Skip to content
  • About Us
  • News & Insights
  • Member Directory
  • Job Board
  • Sign In
  • Join
Home > Member News > What You See You Can Be
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
          2026 Government Affairs Forum | Governor Maura Healey

          Come hear from Governor Maura Healey as she addresses Chamber members as the 73rd Governor of the Commonwealth.

          02/24/2026

          9:45am - 11:00am

          The Westin Boston Seaport

          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
          Register Now

          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
          • 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
          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
          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
          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
  • 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
          2026 Government Affairs Forum | Governor Maura Healey

          Come hear from Governor Maura Healey as she addresses Chamber members as the 73rd Governor of the Commonwealth.

          02/24/2026

          9:45am - 11:00am

          The Westin Boston Seaport

          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
          Register Now

          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
          • 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
          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
          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
          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
  • 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

What You See You Can Be

February 11, 2020

Each year we are proud to host our Annual Pinnacle Awards, where we honor eight leading #BosBizWomen who are paving the way for women in business and beyond.

This year was certainly no exception as our honorees left us feeling inspired, empowered, and even a few shedding tears.

Particularly, our Emerging Executive honoree, Rita Germán, who kicked off our program with a heartwarming tribute to her mother.

The mother of Rita Germán,reacts as her daughter addresses her during the Pinnacle Awards ceremony.

My mother is an example of hard work, resiliency and hope. And please indulge me a second as I address her directly here today: Mami, eres la otra mitad de mi alma, y todo lo que logro es para ti y por tu ejemplo y apoyo. Te amo de todo corazon.- Rita Germán

Our Emerging Executive award represents a leading woman in the Boston business community who demonstrates strong leadership potential, and as the Director of Community Investments at John Hancock, Rita demonstrates just that. From overseeing the company’s grants portfolio, working to create a healthier more equitable Boston, or supporting several Boston non-profits, Rita is a leader on the rise—and she’s just getting started.

The impact of representation.

As our 2019 Pinnacle Honoree, Deborah Hughes of the Brookview House said, “what you see, you can be.” From a young age, Deborah was surrounded by women in charge and recognized that the possibilities for her own success were endless. Seeing women nurturing and fostering leadership in all realms of her life, she was able to become a strong leader herself.

Each year our Pinnacle Awards selection pool becomes more diverse and representative of our region’s talent, and this year was no exception.  

From left to right: Women’s Network Chairwoman, Yvonne Garcia; Rita Germán, Shari Nethersole MD; Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, PhD; Phyllis Yale; Jane Steinmetz; Ashley McCown; Attorney General Maura Healey; Jennifer Tseng, MD, MPH; and Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO, Jim Rooney.

Built by Boston.

As the daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, Rita’s journey to her Pinnacle award was inspiring not only for the young professionals in our sell-out crowd of over 1,300 guests, but particularly for all our first-generation immigrants and young professionals of color in the room. 

 As Rita noted in her remarks- it takes a village to reach the pinnacle of one’s career, “Through it all, I have been so fortunate to have a consistent constellation surround me throughout my entire life’s journey.”

Without a strong foundation of role models, mentors, and support systems, these landmark achievements would not be possible. It is no surprise that each of our honorees credited their success to the women who paved the way for them.

Empowered women, empower women.

There is immense power in hearing the genuine stories of struggles and successes of other women.

As our Achievement in Nonprofit honoree, Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, PhD of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA), reminded us, the path to success is not always easy, especially when navigating a new country, language, and even climate.

The most challenging adjustment for me when I came to Boston was to face racism and micro-aggressions. I am very proud of being a Puerto Rican woman. But coming here made me think about hiding my identity and trying to lose my accent; I just wanted to fit in. -Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, PhD

Through sharing these experiences, these stories serve as an inspiration to others and as a much-needed reminder that their dreams are possible and infinite. 

While our Pinnacle Awards may be over, here at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce we’re celebrating women in business each and every day.

Check out the photos from our Annual Pinnacle Awards and be sure to join us as we carry the inspiring momentum from our Pinnacle Awards into the rest of the new year at our Women’s Network events.

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

© 2026 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

Popular Resources

  • News & Insights  
  • Member Resources  
Close