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Boston Chamber
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          • Overview
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        • WHAT’S NEXT

          ...
          Upcoming Events
          Engage & Learn

          Explore opportunities to connect and grow.

          arrow-go
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        • FEATURED EVENT

          ...
          Series
          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
          • 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
        • ...
          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
        • ...
          Upcoming Events
          Stay Involved

          Join experiences that build relationships and spark ideas.

          arrow-go
          Read More
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        • Talent & Workforce

          • Professional Development
          • Workforce Development
          • Open Programs
          • DEI Resource Hub
          • 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
          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
          • Amicus Advisory Board
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          Read More
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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
        • ...
          Upcoming Events
          Get Involved

          Join us at our next Foundation event.

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A Lesson in Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

July 13, 2021

Hello everyone and congratulations to my fellow cohort members and cohort B for successfully completing the 2020-2021 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Simmons University Women’s Leadership Program which we call WLP. A few weeks ago, I learned that I was selected by my cohort members to speak at our graduation. This is truly an honor and I greatly appreciate it. 

When I think back on my WLP experience it starts with my EVP, Deirdre Evens presenting the opportunity to me. I felt honored and overwhelmed at the same time. All of the But’s came to mind. But we’re in a pandemic! But what about my day job? But what about me swearing off never going back to school? My thoughts quickly shifted to yes, I’m applying for this program. I have a great team, and this is the perfect way for me to get out of my comfort zone. I was so happy when a couple of months later, I received the acceptance email. I was instantly hooked after session one, Your Leadership Identity. This continued throughout the eight-month program.

This has been an invaluable experience. I will continue to apply the lessons learned throughout the remainder of my career. I hope to continue the relationships I’ve built with my cohort members and peer mentor group members Kaitlyn, Melanie, Heather, Nicole and Erica. 

A big thank you goes to Rachel Benjamin and Alyson Weiss of the Chamber’s leadership and talent development team for leading us on this journey.

And in conclusion, I challenge all of the graduates to expand yourselves and grow so much that you can’t find your way back to your comfort zone. 

Let’s all go out and put what we learned in WLP into action to make an impact on our companies, communities and all those we come in contact with.

ABOUT THE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Women’s Leadership Program empowers women leaders with the skills and network they need to excel in their careers and to create the conditions for other women to thrive. In partnership with Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership, participants learn to identify and maximize their leadership style, build a strategic network, manage teams and perceptions, and negotiate. Nominations for the Class of 2022 are now open! You may submit a nomination here.

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