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          03/19/2026

          9:30am - 11:00am

          The Westin Copley Place

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          Management Crash Course: Core Skills for Modern Supervisors

          Boost your leadership skills with this three‑module professional development series covering adaptive supervision, conflict management, and inclusive decision‑making — with a Certificate of Completion for those who finish the full program.

          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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The 2026 Pinnacle Awards Recap: 

Celebrating Purpose, Leadership, and Impact at the 2026 Pinnacle Awards

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Each year, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and its Women’s Network host the Pinnacle Awards Luncheon, a convening of Greater Boston’s women in business and their male allies to celebrate incredible leaders who are driving the Commonwealth forward through vision, determination, and impact. 

Over 1,200 attendees gathered at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport on January 20, 2026, to recognize nine extraordinary women who exemplify excellence through their remarkable professional accomplishments, visionary leadership, and dedication to enhancing quality of life across the Commonwealth. Their contributions have strengthened organizations, inspired colleagues, and advanced opportunities for future generations. 

The ceremony was hosted by the incomparable Lisa Hughes, Anchor for WBZ-TV, who welcomed Chamber President & CEO James E. Rooney to get us started by reflecting on the impact of the Women’s Network: “As you make new connections today and hear the inspiring personal and professional journeys of our Pinnacle honorees, I hope that you remember that the Women’s Network is yours. It exists to support your success – and it’s here to stay.” 

Next to the stage was Women’s Network Advisory Board Chair, CEO of Argus, and 2024 Pinnacle Awards honoree, Caitlin Dodge, who encouraged attendees to “celebrate these women’s accomplishments, but more than that, really listen to their stories,” and shared an important reminder that if you want a village, you need to be a villager. “Offer your time, introduce people, show up when it matters. The Women’s Network can be its strongest ever with all of you involved.” 

With the program in full swing, each of the 2026 honorees shared powerful reflections on leadership, service, and resilience, offering wisdom that resonated throughout the room. 

Shavel’le Olivier 

Emerging Executive 

“Real leadership is recognizing that your power grows when you let others walk with you,; when you name your needs, when you invite support, when you stop pretending, stop doubting, and start trusting yourself.” 

Shavel’le Olivier, Executive Director, Mattapan Food & Fitness Coalition 

 

Mary Skipper 

Achievement in Management – Government 

“Follow your ‘whys’ as they have the ability to motivate you and help you face the challenges like nothing else… You cannot do great work alone. The greatest power is in team.” 

Mary Skipper, Superintendent, Boston Public Schools 

 

Dr. Mary K. Grant 

Achievement in Arts & Education 

“I’m so hopeful because of gatherings like this to celebrate, recognize, honor, and lift up to remind us of what we have in common and how together we imagine, reinforce, and build strong, inclusive communities, cities, commonwealths, and countries.” 

Dr. Mary K. Grant, President, Massachusetts College of Art and Design 

 

Robyn Riseberg, MD 

Achievement in Health Care 

“Dare to think differently. Dare to think about what needs to change in your industry, your workplace, your community. And when you see what needs to be done—big or small—do it. Change it.” 

Robyn Riseberg, MD, Founder, Boston Community Pediatrics 

 

Kimberly Sherman Stamler 

Achievement in Management – Private 

“Seek [a mentor] out, learn from many voices, and when the time comes, be that person for someone else.” 

Kimberly Sherman Stamler, President, Related Beal 

 

Sandra M. McCroom 

Achievement in Management – Non-Profit 

“[Leadership] is not a burden to be endured; it’s a responsibility to be carried out… We’re all in this together. The challenges before us will not be solved by one sector or strategy; they require all of us to show up with courage, with conscience.” 

Sandra M. McCroom, President & CEO, Children’s Services of Roxbury 

 

Rose Staram 

Achievement in Entrepreneurship 

“I want to send a message to every woman and every young person with a dream who has been told they are not good enough, not qualified enough, or not meant for rooms like this: You are.” 

Rose Staram, Owner & Founder, RoseMark Production 

 

Elizabeth Lowrey FIIDA, RDI 

Achievement in the Professions 

“Three bits of wisdom? First: Be brave. Second: Walk in other people’s shoes. Third: Value relationships more than transactions.” 

Elizabeth Lowrey FIIDA, RDI, Principal, Elkus Manfredi Architects 

 

Patricia Jacobs, Ph.D. 

Lifetime Achievement 

“Progress always comes down to the simple things: teamwork, kindness, listening, and collaboration.” 

Patricia Jacobs, Ph.D., Chairman, Board of Directors, Massport, Independent Director, Avangrid, President of Northern Region (retired), AT&T  

The 2026 Pinnacle Awards underscored the power of women’s leadership to drive change, strengthen communities, and shape the Commonwealth’s future. Through the Women’s Network, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce remains committed to elevating leaders whose impact extends far beyond their individual sectors. 

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Women’s Network would like to express our sincere gratitude for the generous contributions and continuous support of our Pinnacle Awards sponsors. 

Presenting Sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and The TJX Companies 

Platinum Sponsors: The Castle Group, Deloitte, Eastern Bank, Johnson & Johnson, Massport, Suffolk, and Vertex 

Media Partner: WBZ CBS News Boston 

 

Click here to see all the photos from this event. 

 

About the Chamber’s Women’s Network 

In the Chamber’s Women’s Network, there is a diverse group of more than 3,000 women and male allies at all levels of their careers, from all backgrounds, sectors, and industries, and professions, with the collective mission to make Greater Boston the best place for professional women to thrive.

For more than 30 years, the Women’s Network has connected women professionals of all backgrounds and career levels. The Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women. 

About the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce 

We are the convener, voice, and advocate of our 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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