Skip to content
  • About Us
  • Foundation
  • News & Insights
  • Member Directory
  • Job Board
  • Sign In
  • Join
Boston Chamber
  • Events
        • Events

          • Overview
          • Events Calendar
          • Chamber Awards
          • New Chamber Event Series
        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on August 7, 2025.

          08/07/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          BIMA
          2025 BIMA Summer Sizzler

          The BIMA Summer Sizzler is a chance to network with your digital media industry peers from the agency, publisher, and adtech community!

          08/14/2025

          6:00pm - 9:00pm

          Fenway Park

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Talent
          Skills for the Future: How to Upskill Early Talent for Success

          Join Boston’s leading educators and industry experts to explore career-aligned high school programs, in-demand workplace skills, and innovative school partnerships driving student success

          07/17/2025

          9:00am - 11:00am

          Omni Boston Hotel Seaport

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          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.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          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.

          Read More
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          In this highly interactive workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney, you’ll define your professional identity and develop strategies to confidently navigate workplace dynamics.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Small Business
          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Our Networks
        • GBCC’s Networks

          • Overview
        • OUR NETWORKS

          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          Read More
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          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.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          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.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          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.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
  • Membership
        • Membership

          • Overview
          • Membership Benefits
          • Membership Levels
          • Member Stories
          • Request a Meeting
          • Join Today
        • Chamber Membership
        • About Us
          Our Impact

          Explore our mission and values to better understand how we are leading the business community forward.

        • Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
        • Membership Directory
          Not sure if you’re a member?

          Our member directory is your resource to discover, connect, and engage with Boston’s businesses from every industry and sector.

        • For our members

          • Member Resources
          • Member Deals
          • Sponsorship Opportunities
          • Connect with your Member Services Rep
          • Sign In
  • join
Bostonchamber
Boston Chamber
  • Events
        • Events

          • Overview
          • Events Calendar
          • Chamber Awards
          • New Chamber Event Series
        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on August 7, 2025.

          08/07/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          BIMA
          2025 BIMA Summer Sizzler

          The BIMA Summer Sizzler is a chance to network with your digital media industry peers from the agency, publisher, and adtech community!

          08/14/2025

          6:00pm - 9:00pm

          Fenway Park

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Talent
          Skills for the Future: How to Upskill Early Talent for Success

          Join Boston’s leading educators and industry experts to explore career-aligned high school programs, in-demand workplace skills, and innovative school partnerships driving student success

          07/17/2025

          9:00am - 11:00am

          Omni Boston Hotel Seaport

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          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.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          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.

          Read More
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          In this highly interactive workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney, you’ll define your professional identity and develop strategies to confidently navigate workplace dynamics.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Small Business
          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Our Networks
        • GBCC’s Networks

          • Overview
        • OUR NETWORKS

          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          Read More
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          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.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          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.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          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.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
  • Membership
        • Membership

          • Overview
          • Membership Benefits
          • Membership Levels
          • Member Stories
          • Request a Meeting
          • Join Today
        • Chamber Membership
        • About Us
          Our Impact

          Explore our mission and values to better understand how we are leading the business community forward.

        • Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
        • Membership Directory
          Not sure if you’re a member?

          Our member directory is your resource to discover, connect, and engage with Boston’s businesses from every industry and sector.

        • For our members

          • Member Resources
          • Member Deals
          • Sponsorship Opportunities
          • Connect with your Member Services Rep
          • Sign In
  • join
  • About Us
  • Foundation
  • News & Insights
  • Member Directory
  • Job Board
  • Sign In
  • Join
City Awake logo

City Awake: Awakening the Next Generation of Leaders

January 28, 2025 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Event Details

  • Thank you for joining City Awake for our first information session of the year.
  • This event was specifically for college and graduate students who want to learn more about the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and how City Awake can support their professional and personal growth.
  • Attendees had the chance to create new, lasting connections with some of our Ten Outstanding Young Leaders honorees, City Awake Advisory Board, and Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce staff.

Tickets

  • This event is FREE!

