Celebrating Excellence

January 30, 2026 11:00 am – 1:30 pm Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

Overview

Join us on Friday, January 30, as we host our 2026 Pinnacle Awards Luncheon.

The Pinnacle Awards ceremony  is a highly anticipated celebration of the powerful women who are changing Greater Boston through leadership excellence in entrepreneurship, management, and lifetime achievement.

Read the full press release announcing the 2026 honorees.

Tickets

Member: Individual/Government – $300
Member: Table – $3,000
Non-Member: Individual/Government – $350
Non-Member: Table – $3,500

The Pinnacle of Women’s Leadership in Greater Boston

The Pinnacle Awards ceremony is an unprecedented, premier event, championing and honoring Greater Boston’s dynamic female leaders for their contributions to the workplace and their commitment to community. Greater Boston’s women in business are leading the region and world forward – with their influence and impact, they are building the industries and places that fortify the pillars of commerce. Every year, more than 1,200 attendees, including elected officials, business innovators, and next-gen leaders, convene to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our honorees.

AGENDA
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Registration & Networking
Find your name badge and enjoy coffee, tea, and mimosas while conversing with other guests.

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Awards Ceremony
Celebrate our honorees while dining on a wonderful lunch!

ABOUT THE WOMEN’S NETWORK

In our Women’s Network, you’ll find a diverse group of more than 3,000 (and growing) women and male allies at all levels of their careers, from all backgrounds, sectors, and industries, and professions, with energy for ensuring that Greater Boston becomes the best place for professional women to thrive. For over 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.

Learn About the Women’s Network View the Past Honorees

Questions? Contact us.

Danielle Dorey

Vice President, Programs

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Danielle

2026 Pinnacle 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

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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Pricing

Member

Individual/Government: $300

Table: $3,000

*Early Bird rates ended November 14th.

Non-member

Individual/Government: $350

Table: $3,500

*Early Bird rates ended November 14th.

FAQs

What is included in my registration?

Networking with the region’s top leaders, inspiration from our incredible honorees, and plated lunch and dessert with your choice of water, coffee, or tea.

Dietary restrictions? Please notify a server and they will be able to assist you.

What should I bring?

An interest in connecting with professionals from all industries and career stages and a curiosity to learn from this year’s honorees.

What should I wear?

Please come dressed for your day!

How do I get there?

The Omni Seaport is within walking distance of the MBTA’s North Station, Silver Line (Congress St @ World Trade Center Station).

Valet and self parking is available. We do not offer parking validation.

When should I arrive?

For the Friday, January 30, in-person Awards Ceremony, registration & networking begins at 11:00 a.m. If you arrive earlier than 11:00 a.m., kudos to you for beating the traffic! The program will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m.

Do I need to register for the event in advance?

Please register in advance, tickets for the in-person luncheon are limited and will sell out. On-site registration will not be accepted.

What is the refund policy?

All ticket cancellations and refund requests must be received at least seven (7) business days prior to the event to avoid being charged or to receive a refund. There are no cancellations permitted for any sponsorships. There are no exceptions.

In the case the Chamber cannot execute the in-person Awards Luncheon due to unforeseen circumstances and therefore must change to a virtual format, pricing will adjust and we will contact you on adjustments to your billing.

Press and Media

Press and media wishing to cover the Pinnacle Awards should RSVP to Casey Baines.
Email Casey

A Glimpse Into What to Expect

2025 Pinnacle Honorees stand together smiling for the camera

The Criteria for Nominations

Demonstrated leadership that has made a tangible, positive difference within her organization
Demonstrated a commitment to enhance the quality of life in her community
Nominee’s company must be a current member of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce (with exception of the Government category)
Nominations for the 2026 Pinnacle Awards closed on October 10th. 2027 Nominations will open in September of 2026

Award Categories

Achievement in Entrepreneurship

A current founder of a business that has been in operation for at least 5 years, or someone who has used their career to cultivate the entrepreneurship ecosystem and has previously founded a business or been a member of a founding team at some point in their career.

Achievement in Management (3 Awards)
A woman who has excelled within an organization in one of the following categories:
Private Sector

Government**

Non-Profit

**Nominee does not need to be a Chamber member for the Government Category

Achievement in the Professions

A woman who has made a difference in her profession (lawyer, accountant, engineer, architect, consultant, etc.).

Achievement in Health Care

A woman who has demonstrated success in a health care field.

Achievement in Arts and Education

A woman who has demonstrated success in a cultural or academic institution.

Emerging Executive

A woman early in her career who exhibits strong leadership potential. Nominees must be 40 or under at the time of the event (January 30, 2026).

Lifetime Achievement

A woman whose entire professional career and civic involvement has been exemplary. Nominees must have at least 25 years of professional experience.

Preview the Event

Event Host

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

450 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02210

Get Directions

Accessibility

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce encourages persons with disabilities to participate, and engage fully, in its programs and events. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, including but not limited to, listening devices, closed captioning, large print, wheelchair access, allergies and environmental sensitivities, please let us know so that we can accommodate. If you have any questions about the venues, event formats, or virtual platform, please contact us at [email protected].

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Upcoming Events

Get Involved

Become a Member

About Us

Get to Know the Chamber

Member Benefits

Grow Your Business

Membership Directory

Not sure if you’re a member?

Events & Networking

WHAT’S NEXT

Upcoming Events

Engage & Learn

FEATURED EVENT

Premier Event

2026 Pinnacle Awards

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMING:

Member Engagement

Maximize Your Membership

Register Now

Membership Directory

Discover fellow Chamber members.

Upcoming Events

Stay Involved

Talent & Workforce

City Awake

Boston’s Future Leaders

Massachusetts Apprentice Network

Women’s Leadership Program

Partnership with Boston Public Schools

Strategic Communication for Better Collaboration

Policy & Impact

GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

Business Climate

Climate & Energy

Health Care

Housing & Development

Talent