of the 100 Impact Award from The Women’s Edge, a member of the International Women’s Forum (IWF), and a trusted leader among Boston’s most influential business and civic circles. Yet, despite her many accolades, Rose remains grounded in her roots.

She carries Mattapan with her — the lessons, the grit, and the gratitude. “I am a true testament,” she says, “that when you dream and you believe, you can achieve.” From eating spaghetti and hot dogs at a small kitchen table to dining with presidents, briefing generals, and producing world-class events, Rose Staram’s story is proof that no beginning is too humble and no dream too bold.

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Annual Meeting

Our Annual Meeting is the top Greater Boston business convening of the year, and we are committed to bringing our community together again. The Annual Meeting convenes more than 1,300 business and civic leaders from across the region to induct new members into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians, hear from a prominent keynote speaker, and connect with each other across companies and industries.

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2025 Distinguished Bostonians

Anne Klibanski, MD

President and Chief Executive Officer, Mass General Brigham

Anne Klibanski, M.D., is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mass General Brigham, a Boston-based integrated healthcare system that includes internationally…Read more

Anne Klibanski, M.D., is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mass General Brigham, a Boston-based integrated healthcare system that includes internationally known Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, three nationally recognized specialty hospitals, including Mass Eye and Ear, McLean, and Spaulding Rehabilitation, seven community hospitals, a health insurance company, physician networks, community health centers, home-based care, and long-term care services. 

Appointed to her role as President and CEO in 2019, Dr. Klibanski’s vision for Mass General Brigham is to build the integrated academic healthcare system of the future with patients at the center, by transforming care, improving outcomes, and expanding impact locally, nationally, and globally. 

As the largest private employer in Massachusetts with 82,000 employees and annual revenue of $20 billion, the non-profit healthcare system is a principal teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, establishing its position as a national leader in medical research and education. 

Dr. Klibanski has led the clinical integration of services across Mass General Brigham and is responsible for the development of new technologies that improve both patient and clinician experience. Platforms including virtual urgent care make it easier for patients to access the system’s world-class care, while new artificial intelligence tools help clinicians keep patients at the center and reduce the administrative burden of writing clinical notes.

Dr. Klibanski has overseen increased investment in leading-edge research that has the potential to revolutionize treatments, such as gene and cell therapy. The system’s innovation team has created more than 300 companies that are making broad impacts on human health, from therapeutics to diagnostics and research.

Under Dr. Klibanski’s leadership, Mass General Brigham has also committed significant resources to community health, with a particular investment in mental health programs. She is dedicated to supporting a workforce that is best able to meet the healthcare needs of Mass General Brigham’s diverse patient population.

Dr. Klibanski served as the healthcare system’s Chief Academic Officer from 2012 to 2019 and as Chief of Neuroendocrine at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is recognized internationally for her high-impact research in neuroendocrine disorders and pituitary tumors. 

Dr. Michael A. Curry, Esq.

President and CEO, Massachusetts League of Community Health Center

Michael Curry, Esq. is President & CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, which represents 52 health centers, serving over one million…Read more

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Jane Steinmetz

Boston Office Managing Principal and Atlantic Market Lead, EY

As the Atlantic growth market leader, Jane collaborates with EY managing partners across the Atlantic region to connect our clients with 9000 EY professionals who…Read more

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Small Business of the Year Awards

The Small Business of the Year Awards ceremony honors 10 small, high-growth businesses that demonstrate achievement in management, workplace excellence, product innovation, and social responsibility, with a commitment to growing in Greater Boston.

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2025 Honorees

Better Together Brain Trust (BT2 Energy)

INNOVATION & GROWTH

Better Together Brain Trust (BT2 Energy) is a minority and women-owned small business is committed to advancing clean energy solutions through strategic approaches…Read more

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EmVision Productions

CULTURAL EXCELLENCE

EmVision Productions is a queer Afro-Latina owned social enterprise distinguished by their commitment to equity, trust, and collaboration. As an award-winning boutique…Read more

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Little Cocoa Bean Co.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Founded in 2019, the Little Cocoa Bean Co. is dedicated to serving and supporting Greater Boston by making nutritious, culturally inclusive food accessible to all…Read more

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Arka HR

TALENT DEVELOPMENT & INCLUSION

As the only Latina-owned HR firm in New England, Arka HR proudly builds an environment centered on dignity, respect, and empowerment, ensuring each employee and…Read more

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Catalyst Ventures Development

CEO LEADERSHIP

Darryl Settles founded CVD with a mission to drive inclusivity, economic empowerment, and community development, making a lasting impact on the city’s ecosystem….Read more

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Shana Bryant Consulting

SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION

As a small business in event planning, Shana Bryant Consulting prioritizes collaboration with minority- and women-owned businesses through inclusive, community-focused…Read more

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Ten Outstanding Young Leaders

The Ten Outstanding Young Leaders (TOYL) Awards are about Boston’s present, and more importantly, Boston’s future. Honorees represent the region’s emerging young leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the civic and business environment and the quality of life in Greater Boston.

