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        • ...
          Limited Series
          Transportation First | State of the Airport

          The Transportation First Series offers a platform to discuss the challenges faced by our region, with the input of experts and changemakers.

          06/12/2025

          2:45pm - 4:30pm

          Hybrid | Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Public Policy
          2025 Government Affairs Forum | Senator Edward J. Markey

          Hear from Senator Edward J. Markey, a consumer champion and leader on energy, environmental protection, and telecommunications policy.

          06/16/2025

          9:45am - 11:00am

          Boston Marriott Long Wharf

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Women's Network
          A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

          This Women's Network event will offer an insightful conversation with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the 11th President of Boston University and both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.

          06/18/2025

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          Fairmont Copley Plaza

          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

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

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

          Business Climate
          Read More
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          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
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City Awake logo

City Awake: Awakening the Next Generation of Leaders

May 4, 2023 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Event Details

  • Thank you for joining City Awake for their first ever college and graduate student networking event!
  • Students had the opportunity to meet the Greater Boston Chamber staff, eat food, and create new, lasting connections with some of our City Awake Advisory Board members.

Tickets

  • This event is FREE!

Jump to page section

  • Overview
  • City Awake Advisory Board Members
  • Agenda
  • FAQs
  • 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’s program series 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 gave Boston’s college-aged young 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’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.

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Staff
Kaija Chalmus

Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Kaija

City Awake Advisory Board Members

Andrew Farrington

Associate, Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP

Andrew Farrington is an associate at Nutter McClennen & Fish and is a member of the firm’s business litigation and securities enforcement and litigation practice…Read more
Andrew Farrington is an associate at Nutter McClennen & Fish and is a member of the firm’s business litigation and securities enforcement and litigation practice groups. He has experience handling investor and M&A related litigation and SEC regulatory inquires and enforcement proceedings. Andrew is passionate about advancing diversity in the legal profession and serves on Nutter’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Committee. He is also an active volunteer for the Boston Lawyers Group, an organization dedicated to advancing diversity in the Boston legal community. Andrew received his JD and MBA from Northeastern University. He holds a BA in Political Science from Westfield State University.

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Catarina Pontes

Sr. Manager, Learning & Development, Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Catarina Pontes is an instructional designer within the learning and development team at Columbia Threadneedle Investments. She designs and facilitates training…Read more
Catarina Pontes is an instructional designer within the learning and development team at Columbia Threadneedle Investments. She designs and facilitates training for new and existing employees on the technology systems and tools needed for their role. Her main focus is the sales and distribution teams. She also volunteers as a pillar leader for the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Group within the organization. Catarina joined Columbia Threadneedle in 2017 and has been in the financial services industry since 2008. She earned a B.A., majoring in Economics with a concentration in Environment Studies, from Bryn Mawr College and a M.L.A. from the Sustainability and Environmental Program at Harvard Extension School.

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Danielle Ashurst

Assistant Director of Travel Industry Sales, Encore Boston

Danielle Ashurst is a Travel Industry Sales veteran having spent her career of 15 years selling luxury Resorts in Las Vegas and Boston. Danielle began her career…Read more
Danielle Ashurst is a Travel Industry Sales veteran having spent her career of 15 years selling luxury Resorts in Las Vegas and Boston. Danielle began her career with Wynn Resorts in 2008 as part of the opening team at Encore Las Vegas, and most recently opening the first luxury gaming resort in Boston, Encore Boston harbor in 2019. Over the years Danielle has partnered with the top travel companies in the world, to assist in making Wynn Resorts one of the most recognized luxury Resort destinations in the world. Danielle credits her success with building strong relationships and earning trust from her clients. Danielle currently lives in the Seaport district in Boston and while she is not travelling, she enjoys writing and spending time with her puppy, Dutch.