Jump to page section

  • Overview
  • Speakers
  • Agenda
  • FAQs
  • Funder
  • Location

From First Generation to Next Generation

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce has been around for over 100 years and represents the collective voice of the business community. City Awake is one of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation programs and specifically, is a platform for young professionals between the ages of 20-30 to engage in experiences that enhance their personal and professional networks.

Spending the afternoon with City Awake gives Boston’s college graduate students and professionals an opportunity to gain an in-depth look into what City Awake has to offer and the chance to mingle with several City Awake Advisory Board members, who all work in diverse and exciting career fields.

A core pillar of City Awake’s mission is to increase the social capital of students and future leaders across Greater Boston through a blend of programming that seeks to welcome and retain them in Greater Boston.

ABOUT CITY AWAKE

City Awake is the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s premier young professional platform that awakens and empowers the city’s next generation of thought leaders and change makers who are navigating Boston’s business, civic, and cultural communities.

Questions? Contact us.

Jessica Sanon
Jessica Sanon

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Jessica

Speakers

Ryan Gordon Headshot
Ryan Gordon

Project Manager, Nitsch Engineering

Ryan is a registered professional Civil Engineer, Project Manager, and shareholder at Nitsch Engineering, an employee-owned land development and engineering consulting…Read more
Ryan is a registered professional Civil Engineer, Project Manager, and shareholder at Nitsch Engineering, an employee-owned land development and engineering consulting firm based in Boston. He leads the civil engineering design and permitting for many Boston development projects that serve residents and shape the city, including site layout and utilities, stormwater management, green infrastructure, and streetscape design. Recent projects include the complete redevelopment of the Overlook Terrace at Orient Heights Boston Housing Authority community in East Boston, the adaptive re-use of a former school building into The Pryde apartment building serving Boston’s LGBTQ+ seniors, and the construction of the Embrace Memorial and 1965 Freedom Plaza on Boston Common.

Ryan is dedicated to mentoring and supporting Nitsch Engineering’s staff in their career development. He founded the firm’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, “Pride@Nitsch,” and serves on the firm’s Council for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. He participates in several internal technical committees, including Co-Chair of the Permitting Roundtable and member of the Quality Assurance/Quality Control Group. Ryan also participates in Canstruction Boston each year, serving as team captain in 2024.

Recently, Ryan co-founded “Out in Design,” a grassroots organization offering networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ professionals in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry across the Boston area.

Ryan graduated from Brockton High School before earning his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University. He lives in Boston’s South End with his husband, Adrian. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys exploring the city through running, supporting local restaurants, and attending concerts.

See on LinkedInarrow-go
Brandon Teixeira Headshot
Brandon Teixeira

Founder & CEO, Mental Health Declassified Inc.

Brandon Teixeira is the CEO and founder of Mental Health Declassified Inc., a passionate mental health advocate, and a dynamic storyteller. Born and raised in Stoughton,…Read more
Brandon Teixeira is the CEO and founder of Mental Health Declassified Inc., a passionate mental health advocate, and a dynamic storyteller. Born and raised in Stoughton, Massachusetts, Brandon’s life journey has been shaped by personal experiences of loss, hardship, and mental health struggles.

His personal story—marked by the loss of loved ones, his mother’s battle with breast cancer, and a life-altering sports injury—led him to confront his own mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts and an attempt on his life. These pivotal moments became the driving force behind his commitment to mental health advocacy.

Through Mental Health Declassified, Brandon is dedicated to breaking down the stigmas surrounding mental health, especially in communities of color. His organization fosters open, honest conversations that empower individuals to embrace their emotions, seek help, and understand that it’s okay not to be okay.

Brandon’s storytelling is grounded in authenticity, drawing on his own lived experiences to connect deeply with others. He shares his journey through public speaking, social media, and workshops, aiming to create safe spaces for people to feel heard and supported.

Brandon’s work is more than just a career; it’s a mission to change the way mental health is perceived and discussed, offering hope and healing to those who need it most.