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2025 Honorees

Award Category: Finance and Banking
Adriana Moschella

Senior Vice President, Business Banking Team Lead, Eastern Bank

Adriana is a dynamic leader in the financial/ banking industry, known for a people-first approach, a strong commitment to community, and a career defined by steady…Read more

Adriana is a dynamic leader in the financial/ banking industry, known for a people-first approach, a strong commitment to community, and a career defined by steady growth and meaningful impact. Her professional journey began in an entry-level role, where a combination of hard work, curiosity, and resilience set the foundation for rapid advancement. Today, Adriana is one of the youngest Senior Vice Presidents in her organization, leading a high-performing team of Business Banking Relationship Managers.

In her role, Adriana oversees a portfolio that supports businesses, commercial real estate clients, and real estate investors. She and her team provide essential financial solutions including working capital, equipment financing, expansion loans, commercial mortgages, and deposit strategies that help companies operate, grow, and plan for the future. Their work ensures that both emerging and established businesses have the resources they need to hire, invest, and strengthen local economies. Adriana’s leadership has helped position her team as a trusted partner to entrepreneurs and property owners throughout the region.

A core part of Adriana’s career has always been developing others. She has mentored colleagues at every stage of their careers, championed internal promotions, and demonstrated that leadership is not defined by tenure or background, but by empathy, accountability, and the ability to bring out the best in people. This philosophy has shaped her team culture and earned her a reputation as a leader who builds leaders.

Her contributions have been recognized across the industry. Adriana has earned honors including Rookie of the Year, Leader of the Year, the Core Value Award for Diversity and Inclusion, the Core Value Award for Commitment to Colleague Development, the Community Service Award, and the Outstanding Professional Award, in addition to being a multiple-time Pinnacle Club recipient. She was also inducted into the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn Hall of Fame, reflecting her long-standing dedication to improving opportunities for young people.

Adriana is also deeply committed to public service. She serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn, where she helps lead a historic capital campaign focused on expanding access, improving programming, and strengthening resources for future generations. The campaign continues to gain strong momentum, driven by community partners and donors who share a vision for long-term impact. Adriana’s leadership in this effort highlights her belief in transformational, community-building work.

Her civic involvement extends across several organizations. Adriana serves on the boards of LEO Inc., Education Comes First, and Coastal Community Capital, contributing to missions focused on early education, economic development, and community support. She has coordinated initiatives that have provided thousands of holiday gifts to families in need and has supported countless small businesses through educational workshops that help entrepreneurs access capital. Several of the businesses she has guided have gone on to receive prestigious recognition.

While she is among the younger leaders in her field, she views this as a strength. It fuels her willingness to challenge outdated norms, stay open to learning, and advocate for what is right. Her mission remains clear: empower colleagues, support clients, uplift communities, and continue proving that meaningful leadership is rooted in service.

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Award Category: Entrepreneurship
Collette Divitto

CEO and Founder, Collettey’s Cookies Corp

Collette Divitto is a pioneering entrepreneur, disability rights activist, and thought leader to anyone who has ever been told they are not good enough nor intelligent…Read more

Collette Divitto is a pioneering entrepreneur, disability rights activist, and thought leader to anyone who has ever been told they are not good enough nor intelligent enough to pursue their dreams.

After being rejected from many job opportunities, likely due to her disability (Down syndrome), Collette decided to launch her own cookie company. Before she knew it, the company, and her story, blew up to national status. Today, Collettey’s has sold over 900,000 cookies, and stays true to her mission of creating employment for people with disabilities!

Though Collettey’s (Collette’s nickname) began with selling cookies exclusively online, Collette has recently developed a shelf-stable cookie that is taking her business to the next level via retail stores and markets. Collette’s story was developed into documentary which was given an Academy Award this year for short film! This documentary is called 17 Percent, representing only 17% of people with disabilities have employment. Her story has been in the media over 16 countries and brings hope and inspiration to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

On top of running a successful national company, Collettey’s Cookie Corp., Collette also operates a nonprofit organization, called Collettey’s Leadership. This nonprofit offers workshops, webinars, and mentoring for the neurodiverse community. The leadership organization has built a coalition this year 2025, with tan advisory board of many leaders in the City of Boston. This coalition is focused on neurodiversity and employment and creating a filmed project program to help other companies hire this community. Collettey’s Cookies donates a % of profits each year to this goal.

