City Awake: Rising Leaders in Government

March 23, 2021 11:30 am – 12:30 pm GBCC Virtual Event Platform

Event Details

Join this discussion to celebrate and learn from the rising leaders in government who are empowering the next generation of leaders to make an impact despite your background, title, or industry representation.

Tickets

This event is free for Members & Non-Members.
Advance registration is required.
Online registration will close 90 minutes before the start of the program. If you would like to register after we have closed online registration, please reach out to [email protected].

Throughout our region, a new generation of leaders has emerged and are bringing unique and fresh perspectives to our political environment. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we embrace new and inclusive ideas in order to enhance our region and move forward together. Join us for this engaging discussion where we’ll hear from rising leaders in government who are making a big impact within their communities.

What is City Awake?
Our City Awake programming is designed to build community, engage civically-minded next-gen leaders in dialogue about the most pressing issues facing our region, and celebrate the incredible young talent in Greater Boston.

Hannah Zinn

Senior Program Manager

[email protected]
617-557-7317

FEATURING

Natalia Urtubey

Director of Small Business, City of Boston Panelist

As Director of Small Business, Natalia’s extensive knowledge of Boston’s neighborhoods and the small business community complement her experience in creating…Read more

As Director of Small Business, Natalia’s extensive knowledge of Boston’s neighborhoods and the small business community complement her experience in creating growth strategies and building partnerships across community stakeholders. Natalia leads a 16-person team focused on tracking and producing research on local and national trends to inform decision making about small business development tools, coordinates with local residents and existing businesses to ensure that there is a strategic and policy-driven approach to growth without displacement; and works with residents and other City officials to remove any barriers to do business in the City of Boston. Natalia manages and oversees the distribution of the more than $3 million in small business resources under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the more than $3 million in investment in small business within and outside of the 20 Boston Main Streets Districts. She directs and implements Mayor Walsh’s 2016 Small Business Plan to provide coordinated service delivery and economic opportunity for Boston’s 40,000 small businesses. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Natalia has led the City’s Small Business relief efforts including the distribution of more than $13.5M in direct grants, direct service to thousands of businesses, and the implementation of new and innovative programming to ensure Boston’s small businesses can thrive and survive the pandemic’s deep economic impact. Additionally she has led the Reimagine Boston Main Streets initiative, a community engagement process to strengthen the future of our neighborhood commercial districts. Previously, Natalia served as the Executive Director of Imagine Boston 2030, working to implement the first city-wide plan. She was responsible for ensuring the first planning process in more than 50 years was representative of Boston residents’ vision and concerns. In this role, Natalia was instrumental in keeping the process visible and accessible to all Bostonians. She brought community leaders together and identified opportunities for collaboration. Natalia received her Master in Public Administration from Suffolk University in 2012. Natalia is a proud homeowner in Dorchester and serves on the board for several local nonprofits; including the Dorchester YMCA, Future Chefs, and Hyde Square Task Force.

Aisha Miller

Chief of the Civic Engagement, City of Boston Panelist

Prior to her appointment as Chief of the Civic Engagement Cabinet Aisha E. Miller served as the Director of Constituent Services for the Boston Inspectional Service…Read more

Tony Richards

Deputy Chief of Staff, Access & Opportunity, Massachusetts Governor’s Office Panelist

As a key member of the Governor’s senior leadership team, he leads initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion across the Commonwealth. In his role,…Read more

As a key member of the Governor’s senior leadership team, he leads initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion across the Commonwealth. In his role, Tony has led comprehensive reforms that expand the earning potential and business opportunities for diverse and small businesses totaling more than $2.9billion in annual public contracts and procurements with categories such as goods and services, construction and real estate. In addition, he directs human resource strategies that increase diversity recruitment, retention and promotion initiatives while achieving targets for Women, Minorities, Veterans, and people with disabilities in the executive branch workforce for over 40,000-plus jobs. During the COVID-19 pandemic Tony led efforts to support businesses through an additional $668 million in sector-specific relief grants administered through Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC), which a portion of these funds will be administered to sectors experiencing the most significant economic hardship and a loss of revenue with a focus on minority and women businesses. Previously, he was the Director of Community Affairs at the Governor’s Office and under his leadership, he lead a statewide strategic planning process engaging residents and industry leaders resulting in the annual increase of multimillion dollar investments to support priorities specifically related to enhancing the economic prosperity and well-being for Black and Latino communities throughout the Commonwealth. Formerly, Tony has held executive roles at various non-profit and community based organizations and managed multi-million dollar budgets while increasing impact and effectiveness. He began his career working in the private sector in corporate communications where he worked to pitch effective marketing and sales strategies. Tony is finalizing his Masters in Public Administration at Suffolk University, Sawyer Business School this semester, and holds a Bachelors degree from Clark Atlanta University. He currently resides in Boston with his wife and two daughters.

Paul Schmid

Associate, Arent Fox Moderator

Paul Schmid represents corporate clients on matters across the life cycle of a business, including formation, financing, operations, succession planning, and mergers…Read more

City Awake: Rising Leaders in Government Agenda

11:30am – 12:10pm Panel Discussion

12:10pm – 12:30pm Audience Q&A

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2026 Government Affairs Forum | Senate President Karen Spilka

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Massachusetts Apprentice Network

Women’s Leadership Program

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Boston’s Future Leaders

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GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

Business Climate

Climate & Energy

Health Care

Housing & Development

Talent

Transportation

Foundation

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Expanding Opportunity

Upcoming Events

Get Involved

EXPLORE OUR INITIATIVES:

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

Series

2026 Government Affairs Forum | Senate President Karen Spilka

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMING:

Member Engagement

Top 5 Tips to Maximize Your Membership at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Membership Directory

Discover fellow Chamber members.

Upcoming Events

Stay Involved

Talent & Workforce

Young Bostonians Collective

Strategic Communication for Better Collaboration

Massachusetts Apprentice Network

Women’s Leadership Program

Partnership with Boston Public Schools

Boston’s Future Leaders

Policy & Impact

GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

Business Climate

Climate & Energy

Health Care

Housing & Development

Talent

Transportation

Foundation

Our Mission