Overview
- Learn from Dr. Melissa Gilliam’s groundbreaking journey and leadership experiences in higher ed
- Be inspired by Dr. Gilliam’s innovative vision for the future of Boston University and her trailblazing achievements, providing motivation and guidance for your own professional growth.
- Connect with fellow attendees and exchange ideas that can support your career growth and enhance your network.
Tickets
- Individual Member Ticket: $85
- Member Table of 10: $800
- Individual Non-Member Ticket: $115
- Non-Member Table of 10: $1,100
- Individual Government Member: $85
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Pioneering Pathways, Leading with Excellence
Join us for an engaging conversation with the distinguished Dr. Melissa Gilliam. Appointed as the 11th president of Boston University on July 1, 2024, Dr. Gilliam has made history as both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.
Dr. Gilliam is an esteemed and award-winning interdisciplinary researcher in medicine, public health, and the humanities. With an impressive portfolio of achievements in both research and academic leadership, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. A physician by training, Dr. Gilliam has spent 16 years at the University of Chicago and most recently held the Engie-Axium chair, serving as the first Black provost and executive vice president at The Ohio State University.
During this event, Dr. Gilliam, daughter of the late, world-renowned abstract painter Sam Gilliam and pioneering journalist Dorothy Butler Gilliam, the first Black female reporter at the Washington Post, will share her groundbreaking journey and leadership experiences from her early career, offering unique perspectives on overcoming challenges and achieving excellence in higher education.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity for professionals of all career levels to hear from a trailblazing leader and gain insights into the world of higher education, leadership, and Dr. Gilliam’s innovative vision for the future of Boston University.
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 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.
Dr. Gilliam is an esteemed and award-winning interdisciplinary researcher in medicine, public health, and the humanities. With an impressive portfolio of achievements in both research and academic leadership, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. A physician by training, Dr. Gilliam has spent 16 years at the University of Chicago and most recently held the Engie-Axium chair, serving as the first Black provost and executive vice president at The Ohio State University.
During this event, Dr. Gilliam, daughter of the late, world-renowned abstract painter Sam Gilliam and pioneering journalist Dorothy Butler Gilliam, the first Black female reporter at the Washington Post, will share her groundbreaking journey and leadership experiences from her early career, offering unique perspectives on overcoming challenges and achieving excellence in higher education.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity for professionals of all career levels to hear from a trailblazing leader and gain insights into the world of higher education, leadership, and Dr. Gilliam’s innovative vision for the future of Boston University.
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 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.
Questions? Contact us.
Erica Deese
Senior Program Manager
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
Featured Speaker
Dr. Melissa Gilliam
President, Boston University
Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam became Boston University’s eleventh president on July 1, 2024. Dr. Gilliam is an esteemed and award-winning interdisciplinary researcher…Read more
Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam became Boston University’s eleventh president on July 1, 2024. Dr. Gilliam is an esteemed and award-winning interdisciplinary researcher in medicine, public health, and the humanities. Dr. Gilliam joined Boston University from The Ohio State University, where she held the Engie-Axium chair and served as executive vice president and provost overseeing 15 colleges and six campuses and the Office of Academic Affairs, including undergraduate education, graduate education, international affairs, diversity and inclusion, external engagement, online learning, and information technology. She placed a keen focus on issues of access, affordability, and reducing student debt. Prior to joining Ohio State, Dr. Gilliam spent the majority of her career at the University of Chicago, where she was the Ellen H. Block Distinguished Service Professor of Health Justice, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics, and vice provost. In the latter role, her portfolio consisted of faculty hiring, faculty development, chair development, and diversity and inclusion. In these roles, she oversaw the Neubauer Family Assistant Professors Program, the Provost Postdoctoral Scholars Program, and faculty awards and recognition.
Dr. Gilliam’s scholarship focuses on developing biomedical and innovative interventions to promote adolescent health and well-being. Her research funders have included the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Irving Harris Foundation, and others. Dr. Gilliam is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the American Gynecological Club, and the American Gynecological & Obstetrical Society. She serves on the Board of Governors of Argonne National Laboratory and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Among her many awards and honors, she received the King Arts Center Legacy Award in 2022, was named a Centennial Scholar of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago, and received the Chicago Urban League Innovator Award, the US Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee Service Award, and the Chicago Foundation for Women Impact Award. She has published over 100 articles in her field.
A native of Washington, D.C., she is the daughter of the late, world-renowned, abstract painter Sam Gilliam and the pioneering journalist at the Washington Post Dorothy Butler Gilliam, the first Black female reporter hired at the paper. Dr. Gilliam earned her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Yale University, a Master of Arts in philosophy and politics from the University of Oxford, a Doctor of Medicine from Harvard University, and a Master of Public Health from the University of Illinois Chicago. She completed an internship in general surgery at the University of Chicago and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University.
Dr. Gilliam’s scholarship focuses on developing biomedical and innovative interventions to promote adolescent health and well-being. Her research funders have included the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Irving Harris Foundation, and others. Dr. Gilliam is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the American Gynecological Club, and the American Gynecological & Obstetrical Society. She serves on the Board of Governors of Argonne National Laboratory and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Among her many awards and honors, she received the King Arts Center Legacy Award in 2022, was named a Centennial Scholar of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago, and received the Chicago Urban League Innovator Award, the US Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee Service Award, and the Chicago Foundation for Women Impact Award. She has published over 100 articles in her field.
A native of Washington, D.C., she is the daughter of the late, world-renowned, abstract painter Sam Gilliam and the pioneering journalist at the Washington Post Dorothy Butler Gilliam, the first Black female reporter hired at the paper. Dr. Gilliam earned her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Yale University, a Master of Arts in philosophy and politics from the University of Oxford, a Doctor of Medicine from Harvard University, and a Master of Public Health from the University of Illinois Chicago. She completed an internship in general surgery at the University of Chicago and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University.
Agenda
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11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Registration & Networking
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12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Fireside Chat
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COVID-19 Policy
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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 chamberprograms@bostonchamber.com.