City Awake’s Ten Outstanding Young Leaders


Congratulations to our 2024 ten exceptional emerging leaders whose impactful contributions enhance both their company’s portfolio and their community, making a significant difference in the civic and business landscape of the Greater Boston region.

The Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Awards celebrate young professionals dedicated to advancing the Greater Boston region as the premier place for businesses and individuals to thrive. These awards recognize their innovative approaches, leadership, and steadfast dedication to improving their communities and industries. Nominees must have held a leadership position within their organization or community, have lived or worked in Greater Boston for at least one year, and demonstrate a commitment to fostering an equitable and diverse culture.

ABOUT CITY AWAKE

City Awake centers young professionals, seeking to welcome and retain them in Greater Boston with an intentional strategy of cross-sector collaboration to increase their social capital through a blend of programming. Its programming is designed to promote civic engagement; connect them to personal and professional networks across industries and communities; and strengthen the region’s inclusivity efforts while highlighting its cultural vibrancy.

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Jessica Sanon
Jessica Sanon

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Congratulations to our 2024 Honorees!

Anita Yip 2024 TOYL Honoree
Anita Yip

Founder and Creative Director, Project Asian Joy

Anita Yip is a purpose-driven technologist with a diverse background spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Emerging as a social practice artist, she…Read more

Rev. Art J. Gordon 2024 TOYL Honoree
Rev. Art J Gordon

Senior Pastor/Director of Community Engagement, St. John Missionary Baptist Church/Office of Governor Maura Healey

Rev. Art J. Gordon is a fourth-generation pastor. After graduating from Savannah State University with a degree in History, he moved to Boston to attend the Boston…Read more

Brandon Teixeira 2024 TOYL Honoree
Brandon Teixeira

Founder & CEO, Mental Health Declassified Inc

Brandon Teixeira is the CEO and founder of Mental Health Declassified Inc., a passionate mental health advocate, and a dynamic storyteller. Born and raised in Stoughton,…Read more

Jessica Pires Brown 2024 TOYL Honoree
Jessica Pires Brown

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Leader, Brown & Brown Insurance

Jessica is the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Leader for Brown & Brown, Inc. where she develops and executes the enterprise DIB strategy throughout all aspects…Read more

Our TOYL Honorees have at least one of the following qualities:

Honorees met the following criteria:

The nominee must have held a leadership position within their organization or community.

The nominee must be under 40 years old as of November 1, 2024.

The nominee must demonstrate inclusive leadership and actively support and promote an equitable and diverse culture.

The nominee must have lived or worked in Greater Boston for at least one year.

* Business associations and their staff members do not qualify

Thank you to our supporter!