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Boston’s Future Leaders Participants Mentor CareerSpring Advisees In a New Community Partnership
Keynote speaker Robert Lewis, Jr., challenged emerging leaders to become “stewards of opportunity” as participants provided mock interviews and career guidance to first-generation and low-income students.
BOSTON, MA — Participants in the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Boston’s Future Leaders program gathered at Cristo Rey Boston High School last month for a civic engagement session in partnership with CareerSpring, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic opportunity for first-generation and/or low-income college students and graduates.
The session marked the launch of a new community partnership with CareerSpring, introducing Boston’s Future Leaders participants to career-focused volunteer opportunities while connecting students with professional guidance and mentorship. During the session, participants heard an inspiring keynote from Robert Lewis, Jr., Nicholas President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and a 2024 Distinguished Bostonian, and engaged in three rounds of small-group mock interviews with CareerSpring Advisees, helping students strengthen their interviewing skills while Boston’s Future Leaders participants gained practical experience evaluating candidates and providing constructive feedback.
“Through this partnership with CareerSpring, we’re reinforcing the importance of civic leadership across the business community,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “We’re equipping our emerging leaders with the tools to make a meaningful impact, so they graduate from the program prepared to lead not only within their organizations, but across our region and communities. We want to develop leaders who are invested in their own growth and in creating opportunities for others.”
The Boston’s Future Leaders Program is a 10-month leadership development experience for professionals ages 25 to 50. Through immersive learning with Harvard Business School faculty and a variety of leadership consultants, interactive workshops, and a citywide Leadership Challenge, participants build the skills and networks needed to lead across Greater Boston’s business and civic communities.
In addition to the June session, Boston’s Future Leaders participants will complete at least two hours of individual volunteering with CareerSpring Advisees throughout the program year, providing ongoing mentorship and career support.
“We’re proud to partner with the Chamber to create these connections,” said Paul Posoli, Founder & President of CareerSpring. “Access to mentorship, guidance, and networks can make a transformative difference for our CareerSpring Advisees, and Boston’s Future Leaders participants are helping open those doors.”
In his keynote, Robert Lewis, Jr. spoke about the responsibility of business leaders to work together to uplift the communities they live and work in.
“Expanding opportunity isn’t the responsibility of any single sector. Progress happens when businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, government, and community leaders work toward common goals. Each has a role to play, and none can do it alone.”
“And that’s why I’m especially excited about the work you’ll be doing through CareerSpring. The conversations may be brief. The investment may seem small. But never underestimate what can happen when one person shares their experience, encouragement, and network with someone just beginning their journey.”
Lewis reflected on his journey in Boston and encouraged participants to broaden their definitions of success, reminding the audience that leadership is not the result of personal gain, but rather the impact of creating opportunities for others:
During the event, Erin Wederbrook Yuskaitis, Senior Director of Learning & Development at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, spoke to how the session embodies the greater mission of the Boston’s Future Leaders program: “At its core, Boston’s Future Leaders is about developing leaders who not only grow within their organizations, but who understand their role in the broader community. When we were designing this program, it was important to me that we didn’t just talk about leadership in theory—but that we created space to actually practice leadership in service to others. Because as professional leaders, we have a responsibility not only to grow in our own careers, but to contribute to the communities we’re part of.”
Participants also heard from Maria Stotz, Regional Program Manager at CareerSpring, who shared insights on the organization’s mission and the importance of community partnerships.
“It is so rewarding to see this partnership come to life. Watching students connect with professionals, share their stories, and gain confidence is a powerful reminder that opportunity grows through community. This event reflects a shared belief that every student deserves access to meaningful relationships and a strong professional network.”
“I’m grateful to everyone who invested their time to be here and made today possible—Erin and the Chamber team, Rosemary Powers and the Cristo Rey Boston staff, our CareerSpring partners, and Robert Lewis, Jr. for inspiring us all. Together, we’re opening doors for the next generation of Boston’s future leaders.”
The session continued with small-group mock interviews, where Boston’s Future Leaders participants provided real-time feedback and guidance to CareerSpring Advisees as they prepare for internships and early career opportunities. The afternoon concluded with an informal networking session for all attendees.
“The opportunity to connect directly with students and share real-world career advice was incredibly rewarding,” said Tim Galvin, Director of Municipal Affairs at Mass General Brigham and a 2026 Boston’s Future Leaders participant. “What made the experience especially meaningful was that the conversations didn’t end when the event did. I’ve stayed in touch with several students, including connecting one student with a community health career opportunity at my organization. Through the mock interviews and ongoing mentorship, we can help students build confidence, strengthen their professional skills, and create pathways to meaningful careers.”
The 2026 Boston’s Future Leaders program will run through December 8, 2026. Learn more about the Chamber’s Boston’s Future Leaders program here.
About CareerSpring
CareerSpring empowers first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) students and graduates with career information and skills, professional networks, and employment opportunities through a free Platform and a community of volunteers and allies. CareerSpring partners with non-profit organizations and educational institutions across the nation to offer an array of resources for FGLI students and graduates to easily access and gain support in their career journey–focusing on four primary career development pillars that lead to future success: career exploration, skill development, networking and social capital, and early career opportunities. Learn more at www.CareerSpring.org.
About the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is the convener, voice, and advocate of the region’s business community, committed to making Greater Boston the best place for all businesses and all people to thrive. We help our members and Greater Boston succeed by convening and connecting the business community; researching, developing and advocating for public policies that contribute to our region’s economic success; and providing comprehensive learning and development programs designed to grow strong business and civic leaders. Learn more at BostonChamber.com.
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