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Hayley Trahan-Liptak

Associate, K&L Gates

Hayley Trahan-Liptak is an Associate at K&L Gates where she specializes in the firm’s White Collar and Investigations practice group. Her work includes global…Read more
Hayley Trahan-Liptak is an Associate at K&L Gates where she specializes in the firm’s White Collar and Investigations practice group. Her work includes global investigations and government enforcement representations. Prior to joining K&L Gates, Hayley studied at Boston College and Boston College Law school. Hayley grew up in rural central Massachusetts but has called Boston home for over 15 years. In her spare time, she can be found renovating her South End condo, where she lives with her husband.

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Mackenley Louis

Commercial Banking Analyst, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Mack Louis is a Client Associate with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. As a member of the Hill Group, he provides operational support and excellent customer service…Read more
Mack Louis is a Client Associate with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. As a member of the Hill Group, he provides operational support and excellent customer service for high-net-worth families and Institutional Investors. Mack graduated from The University of Massachusetts with a degree in Operations Information Management. With 6 years of experience in financial services, he began his career with JP Morgan as an intern during his junior year of college. Mack has held various positions within the company and Joined the Hill Group in July 2021 after working in the commercial Bank the prior three years. Active in his community, Mack is the co-chair of the NextGen business resource group, an employee led group that organizes financial literacy and networking events. He lives in Wrentham and in his free time, enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with his family. He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses.

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Madison Braman

Employee Benefits Consultant, Gallagher

Madison is currently an Employee Benefits Consultant with Gallagher, one of the world’s largest insurance brokers. She provides unique strategies that help organizations…Read more
Madison is currently an Employee Benefits Consultant with Gallagher, one of the world’s largest insurance brokers. She provides unique strategies that help organizations attract, retain and engage top talent at the right cost structures. Madison is a graduate from the College of William and Mary, where she was a Division 1 golfer and a member of the Delta Gamma sorority.

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Matthew Alberti

Public Relations Associate, Allen & Gerritsen

Public Relations Associate at Allen & Gerritsen, an independent, integrated advertising agency with homes in Boston and Philadelphia, Matthew has an array of…Read more
Public Relations Associate at Allen & Gerritsen, an independent, integrated advertising agency with homes in Boston and Philadelphia, Matthew has an array of experience in advertising and social media working cross-functionally throughout B2B, entertainment, nonprofit, corporate, consumer and multicultural industries.

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Sasha Fitzgerald

Associate General Counsel, The RMR Group

Sasha Fitzgerald has been Associate General Counsel at The RMR Group in Newton, MA since 2019. Prior to joining The RMR Group, Sasha was a corporate associate at…Read more
Sasha Fitzgerald has been Associate General Counsel at The RMR Group in Newton, MA since 2019. Prior to joining The RMR Group, Sasha was a corporate associate at Ropes & Gray LLP in its Boston office. Sasha received her Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University in 2011 and her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School in 2016. While in law school, Sasha was a summer intern in the legal department of Boston Scientific Corporation and was a summer associate at Ropes & Gray LLP. Sasha grew up in Sharon, MA and currently resides in downtown Boston with her husband and dog.

