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
        • ...
          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
        • ...
          Special Event
          Talent and Competitiveness in 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times

          Join the Chamber and Massachusetts Business Roundtable for a deep dive into employer insights, featuring analysis from McKinsey and a panel of experts.

          06/26/2025

          11:00am - 12:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on June 26, 2025.

          06/26/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

          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
  • 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
        • ...
          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
        • ...
          Special Event
          Talent and Competitiveness in 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times

          Join the Chamber and Massachusetts Business Roundtable for a deep dive into employer insights, featuring analysis from McKinsey and a panel of experts.

          06/26/2025

          11:00am - 12:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on June 26, 2025.

          06/26/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

          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
  • 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

The “SheCession” – A Time for Action

May 26, 2021 10:00 am – 11:00 am GBCC Virtual Events Platform

Event Details

  • Join us for a discussion on the ‘SheCession’! The pandemic has set women’s progress in the workforce back over a decade, with women accounting for more than 55% of the unemployment. Hear what business are doing to take action and what you can do!

Tickets

  • Member: Individual $25
  • Government: Individual $25
  • Non-Member: Individual $50
  • (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].

Join us for a discussion on the SheCession! The pandemic has set women’s progress in the workforce back over a decade, with women accounting for more than 55% of the unemployment. Hear what business are doing to take action and what you can do!

In early 2020, prior to the start of the pandemic, women had crossed a major employment milestone and the labor market was booming. For a few months, women outnumbered men in the U.S paid workforce. However, now a year later, over 5 million women have lost their jobs, accounting for 55% of U.S. unemployment. With the pandemic having disproportionately impacted women, especially women of color, in the workforce, many economists are calling this recession a “SheCession”.  

With the business community at a crossroads, action must be taken to get women back on track in order to avoid erasing decades of progress. Join us for this panel discussion on what actions some businesses are already taking, but most importantly, how you and the rest of our community can rise to the occasion to stop the “SheCession”.  

<span class=NormalTextRun SCXW154950676 BCX0 <this= event= is= part= of This event is part of our Women’s Network series. Our Women’s Network isn’t a club you join, but a place where you belong – 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, industries, and professions, with energy for ensuring that Greater Boston becomes the best place for professional women to thrive. All identities welcomed and encouraged to attend. 

FEATURING

Dr. Mekala Krishnan

Partner, McKinsey Global Institute Boston Panelist

Dr. Mekala Krishnan is a partner at the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), McKinsey’s business and economics research arm, based in Boston, MA. Mekala’s research…Read more
Dr. Mekala Krishnan is a partner at the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), McKinsey’s business and economics research arm, based in Boston, MA. Mekala’s research has focused on various topics related to inclusive growth and economic development, including women’s role in labor markets, globalization, productivity growth in advanced economies and climate risk. Mekala is a frequent speaker on these topics as well as on broader global trends, and helps advise decision makers, multilaterals, private sector companies, and non-profits on these issues. She has authored numerous articles and her work has been cited in leading business publications, including The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and Harvard Business Review. She co-leads MGI’s research on global gender equality and is an author of the MGI report “The Power of Parity: How advancing women’s equality can add $12 trillion to global growth” and “The future of women at work: Transitions in the age of automation”. She has provided research support to the UN’s High Level Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment. Mekala is a member of a task force at the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy at Brookings focused on improving productivity measurement, serves on an advisory board for the Sibley School of Mechanical Engineering at Cornell University, and serves on the board of the Global Fund for Women, a leading public foundation dedicated to improving global gender equality.

