Skip to content
  • About Us
  • News & Insights
  • Member Directory
  • Job Board
  • Sign In
  • Join
Home > Events > Women’s Network Lunch | Chef Karen Akunowicz (In-Person Members-only event)
Boston Chamber
  • Become a Member
        • Become a Member

          • Overview
          • Membership Benefits
          • Membership Levels
          • Member Stories
          • Request a Meeting
          • Join Today
        • ...
          About Us
          Get to Know the Chamber

          Discover our mission, values, and leadership.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Member Benefits
          Grow Your Business

          Explore benefits that power your success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Membership Directory
          Not sure if you’re a member?

          Browse our network of businesses.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Events & Networking
        • Events & Networking

          • Overview
          • Upcoming Events
          • Limited Series
          • Chamber Awards
          • Foundation Initiatives
        • WHAT’S NEXT

          ...
          Upcoming Events
          Engage & Learn

          Explore opportunities to connect and grow.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • FEATURED EVENT

          ...
          Series
          2025 Government Affairs Forum | State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg

          Don’t miss our upcoming Government Affairs Forum with Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg.

          12/09/2025

          9:45am - 11:00am

          Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMING:

          • Annual & Premier Events
          • Economic Inclusion
          • Small Business & Entrepreneurship
          • Digital Media & Marketing
          • Public Policy
          • Professional Development
          • Women’s Network
          • Workforce Development
          • Young Professionals Network
          • VIEW ALL PROGRAMMING
  • Member Engagement
        • Member Engagement

          • Member Resources
          • Member Deals
          • Sponsorship Opportunities
          • Small Business Benefits
          • Connect with your Member Services Rep
          • Member Spotlights
          • Sign In
        • ...
          Maximize Your Membership
          Unlock Value

          Take advantage of exclusive perks and programs for members.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Membership Directory
          Discover fellow Chamber members.

          Browse our directory to find and connect with member community.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Upcoming Events
          Stay Involved

          Join experiences that build relationships and spark ideas.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Talent & Workforce
        • Talent & Workforce

          • Professional Development
          • Workforce Development
          • Open Programs
          • DEI Resource Hub
          • Insights
        • WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (FOUNDATION) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
          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
          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
          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
          Strategic Communication for Better Collaboration

          Level up your leadership and communication in this Boston Chamber workshop for professionals—gain essential skills in team alignment.

          Read More
          Partnership with Boston Public Schools 

          The Chamber Foundation invites the business community to engage with Boston Public Schools leaders and their students to help build the future workforce.

          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
          • Government Affairs Forum
          • Eds & Meds Report
        • 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
  • Foundation
        • Foundation

          • About
          • Board of Directors
          • Our Funders
          • Upcoming Events
          • Donate
        • ...
          Our Mission
          Expanding Opportunity

          Learn how we advance talent and small business growth.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Foundation Initiatives
          Programming That Empowers

          Explore our key priorities and strategic efforts.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Upcoming Events
          Get Involved

          Join us at our next Foundation event.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Join
Bostonchamber
Boston Chamber
  • Become a Member
        • Become a Member

          • Overview
          • Membership Benefits
          • Membership Levels
          • Member Stories
          • Request a Meeting
          • Join Today
        • ...
          About Us
          Get to Know the Chamber

          Discover our mission, values, and leadership.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Member Benefits
          Grow Your Business

          Explore benefits that power your success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Membership Directory
          Not sure if you’re a member?

          Browse our network of businesses.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Events & Networking
        • Events & Networking

          • Overview
          • Upcoming Events
          • Limited Series
          • Chamber Awards
          • Foundation Initiatives
        • WHAT’S NEXT

          ...
          Upcoming Events
          Engage & Learn

          Explore opportunities to connect and grow.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • FEATURED EVENT

          ...
          Series
          2025 Government Affairs Forum | State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg

          Don’t miss our upcoming Government Affairs Forum with Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg.

          12/09/2025

          9:45am - 11:00am

          Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMING:

          • Annual & Premier Events
          • Economic Inclusion
          • Small Business & Entrepreneurship
          • Digital Media & Marketing
          • Public Policy
          • Professional Development
          • Women’s Network
          • Workforce Development
          • Young Professionals Network
          • VIEW ALL PROGRAMMING
  • Member Engagement
        • Member Engagement

          • Member Resources
          • Member Deals
          • Sponsorship Opportunities
          • Small Business Benefits
          • Connect with your Member Services Rep
          • Member Spotlights
          • Sign In
        • ...
          Maximize Your Membership
          Unlock Value

          Take advantage of exclusive perks and programs for members.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Membership Directory
          Discover fellow Chamber members.