Collette has been a magnet for media attention. To date, she has been in People and Forbes Magazine, appeared on shows like Fox and Friends, CNBC Make It, NBC First Look, David Muir, News Nation, and many more including a Ted Talk. She stars in Shopify Studio’s reality show, “Born for Business,” which is available to stream on Peacock and Crave Canada. Recently, Collette deployed a new web series on YouTube entitled “Underestimated.” And started a podcast.

Collette Divitto is a mogul in the making, has a heart of gold, and wants to spread her message far and wide. She hopes her journey and successes can affect great change for people with neurodiversity, especially for employment opportunities.

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Award Category: Nonprofit
Connor Schoen

Co-Founder & Executive Director, Breaktime

Connor Schoen is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Breaktime, a Boston-based nonprofit that is working to break the cycle of young adult homelessness. Born…Read more

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Award Category: Government
Corean Reynolds

Director, Nightlife Economy, City of Boston

Corean Reynolds is the pioneering Director of Nightlife Economy for the City of Boston, making her the youngest in this role nationally. With a strong commitment…Read more

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Award Category: Education and Arts
Dr. Ed-Dee Williams

Assistant Professor, Boston College School of Social Work, & Director, Black Mental Wellness Research Lab

Dr. Ed-Dee Williams is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Boston College School of Social Work, a faculty affiliate at the Vivian and James Curtis Center for…Read more

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Award Category: Professional Services
Erica Blonde

Senior Planner and Associate Vice President, HNTB

Erica Blonde, AICP is a Senior Planner and Associate Vice President in HNTB’s Boston Office with 10 years of experience. She leads mobility equity and public engagement…Read more

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Award Category: Nonprofit
Javier Juarez

Executive Director, Latino Equity Fund, The Boston Foundation

Javier A. Juarez is a philanthropic leader, strategist, and storyteller dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity for Latino communities across Massachusetts….Read more

Javier A. Juarez is a philanthropic leader, strategist, and storyteller dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity for Latino communities across Massachusetts. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Latino Equity Fund at The Boston Foundation, the largest Latino-focused philanthropic fund in New England. In this role, he oversees strategy, fundraising, grantmaking, and community engagement, working to ensure that Latino-serving organizations have the resources and visibility they need to thrive.

Since assuming leadership, Javier has helped double both the Fund’s endowment and its annual grantmaking, distributing over $2.9 million in grants, sponsorships, and commissioned research. Under his guidance, the Fund has launched multi-year grant cycles, built new partnerships with corporations and foundations, and established more transparent and community-driven grantmaking processes. His leadership has positioned the Fund as a trusted and innovative model for how philanthropy can center equity while amplifying the voices of the communities it serves.

A hallmark of Javier’s tenure has been the creation of ¡Pa’lante!, the Fund’s flagship annual event. Far more than a fundraiser, ¡Pa’lante! is a cultural and civic gathering that blends art, music, and community pride with philanthropy and advocacy. In a few short years, the event has become one of Boston’s most visible celebrations of Latino culture and leadership, attracting hundreds of supporters and raising significant resources to strengthen the Latino nonprofit ecosystem.

Javier has also prioritized research as a tool for advocacy. Collaborating with partners such as the Gastón Institute at UMass Boston and Boston Indicators, he has helped produce studies mapping the landscape of Latino-serving organizations, documenting barriers to economic mobility, and highlighting philanthropic gaps. These reports provide vital data that informs public policy, guides funders, and strengthens the advocacy efforts of nonprofits.

Beyond his work at the Latino Equity Fund, Javier serves on the board of 826 Boston and Philanthropy MA. Recognized as a Boston Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, an Amplify Latinx ALX100 leader, and a TEDx speaker. His leadership is defined by a balance of vision and pragmatism, by his ability to build coalitions across sectors, and by his unwavering commitment to equity.

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Award Category: Professional Services
Melanie Woodward

Partner, Nutter, McClennen & Fish LLP

Melanie V. Woodward is a partner in Nutter’s Litigation Department and a member of the firm’s Business Litigation, Securities Enforcement and Litigation, and…Read more

Melanie V. Woodward is a partner in Nutter’s Litigation Department and a member of the firm’s Business Litigation, Securities Enforcement and Litigation, and Labor and Employment Litigation practice groups. Clients frequently engage Melanie for legal advice in complex commercial litigation matters, government investigations, and internal investigations.

