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          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
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Women's Network logo

A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

June 18, 2025 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fairmont Copley Plaza

Event Details

  • Attendees learned from Dr. Melissa Gilliam’s groundbreaking journey and leadership experiences in higher ed.
  • Dr. Gilliam shared her innovative vision for the future of Boston University, as well as her trailblazing achievements, providing motivation and guidance to attendees.

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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  • Overview
  • Speakers
  • Agenda
  • FAQs
  • Sponsor
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Pioneering Pathways, Leading with Excellence

Thank you for joining 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.

Questions? Contact us.

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Staff
Erica Deese

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Erica

Featured Speaker

Boston University
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.

See on LinkedInarrow-go
Rachel Felix

Chief Marketing & Growth Officer, Boston Medical Center Health System

Rachel Felix is a senior strategy and marketing executive with over twenty-five years of experience leading transformation and business model innovation in both…Read more
Rachel Felix is a senior strategy and marketing executive with over twenty-five years of experience leading transformation and business model innovation in both the healthcare and media industries. Her career has been focused on strategic growth and integration via modernization and technology in rapidly evolving landscapes.

Rachel currently serves as the first SVP and Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at Boston Medical Center Health System, where she is focused on growth across all audiences from patients to community partners to donors, which all intersect at BMCHS’s health equity mission. Rachel works to more holistically understand the voice of the consumer and communicate with these audiences, build deeper relationships, and deliver greater impact, to strategically drive future growth and positive health outcomes.

Previously, Rachel served as the Vice President and Head of Brand Management at Mass General Brigham, leading integration, rebrand, and awareness efforts across the largest healthcare system in New England. Prior to healthcare, Rachel was Senior Vice President of Partner Marketing at Paramount and spent her early career in brand management at Kraft Foods.

Rachel holds a B.B.A. from the University of Michigan and her M.B.A. from Columbia University. An NYC transplant, Rachel is on the Board of Directors at The New Commonwealth Fund, PRX, and Women’s Lunch Place, and she co-founded Dorchester’s first porch music festival, Dorchfest. She resides in Dorchester, Boston, with her husband, two children, and father.

See on LinkedInarrow-go

Agenda

  • 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Registration & Networking

    Guests arrive, sign in at registration, and network with fellow attendees. Lunch will be provided.

  • 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Fireside Chat

    Join our speakers for a fireside chat and engage in audience Q&A.

FAQs

  • What is included in my registration?

    Access to a welcoming community of professionals over a great conversation! Lunch will be provided.

  • What should I bring?

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

  • What should I wear?

    Please come dressed for your day!

  • When should I arrive?

    11:30 a.m. for Registration – Program begins promptly at 12:00 p.m.

  • Do I need to register in advance?

    Women’s Network events are some of the Chamber’s most popular and we recommend registering in advance to secure your spot!

  • 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.

Sponsor

PwC Logo

Fairmont Copley Plaza

138 St. James Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116

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 at [email protected].

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