See on LinkedInarrow-go
Headshot of Anita Yip
Anita Yip

Founder and Creative Director, Project Asian Joy

Anita Yip is a purpose-driven technologist with a diverse background spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Emerging as a social practice artist, she…Read more
Anita Yip is a purpose-driven technologist with a diverse background spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Emerging as a social practice artist, she reimagines how we invest in communities—using public art and creative expression to amplify visibility and opportunity for underheard voices.

As the founder of Project Asian Joy, Yip uses art to curate experiences and generate economic value in collaboration with local businesses, cultural organizations, and community leaders. Her work challenges conventional notions of representation while uplifting Asian American narratives.

Beyond her decade-long career in healthcare technology and innovation, Yip has volunteered to raise nearly a quarter-million dollars for grassroots organizations. After co-founding the Jasmine Asian Women Giving Circle, supporting programs benefiting Asian girls and women, she received the Eli J. Segal AmeriCorps Alums Entrepreneurship Award for her extensive community work and leadership.

Her commitment to service extends to her board roles with Friday Night Supper Program, Friends of the Chinatown Library, and FAN Chinatown. Additionally, she has led and contributed to civic technology projects with Code for Boston and was appointed to SPARK Boston, a council that advises the Mayor to address issues and interests concerning Boston’s young adults.

Yip has been named COLOR Magazine’s Power 40 Under 40 and was recognized by Commonwealth Seminar for her impactful contributions to community empowerment, Tech diversity, environmental justice, and philanthropic leadership.

Born in Boston, Yip holds a BA in environmental studies and media arts and sciences from Wellesley College and a MS in corporate and organizational communication from Northeastern University.

See on LinkedInarrow-go

Agenda

  • 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Registration

    Attendees will check in with the security desk in the lobby, then make their way to the 17th floor to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce office. From there, attendees will be greeted by a staff member of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce at the registration table.

  • 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Learn about City Awake

    During this time, attendees will hear from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce staff, learn about City Awake, and discuss how City Awake can support their personal and professional growth.

  • 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Networking Lunch

    Grab a slice of pizza and connect with some of our Ten Outstanding Young Leaders and City Awake Advisory Board members.

FAQs

  • What is included in my registration?

    Access to a welcoming community of professionals over a great conversation and refreshments!

  • What should I bring?

    An interest in learning and networking with other professionals. Oh, and don’t forget business cards.

  • What should I wear?

    Please come dressed for your day!

  • Is the location accessible by public transit or is there parking available?

    There is limited metered street parking. The area has several parking garages, with the closest location at 225 Franklin St. However, we advise that you take public transportation.

    The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce is a 5 – 10 minute walk from South Station (Red Line, Silver Line, and Commuter Rail), State Street (Orange Line & Blue Line), or Government Center (Green Line).

  • Is this location handicap accessible?

    The office is handicap accessible. Feel free to contact our team at [email protected].

  • COVID-19 POLICY

    The Department of Health and Human Services lifted the Presidential Declaration of a National Public Health Emergency arising from the COVID-19 pandemic on May 11, 2023. Therefore, COVID-19 will no longer be considered a national health emergency. The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce will continue to monitor trends and act accordingly based on Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance.

    Your health and safety remain our top priority while attending programs, events, and meetings. COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are strongly recommended. The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce still follows exposure guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.

    If you feel ill or learn of an exposure before an event or meeting, whether with COVID-19 symptoms or others, please stay home and contact your healthcare provider.

    *Please note -If the venue or host of the program has additional policies or protocols, we will adhere to them and notify attendees in advance.

Funder

Barr Foundation Logo

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

265 Franklin Street

Get Directions

All cancellations must be received at least three (3) business days prior to the event to avoid being charged or to receive a refund.

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, or if you have any questions about the venue, event format, or virtual platform, please contact us.

265 Franklin Street
Suite 1701
Boston, MA 02110
Get Directions
Contact us
  • Events
  • Learning & Development
  • Economic Inclusion
  • Policy & Impact
  • Our Networks
  • Membership
  • join
  • About Us
  • News & Insights
  • Member Directory
  • Job Board
  • Sign In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

© 2025 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

Popular Resources

  • Small Business  
  • News & Insights  
  • Member Resources  
  • Small Business  
Close