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Shameika Wilmington

Director – One Grooming, P&G Gillette

A typical Midwesterner; born in Iowa and the eldest of three girls. At a very young age I expressed an interest in music and began taking piano lessons from the…Read more
A typical Midwesterner; born in Iowa and the eldest of three girls. At a very young age I expressed an interest in music and began taking piano lessons from the impressionable age of six all the way through College. I reunited with my love for music in Boston after joining adult group lessons at the Musicians Playground. As an adult, I also learned to appreciate the endorphins that accompany regular exercise; specifically, those achieved from Hot Yoga, Cycling, Boxing, and Orangetheory Fitness. During Graduate school I picked up boxing to manage my stress levels, and it has continued to be a great outlet throughout my life today. As a child I also showed an early interest in Science. I received my first telescope as a Christmas Gift when I was 10 years old. I had very little knowledge on what I was doing, but I knew that I loved it. I went on to receive my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from The University of Iowa where I published my first Scientific article and my Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from Northwestern University (IL). I obtained a certificate in Business Management for Scientist and Engineers from Kellogg School of Business. Midway through my PhD my Professor relocated our research lab to Austin, Texas and I finished my independent research at The University of Texas at Austin in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates research foundation. After completing my Doctorate, I accepted a position in Boston, MA with Procter & Gamble/Gillette in Research & Development as a Regulatory Affairs Scientist/Manager. This was a complete career change, and I quickly adapted to my new role. Within my first five years with the Company, I was promoted to Senior Scientist followed by Group Head, directly managing a subset of our global team. My leadership style is Direct and Inclusive, and I identify as an Extrovert. However, I have taken a recent interest in personal time, reading, reflecting, and have begun meditating and counseling. Religiously I am Christian, I grew up Baptist, but now I regularly attend non-denominational churches. While it can be rare to find a Christian Scientist, I do strongly believe and demonstrate both can co-exist. I am extremely family oriented and living across the country and far from my family for the past 10 years has been very challenging. While we visit each other often, my family is a strong part of my foundation and have shaped who I am today. I have also had the privilege of amazing Women Mentors throughout my life. My childhood piano teacher (Mrs. Clayvon), my first Research mentor (Dr. Pamela Geyer) and my Christian mentors (Sis. Brenda Hanes and Sis. Vera Couch). I do believe that it is important to give back, consequently I strongly believe in outreach and community service. I have mentored a dozen current and future Scientists and Medical Doctors in the laboratory, as well as served as Mentors for those desiring careers in life sciences. While the load can be heavy, I have a desire to change the face of Science and introduce young women (of color) to new possibilities. I strongly believe that “Representation Matters” and am often the first black Scientist that many children have met. I hope that they can see ‘themselves’ in ‘me’ and that I can inspire them to know that all things are possible!

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Taylor M. LaSane

Executive and Internal Communications Manager, Google

Taylor M. LaSane is an Executive and Internal Communications Manager with over 5 years at Google in both Boston and Ann Arbor MI. A Detroit native and graduate of…Read more
Taylor M. LaSane is an Executive and Internal Communications Manager with over 5 years at Google in both Boston and Ann Arbor MI. A Detroit native and graduate of Howard University’s School of Business, Taylor is a strategic communicator and expert brand builder with experience in digital marketing and a passion for helping BIPOC succeed in corporate spaces. Within Google she’s a trusted advisor, trained facilitator, community advocate and executive coach. Outside of Google, she’s a freelance consultant, YouTuber, foodie and natural hair enthusiast who loves to travel and mentor Black women.

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Wilmaris-rivera-headshot.png
Wilmaris Rivera Soto

Senior Technology Analyst & Boston Hispanic American ERG Lead, Accenture

Wilmaris Rivera Soto is a Business and Integration Technology Senior Analyst. Wilmaris graduated from the University of Puerto Rico in December 2019 with a Degree…Read more
Wilmaris Rivera Soto is a Business and Integration Technology Senior Analyst. Wilmaris graduated from the University of Puerto Rico in December 2019 with a Degree in Business Administration and Major in Computer Information Systems. She is passionate on representing her Hispanic and LatinX roots everywhere she goes. Wilmaris is also the current Hispanic American Resource Group Lead for the Accenture Boston Office. Wilmaris is a people person, extroverted and curious leader and aims to maximize all positive experiences she finds herself involved with.

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Agenda

  • 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 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. Here they will be greeted by Chamber staff members at the registration table.

  • 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Information Session

    During this time, attendees will hear from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce staff and learn about City Awake.

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

    Grab a slice of pizza and connect with some of the City Awake Advisory Board members.

  • 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Interactive Discussion

    Let’s have a conversation about Boston and how City Awake can support your personal and professional growth.

FAQs

  • Is this location handicap accessible?

    The office is handicap accessible, if you have any requests, please email our team at [email protected].

  • Is there parking available?

    There is limited metered street parking. The area has several parking garages, with the closest location at 225 Franklin St.

  • Is it accessible by public transportation?

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

  • What should I wear?

    Please come for your day!

  • What should I bring?

    An interest in connecting with other young proffessionals!

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
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