          Browse our directory to find and connect with member community.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Upcoming Events
          Stay Involved

          Join experiences that build relationships and spark ideas.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Talent & Workforce
        • Talent & Workforce

          • Professional Development
          • Workforce Development
          • Open Programs
          • DEI Resource Hub
          • Insights
        • WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (FOUNDATION) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
          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
          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
          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
          Strategic Communication for Better Collaboration

          Level up your leadership and communication in this Boston Chamber workshop for professionals—gain essential skills in team alignment.

          Read More
          Partnership with Boston Public Schools 

          The Chamber Foundation invites the business community to engage with Boston Public Schools leaders and their students to help build the future workforce.

          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
          • Government Affairs Forum
          • Eds & Meds Report
        • 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
  • Foundation
        • Foundation

          • About
          • Board of Directors
          • Our Funders
          • Upcoming Events
          • Donate
        • ...
          Our Mission
          Expanding Opportunity

          Learn how we advance talent and small business growth.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Foundation Initiatives
          Programming That Empowers

          Explore our key priorities and strategic efforts.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Upcoming Events
          Get Involved

          Join us at our next Foundation event.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Join
  • About Us
  • News & Insights
  • Member Directory
  • Job Board
  • Sign In
  • Join

Women’s Network Lunch | Chef Karen Akunowicz (In-Person Members-only event)

November 9, 2021 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Bar Volpe

Event Details

  • We invite you to join us for a special, members-only, Womens Network lunch, where we will hear from award-winning and local chef, Karen Akunowicz!

Tickets

Social share

We invite you to join us for a special, members-only, Women’s Network lunch, where we will hear from award-winning and local chef, Karen Akunowicz!

Chef Karen Akunowicz has made a name for herself nationwide with her dynamic personality, creative cuisine, as well as competing on Bravo’s wildly popular Top Chef series, and Beat Bobby Flay. She was also called one of the “21 Badass Women Changing the Food World” by Marie Claire magazine in 2016 and in 2018 Chef Karen won the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award in the Best Chef: Northeast Category.  

Karen opened her own restaurant, Fox & the Knife in the winter of 2019 just months before the pandemic shuttered most of the world. Just over a year ago she was facing temporary shut down and now she is set to launch her second restaurant, Bar Volpe! Join us for a candid conversation with Chef Karen, moderated by Tracy Skelly, Founder of the Little Cocoa Bean Company. Karen will discuss how she pivoted and recalibrated her business during the pandemic, being a woman and LGBTQ–owned business, and her path to being one of Boston’s most well-known and innovative chefs.  

This intimate members-only limited forum will take place at Karen’s new restaurant Bar Volpe where guests can enjoy a small tasting lunch by the renowned chef!  

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 are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

FAQs

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY REGISTRATION?

  • Access to a welcoming community of professionals over a great conversation and lunch!
  • Salad, main course, and dessert from Chef Karen’s Kitchen
  • Water & Soft Drinks 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

  • An interest in connecting with women professionals from all industries and career stages. Oh, and don’t forget business cards & your appetite. 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

  • Please come dressed for your day!

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?

  • Registration & networking begins at 10:30 a.m. 

 DO I NEED TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE?

  • We have a limited number of tickets available for this event due to capacity limits. Women’s Network events are some of the Chamber’s most popular and we recommend registering in advance to secure your spot! 
  • Onsite Registration will not be accepted.

COVID-19 POLICY

  •  You are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the CDC. 
  • You will wear a mask indoors when not eating or drinking. We will be asking attendees to show proof of vaccination onsite 
  • You have not had a fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell that cannot be attributed to another health condition.  
  • You have not had contact with a person known to be infected, potentially infected, or exposed to someone infected with COVID-19 within the previous 14 days.  (Prior to the event date) 
  • If you have traveled internationally within the last 14 days (prior to the event date), you have received a negative COVID-19 test within 3-5 days after your return.  

