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          2025 Government Affairs Forum | Congressman Richard Neal

          Be in the room as Congressman Neal addresses the Greater Boston business community.

          11/13/2025

          2:45pm - 4:00pm

          Nutter

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMING:

          • Annual & Premier Events
          • Economic Inclusion
          • Small Business & Entrepreneurship
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          Inside the Program: Info Session & Cocktail Reception

          Join us in person to learn about Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL), a prestigious leadership program shaping top talent across Greater Boston. Hear from alumni, explore the application process, and stay for networking and refreshments.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Membership Directory
          Not Sure if You’re a Member?

          Browse our directory to connect with other members.

          arrow-go
          Read More
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          Upcoming Events
          Stay Involved

          Join experiences that build relationships and spark ideas.

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          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
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          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
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          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
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City Awake Logo

A CHAMBER FOUNDATION INITIATIVE

Empowering Boston’s Rising Thought Leaders & Changemakers

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Engage and Lead in Greater Boston

City Awake is the go-to network for Boston’s young professionals in their 20s and 30s, bringing together emerging leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds to expand their networks, strengthen civic engagement, and shape a more inclusive, vibrant region.

Through dynamic events, cross-sector collaboration, and meaningful programming, City Awake helps young professionals build social capital, forge connections across industries, and find new ways to contribute to their communities.

Whether you’re looking to grow your professional network, engage in civic leadership, or be part of Boston’s future, City Awake is where rising leaders come together to make an impact.

Join us and be part of the next generation shaping Greater Boston.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm, expands economic opportunity through its initiatives focused on workforce and talent development, and small business growth. Our work supports people and small businesses through programs that develop talent, cultivate future leaders, retain a strong workforce and promote inclusive growth.
View Upcoming Events Join the Community

Questions? Contact us.

Jessica Sanon
Jessica Sanon

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Jessica
City Awake Young Residents Survey
City Awake Young Residents Survey

Chamber Foundation’s Young Residents Survey Highlights the Importance of Housing & Quality Jobs to Retention of 20 - 30 Year Olds

Young Residents Overwhelmingly Satisfied with Living in Greater Boston

Read the Report

City Awake Programs

Make Your Voice Heard

Civic and Community Engagement

Young professionals will be encouraged to deepen their roots to their community and learn the power of their voice through non-partisan gatherings. Individuals from all industries are encouraged to participate.

Plant Roots in Boston

Cultural & Social Experiences

Our social activations offer exciting opportunities for young professionals to connect with each other, local restaurants, small businesses, and nonprofits in the Greater Boston area. Through volunteering and networking, individuals will have the chance to try new places and meet new people.

Build Your Career

Speaker Series

Our speaker series events invite next-gen leaders to participate in informative discussions with leaders from a variety of sectors and backgrounds. Featured speakers share their stories, offer insights, answer audience questions, and provide words of wisdom in a casual and energetic setting.

the Visionaries of Tomorrow

Ten Outstanding Young Leaders

Each year, City Awake honors 10 of the region’s emerging young leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors who demonstrate a commitment to improving the overall well-being of Boston and its residents.

TOYL honorees 2024

Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Awards

Ten Outstanding Young Leaders (TOYL) Awards is about Boston’s present and, more importantly, Boston’s future. Congratulations to our 2024 TOYL Honorees!
Learn More

Why Join the City Awake Community?

Who<br />We Are
Who
We Are

The premier young professional platform that awakens and empowers the city's next generation of thought leaders and change makers.

What<br />We Do
What
We Do

Involve and activate their voices in local issues, ultimately encouraging the next generation to stay vested in the region's future success.

How<br />We Do It
How
We Do It

Monthly programming on civic engagement, words of wisdom events, volunteer sign-ups, networking nights, or diversity, equity, and inclusion programming.

Who<br />We Reach
Who
We Reach

Individuals navigating the early stages of their career and looking to participate in flexible programming that educates, inspires, and connects.

Ticket Packages

Latest from City Awake

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Professional Development
Boston's Future Leaders graphic

Inside the Program: Info Session & Cocktail Reception

Nov 18, 20254:30pm - 6:30pmGreater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Join us in person to learn about Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL), a prestigious leadership program shaping top talent across Greater Boston. Hear from alumni, explore the application process, and stay for networking and refreshments.
Register Nowarrow-go
Thought Leadership
Celebrating LGBTQ History Month in Greater Boston: Shop Local, Honor Legacy

Celebrating LGBTQ History Month in Greater Boston: Shop Local, Honor Legacy

Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month in Greater Boston by honoring local legacy, supporting LGBTQ+ businesses, and building a more inclusive future.
Read Nowarrow-go
Thought Leadership

Aligning your Values and Skills with Your Gifts and Talents

Learn how to redefine success and realign your life through personal reflection, actionable steps, and the pursuit of meaningful work. Inspired by Misty Copeland’s billboard, this story explores what it truly means to “picture yourself winning.”
Read Nowarrow-go

"This was my first City Awake/Words of Wisdom event and it was incredible. Really enjoyed meeting new people and hearing Robert Lewis Jr. share his story. And the food was delicious. I'll definitely be registering for future events!"