Clients appreciate Melanie’s creative approach to each case, considering the client’s goals and the unique facts of the case to develop a customized strategy. With significant courtroom experience, Melanie has successfully tried cases in Massachusetts state and federal courts. Clients value Melanie’s willingness to pursue a case to trial, while also giving candid advice along the way about risks and opportunities for settlement.

Melanie is committed to the firm’s proud legacy of pro bono representation. She successfully represented a former prisoner pursuing a civil rights action before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. She has represented a special needs student for many years, including securing the student a placement at a private school better suited to meet the student’s educational needs. Melanie also represented a veterans’ organization defending against a First Amendment challenge to a VA Hospital display honoring prisoners of war. Melanie is also actively involved in immigration pro bono work, including applying for humanitarian parole on behalf a family fleeing Afghanistan and securing lawful permanent residency for minors who had been neglected and abandoned in their home countries. Melanie was recognized for her efforts in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Pro Bono Spotlight.

Melanie is also a member of the Litigation Section of the American Bar Association. In addition to her summer associate work at Nutter, her professional experience includes serving as a legal extern for the Honorable LeRoy F. Millette of the Supreme Court of Virginia, a legal intern at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Child Protection Unit in Boston, and an intern at the Office of Senator John Kerry in Boston and Washington, D.C.

During law school, Melanie served as senior articles editor for the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal and as a member of the National Trial Team.

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Award Category: Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Lifesciences
Natalie Johnson

Administrative Director, MGH Equity and Community Health, Massachusetts General Hospital

Natalie Johnson is a skilled public health leader and strategist dedicated to transforming health outcomes through equity-focused care, community representation,…Read more

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Award Category: Energy, Climate, and Construction
Yi Zheng

Associate Professor, Northeastern University, & Founder, Planck Energies

Yi Zheng is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University, where he also serves as Director…Read more

Yi Zheng is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University, where he also serves as Director of the Nano Energy Laboratory and Faculty Fellow at the Center for Emerging Markets at Northeastern’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business. He has been elected as a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and has held the NASA Faculty Fellowship.

With expertise spanning sustainable energy, clean technology, and nanoscale engineering, his research addresses global challenges in renewable energy, climate change mitigation, and water scarcity. His work integrates experimental physics, materials innovation, and systems engineering to develop transformative technologies in renewable energy harvesting, thermal management, and solar-driven water purification.

Prof. Zheng received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Columbia University. Over the course of his academic career, he has published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal papers and filed 9 U.S. patents, contributing to both the scientific community and the translation of fundamental discoveries into practical applications. His research has been continuously supported by competitive grants totaling more than $4 million from federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NASA, DARPA, and the U.S. Air Force, as well as state programs and industry partners.

Prof. Zheng has received numerous awards recognizing both his scientific contributions and leadership. Among these are the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award, NSF CAREER Award, NIH RI-INBRE Early Career Development Award, NASA Glenn Faculty Fellowship, and ASTFE Early Career Researcher Award. His innovations in clean energy technology have also been honored with the Soleeva Energy Innovation Award, MassVentures Acorn Innovation Award, Raymond Viskanta Award, Constantinos Mavroidis Research Award, MassCEC AmplifyMass Award, and NSF Spirit of I-Corps Award. Beyond academic recognition, he has been celebrated by civic organizations with honors such as the NECAA Year of the Scientist, the United Chinese Americans Outstanding Community Service Award, the APAPA Outstanding Civic Engagement Award, the Los Angeles Post Top Ten Outstanding Chinese Americans distinction, and the Massachusetts AAPI Commission Leadership for Inclusion and Diversity Award.

In addition to his academic role, Prof. Zheng is an entrepreneur and thought leader in energy innovation. He is Founder and President of Planck Energies, a Northeastern University spinout focused on passive cooling and sustainable thermal management technologies. His entrepreneurial activities complement his academic mission of translating research into scalable solutions that can impact society at large.

Prof. Zheng is deeply engaged in civic and community service. He is the Boston Cultural Council Grant Advisory Board member appointed by the Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, Vice President of the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (Boston Chapter) and serves on the Board of the New England Chinese American Alliance. Through these leadership roles, he advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion, and civic participation, extending his commitment to societal impact beyond the laboratory.

With a career that bridges pioneering scientific research, entrepreneurship, and community service, Prof. Zheng continues to inspire through his dedication to advancing sustainable technologies and empowering diverse communities.

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