We invite you to join us for a special, members-only, Women’s Network lunch, where we will hear from award-winning and local chef, Karen Akunowicz! Women’s Network Lunch featuring Chef Karen Akunowicz

Danielle Dorey

Director, Program Operations

[email protected]
617-557-7323

FEATURING

Chef Karen Akunowicz

Chef/Owner Fox & the Knife & Bar Volpe Featured Speaker

Chef Karen Akunowicz is the 2018 James Beard Foundation Award winner for Best Chef: Northeast and the 2020 James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant in…Read more
Chef Karen Akunowicz is the 2018 James Beard Foundation Award winner for Best Chef: Northeast and the 2020 James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant in America. She is the Chef/Owner of Fox & the Knife Enoteca in South Boston, Fox Pasta Co. and Bar Volpe Ristorante & Pastificio. Chef Karen has been touted “Boston’s Queen of Pasta” and her first restaurant Fox & the knife called an “Instant Classic” by Food & Wine Magazine. Chef Akunowicz became a fan favorite when she competed on Bravo’s Emmy-nominated show, “Top Chef” season 13 as well as season 17 “All Stars”. She has appeared as a judge on Top Chef Season 16 and Top Chef Canada. Named one of the “21 Badass Women Changing the Food World” by Marie Claire Magazine, she is the Co-Author of the cookbook: Myers+Chang at Home (Houghton Mifflin; 2017). She has been profiled on CBS Saturday Morning’s “The Dish”, “The Today Show” “The Kelly Clarkson Show”, “Pickler and Ben” and Hallmark’s “Home & Family”. She has been featured in commercials for Orbitz, Martini and Rossi and Zepher Design. Akunowicz has also been in national publications such as The New York Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, People Magazine, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Forbes and Wall Street Journal Magazine. In 2019 Chef Karen opened Fox & the Knife, inspired by her time spent living and cooking in Modena, Italy. Fox & the Knife is a casual and contemporary homage to the food, wine, culture and spirit of that city, all presented with a warm welcome in a high energy atmosphere. Fox & the Knife menu highlights Akunowicz’s flair for the soul-satisfying, graceful Italian food that she honed while working in Italy as a pasta maker and Chef of L’Avian Blu Enoteca. At Fox & the Knife, the bold flavors of exceptional ingredients are expressed through both traditional and modern techniques to introduce new versions of beloved classics. In 2020 Chef Akunowicz created a wholesale fresh pasta company, called Fox Pasta that now ships sauces and her handmade pasta Nationwide and is carried in specialty shops in Boston and New York. Her second restaurant “Bar Volpe” opened in 2021 is a restaurant and pastificio (pasta shop) focused on wood-fired Southern Italian cuisine. With a glass encased pasta room in the middle of the dining room and a stunning market and wine bar capping off the sprawling space, Bar Volpe continues the conversation Chef Karen has started about Italian cuisine and culture at Fox & the Knife. Karen’s second cookbook “Crave: Bold Recipes That Make You Want Seconds” will be published by Norton in the fall of 2023.

Tracy Skelly

Founder, The Little Cocoa Bean Company Moderator

When Tracy Skelly had her first child in 2019, she found that she was unable to find baby foods with the culturally diverse flavors and nutrient content that she…Read more
When Tracy Skelly had her first child in 2019, she found that she was unable to find baby foods with the culturally diverse flavors and nutrient content that she sought for her daughter. First foods, those that are introduced to babies in the first few months of life are ‘heritage foods’ (which) connect cultural beliefs, traditions, and what is available locally. For Tracy, that meant the inclusion of foods in the tradition of the African Diaspora, containing ingredients such as collards, chayote, papaya and tamarind. Despite being a busy working mom, Tracy took matters into her own hands and began to experiment with making her own baby food. She found that by incorporating the diverse, fresh veggies, fruits and spices she was able to create baby food products that were superior in terms of nutritional content and more culturally relevant. Further, Tracy is passionate about combating childhood hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity as well as reducing the racial inequities associated with poor health outcomes. Nutrition, particularly that which occurs during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, is an important predictor of future child health and development. The combined success of her food experimentation and desire to do more to promote child health in her community, led to the founding of the Little Cocoa Bean Co. in late 2019. Little Cocoa Bean Co. is a baby care and feeding business that aims to combat childhood hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity. They produce baby food inspired by global favorites with ingredients from around the world and they manufacture kits to help parents prepare their own fresh baby food at home.

AGENDA

  • 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Registration & Networking

  • 11:00 a.m.-11:05 a.m. Welcome & Introductions

  • 11:05 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Moderated Discussion & Lunch

  • 11:45 a.m-12:00p.m. Audience Q&A

Bar Volpe

170 W Broadway , Boston , MA , 02127

Get Directions

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].

Footer Logo Foundation Logo

Together, we create a powerful ecosystem that drives
business success, strengthens communities, and enhances
Massachusetts’ long-term competitiveness.

265 Franklin Street
Suite 1701
Boston, MA 02110
Get Directions
Contact us
  • Become a Member
  • Events & Networking
  • Member Engagement
  • Talent & Workforce
  • Policy & Impact
  • Foundation
  • 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