"I felt that the speakers, facilitation, and accommodations were spot on. It not only encouraged collaboration and engagement, but also gave the audience opportunities to network and connect with one another both before the talk and afterwards."

"Today's session [on changing roles of ERGs] provided great dialogue and food for thought. I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion! I currently serve on a small committee at my organization that is in the process of launching a Women's ERG."

"Loved the location, time, and incredibly generous food and drinks! But better than all of that was the audience and inspiring speakers. Thanks for convening a great community."

Be a Part of Something Bigger

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce -- City Awake Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce -- City Awake Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce -- City Awake
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce -- City Awake Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce -- City Awake Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce -- City Awake

Advisory Board Member Spotlight

Jackson Tuck Headshot
Jackson Tuck

Senior Manager, Digital Health – Weber Sandwick

Jackson is a passionate and experienced communicator within Weber Shandwick’s Digital Health practice. Jackson brings a wide range of digital experience with US...Read more
Jackson is a passionate and experienced communicator within Weber Shandwick’s Digital Health practice. Jackson brings a wide range of digital experience with US and global healthcare clients and an enthusiasm for delivering powerful and impactful messaging to internal, patient, and HCP audiences alike. At Weber Shandwick, Jackson counsels

pharmaceutical and biotech companies on digital and social strategies, with clients including Sanofi, Novartis, BMS, Merck, CSL Behring and more. Specifically, his work spans branded RX digital campaigns, unbranded disease awareness patient digital platforms, corporate social media, HCP marketing, and more. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Jackson was at GCI Health where he served as day-to-day client contact and liaison responsible for supporting the full range of internal and external communication needs; managing client's digital presence, website content and social media accounts through the full content life-cycle including strategic genesis, editorial calendar & content development, scheduling & publishing, monitoring, paid promotion & metrics analysis, and measurement and more for a variety of clients including ViiV Healthcare, GSK, Nkarta, and more. Jackson began his passion for healthcare and communications at Brandeis University where he graduated with a dual bachelor’s degree in HSSP (Health: Science, Society and Policy) and Psychology along with a minor in East Asian Studies.

See on LinkedInarrow-go
Natalia Peña Headshot
Natalia Peña

Associate, Nutter McClennen, & Fish, LLP

Natalia Peña is an associate in Nutter’s Litigation Department. Natalia has experience in a broad range of matters, including labor and employment matters, SEC...Read more
Natalia Peña is an associate in Nutter’s Litigation Department. Natalia has experience in a broad range of matters, including labor and employment matters, SEC investigations, enforcement actions, and other government inquiries, and complex civil litigation. Natalia represents clients in all stages of litigation, including fact investigation, discovery and subpoena response, depositions, motion practice, and appeals. Natalia is also a co-author of the Securities Enforcement Update.

See on LinkedInarrow-go
Derek Shin Headshot
Derek Shin

Architect, Perkins&Will

As a licensed architect, I am a core team member at Perkins&Will, focusing on designing K-12 educational spaces in Massachusetts. I have contributed to designing...Read more
As a licensed architect, I am a core team member at Perkins&Will, focusing on designing K-12 educational spaces in Massachusetts. I have contributed to designing Belmont Middle and High School, which spans 445,100 SF and is on track to be the largest certified Zero Net Energy school in the USA, as well as William E. Carter School, a unique Boston Public School that serves students with complex developmental and medical needs.

See on LinkedInarrow-go
Michael Houston Headshot
Michael Houston

Director, Social Impact, Arnold Worldwide

With over 15 years of experience in production and advertising, Michael’s expertise spans project management, studio management, sound production, production integration,...Read more
With over 15 years of experience in production and advertising, Michael’s expertise spans project management, studio management, sound production, production integration, and so much more. As a ‘jack of all trades,’ Michael currently serves as the Director of Social Impact at Arnold Worldwide Boston, dedicating their time towards driving change and implementing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) strategies into advertising practices and agency operations. In support of that vision, Michael has developed programming that spotlights marginalized communities, providing a platform for individuals to share their work, passions, and missions with support of Arnold’s platform.

In addition, they founded The Inclusion Council, a diverse group of individuals working together to elevate social change in advertising through an inclusive lens while also improving representation in the work produced for Arnold’s partners, providing tools to improve marketing approaches on inclusion with clients, and beyond. The council itself aims to educate, encourage, and address diversity and inclusion with authentic voices in the room–amplifying the quality of Arnold’s creative work. Outside of Arnold, Michael is also a long-time proud partner and board member of BAGLY, Inc., a local non-profit organization supporting the LGBTQ+ youth in both Greater Boston and Massachusetts.

See on LinkedInarrow-go

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