The Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Awards

Each year, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation honors ten emerging leaders through its prestigious Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Awards. These individuals stand out for their exceptional ability to enhance their companies and communities by driving forward-thinking strategies that strengthen our region’s competitiveness and long-term vibrancy.

Past honorees—including transformational figures like Representative Ayanna Pressley, Melissa MacDonnell, Founder & President of Liberty Mutual Foundation, TJ Parker, Founder of PillPack & Amazon Pharmacy, and Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh—have gone on to make significant civic, social, and economic impacts not only in Greater Boston, but across the state and nation. Through this award, the Chamber Foundation proudly recognizes and celebrates these leaders embodying the values and vision that move our communities forward—honoring every voice, every story, and every bold contribution.

ABOUT THE GREATER BOSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 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.

Together with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Foundation creates a powerful ecosystem that drives business success, strengthens communities, and enhances Massachusetts’ long-term competitiveness.

Questions? Contact us.

Jessica Sanon
Jessica Sanon

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

2025 T.O.Y.L Honorees

​​adriana c moschella​ headshot
Award Category: Finance and Banking
Adriana Moschella

Senior Vice President, Business Banking Team Lead, Eastern Bank 

Adriana is a dynamic leader in the financial/ banking industry, known for a people-first approach, a strong commitment to community, and a career defined by steady…Read more

Collette Divitto
Award Category: Entrepreneurship
Collette Divitto

CEO and Founder, Collettey’s Cookies Corp

Collette Divitto is a pioneering entrepreneur, disability rights activist, and thought leader to anyone who has ever been told they are not good enough nor intelligent…Read more

Connor Schoen
Award Category: Nonprofit
Connor Schoen

Co-Founder & Executive Director, Breaktime

Connor Schoen is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Breaktime, a Boston-based nonprofit that is working to break the cycle of young adult homelessness. Born…Read more

Corean Reynolds Headshot
Award Category: Government
Corean Reynolds

Director, Nightlife Economy, City of Boston 

Corean Reynolds is the pioneering Director of Nightlife Economy for the City of Boston, making her the youngest in this role nationally. With a strong commitment…Read more

Ed-Dee Williams Headshot
Award Category: Education and Arts
Dr. Ed-Dee Williams

Assistant Professor, Boston College School of Social Work, & Director, Black Mental Wellness Research Lab

Dr. Ed-Dee Williams is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Boston College School of Social Work, a faculty affiliate at the Vivian and James Curtis Center for…Read more

Erica Blonde Headshot
Award Category: Professional Services
Erica Blonde

Senior Planner and Associate Vice President, HNTB

Erica Blonde, AICP is a Senior Planner and Associate Vice President in HNTB’s Boston Office with 10 years of experience. She leads mobility equity and public engagement…Read more

Javier A Juarez
Award Category: Nonprofit
Javier Juarez

Executive Director, Latino Equity Fund, The Boston Foundation

Javier A. Juarez is a philanthropic leader, strategist, and storyteller dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity for Latino communities across Massachusetts….Read more

Melanie Woodward
Award Category: Professional Services
Melanie Woodward

Partner, Nutter, McClennen & Fish LLP

Melanie V. Woodward is a partner in Nutter’s Litigation Department and a member of the firm’s Business Litigation, Securities Enforcement and Litigation, and…Read more

Natalie Johnson Headshot
Award Category: Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Lifesciences
Natalie Johnson

Administrative Director, Massachusetts General Hospital

Natalie Johnson is a skilled public health leader and strategist dedicated to transforming health outcomes through equity-focused care, community representation,…Read more

Yi Zheng Headshot
Award Category: Energy, Climate, and Construction
Yi Zheng

Associate Professor, Northeastern University, & Founder, Planck Energies

Yi Zheng is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University, where he also serves as Director…Read more

Award Categories

 

The Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Awards look to recognize leaders in all sectors of Greater Boston’s business and civic community. To ensure the T.O.Y.L. Awards accurately reflect the full scope of Boston’s business and civic community, applicants will need to select a specific category listed below when submitting an application. 

The Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Awards continue to gain momentum in recognizing the best of our region, accelerating the number of nominations and applications. In addition to the overall high number of applications, some Award Categories may receive a higher number of applicants. 

*Higher Education institutions and arts & culture organizations are separate. 

TOYL
TOYL

Ideal Candidates

Below are the eligibility criteria for the T.O.Y.L. Awards:

  • Nominee must be under 40 years old before November 1, 2025.
  • Nominee must hold and demonstrate outstanding leadership within their organization or industry.
  • Nominees must show a connection to their community or city outside of their professional career.
  • Nominee must live or work in Greater Boston for 1+ years.
  • Nominees must submit a completed application by the stated deadline and highlight their leadership and community contributions specifically tied to Greater Boston.
* Business associations and their staff members do not qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does my company have to be a member of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to apply?

    No. Membership is not required to apply. We welcome applications from all eligible individuals who are making an impact in Greater Boston.

  • When do nominations open?

    Nominations for this year’s T.O.Y.L. Awards will be announced in August. The application window will remain open for 3–4 weeks before the submission deadline.

  • If more than one person nominates me, will it improve my chances of receiving an award?

    No. Each nominee only needs one nomination to be considered. The nomination will be judged based on the nominee’s application and candidate profile.

  • Can I nominate more than one person?

    Absolutely. You are encouraged to nominate as many individuals as you would like.

  • Can I nominate myself?

    Yes. Self-nominations are accepted. However, you must also submit a completed nominee application form to be considered during the final judging phase. This takes place once the nomination window closes.

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