Nia Mathis

Vice President-State & Local Government Affairs, Verizon Panelist

Nia C. Mathis is region Vice President – State & Local Government Affairs at Verizon. In this role, Nia shapes public policy in 22 states across the central…Read more
Nia C. Mathis is region Vice President – State & Local Government Affairs at Verizon. In this role, Nia shapes public policy in 22 states across the central Midwest and New England in support of Verizon’s objectives. Nia leads a team of lobbyists and community engagement directors that advance Verizon’s interests through state and local government advocacy and through local grass roots and grass tops community engagement in Chicago, Boston, Denver, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Detroit, Indianapolis, Columbus, and other cities across the region. Nia has held several roles in Verizon’s legal department. She served as general counsel to Visible, which is Verizon’s flanker wireless brand and “start up” subsidiary. She also served as general counsel to a 12-state operating region of Verizon Wireless that was responsible for more than $10B in annual revenue to the company. In that role, she provided legal counsel on retail operations and she advanced Verizon’s 5G technology deployment through local advocacy and through enforcing Verizon’s rights under federal, state and local law. Prior roles include supporting Verizon Wireless’ digital distribution channel as a marketing attorney; developing and launching smart cities and ‘Internet of Things’ connected solutions as a product attorney, and negotiating high technology commercial transactions. Prior to joining Verizon in 2008, Nia was an associate at Latham & Watkins in the M&A and telecommunications practice groups. She started her legal career as an associate in Wiley Rein’s broadcast and communications law practice. Nia attended law school at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida. Nia married her high school sweetheart and they reside in the Chicago “southland” suburbs with their five children. She is active in her local faith-based community and is passionate about fostering cultural change to ensure that the benefits of evolving technologies are accessible to all members of our communities and society.

Alexandra Valdez

 Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement Moderator

Alexandra Valdez is the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement. She has a long history with the City of Boston as the past Director of Engagement…Read more
Alexandra Valdez is the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement. She has a long history with the City of Boston as the past Director of Engagement for the Economic Mobility Lab and as the Latina Liaison and Coordinator for Jamaica Plain. Prior to joining the City of Boston, Alexandra worked as a field organizer for Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley’s re-election campaign in 2014, and later as his Latino Liaison. Alexandra has also served as: an intern for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in Washington, D.C., working with Latino youth a fundraiser and coordinator for RAINN (Rape Abuse and Incest National Network) public relations coordinator for the Hyde/Jackson Merchant Association, and a host of other professional and volunteer positions. Alexandra also served as a Public Information Officer for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department where she provided outreach and information to the Latino community and assisted in the coordination of civic engagement events and programs for the Department. Alexandra earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Fitchburg State University. During this time, Alexandra also worked as the director of the Dominican Pageant for the Dominican Festival for two consecutive years, serving as a role model for other young Dominican women in the community. After graduating Mass Bay College, Alexandra began her last two years of college at Fitchburg State University. Her involvement included Student Government, Chair/President of her class (2015), and Student Alumni Liaison, among others. Born in La Vega, Dominican Republic, Alexandra immigrated to the United States at the age of ten, carrying with her a drive and desire to improve the lives of youth and the communities around them. In what could be described as the only the beginning of her professional life, Alexandra Valdez has already established herself as a committed community activist and experienced advocate for civic participation. Currently Alexandra attends Suffolk University where she’s pursuing her Masters in Public Administration.

Maura Mann

Vice President, The Nagler Group & KNF&T, BANKW Staffing Panelist

As vice president of The Nagler Group, Maura’s work ethic and client service strategy drives the company’s award-winning growth. She oversees sales and recruiting…Read more
As vice president of The Nagler Group, Maura’s work ethic and client service strategy drives the company’s award-winning growth. She oversees sales and recruiting operations for the company’s locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Prior to joining The Nagler Group, Maura held senior management positions for multiple local and international staffing and recruiting organizations, but when she had the opportunity to join The Nagler Group, she jumped at the chance to use her expertise to help grow the organization. An active local networker, her non-stop enthusiasm for meeting new people and staying busy—both at work and outside the office—makes Maura The Nagler Group’s very own Energizer bunny. She sits on the Board of Directors for Tewksbury Youth Skating Association (TYSA) and is a member of local professional organizations, including: SBANE, where she sits on the Women’s Business committee; NEHRA; SHRM; and ProVisors. When she’s not coaching The Nagler Group team, Maura is teaching CCD at her church, leading Learn to Skate classes, and volunteering at her son’s school. A Boston College alumna and diehard Boston sports fan, she lives in Tewksbury with her husband and son.

AGENDA

  • 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. Virtual Networking

  • 10:00 – 10:10 a.m. Welcome & Introductions

  • 10:10 – 10:40 a.m. Moderated Discussion

  • 10:40 -11:00 a.m. Audience Q&A

Sponsored by

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 at [email protected].

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