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          05/29/2025

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          Art of Connection: An Evening at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

          Join us for an exclusive networking event at the Museum of Fine Arts and enjoy self-guided tours of John Wilson and Van Gogh, showcasing the deep bond of family, friendship, and community.

          06/05/2025

          5:30pm - 8:30pm

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          Transportation First | State of the Airport

          The Transportation First Series offers a platform to discuss the challenges faced by our region, with the input of experts and changemakers.

          06/12/2025

          2:45pm - 4:30pm

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          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

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          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

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          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.

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        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Columbia Construction

          This virtual event gives small business owners the chance to hear directly from procurement officers about opportunities to work with them.

          05/29/2025

          12:00pm - 1:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          City Awake
          Art of Connection: An Evening at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

          Join us for an exclusive networking event at the Museum of Fine Arts and enjoy self-guided tours of John Wilson and Van Gogh, showcasing the deep bond of family, friendship, and community.

          06/05/2025

          5:30pm - 8:30pm

          Museum of Fine Arts

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Series
          Transportation First | State of the Airport

          The Transportation First Series offers a platform to discuss the challenges faced by our region, with the input of experts and changemakers.

          06/12/2025

          2:45pm - 4:30pm

          Hybrid | Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          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
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          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.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Small Business
          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Our Networks
        • GBCC’s Networks

          • Overview
        • OUR NETWORKS

          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          Read More
          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
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          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
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
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The 2023 Pinnacle Awards Recap

Inspiration, Connection, and Celebration of Nine Exemplary Leaders

Sherline Heriveaux, Senior Marketing Manager, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Last month, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce honored nine of the region’s distinct leaders. The 2023 Pinnacle Awards took place on Friday, January 27, at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport. With over 1,100 attendees, the energy in the room was nothing short of electrifying. 

Legendary CBS Boston news anchor, Lisa Hughes, kicked off the ceremony, describing how “our incredible honorees have shown outstanding commitment to their leadership roles in the Greater Boston business community. Their words of wisdom today are certain to inspire us.” Our very own Senior Vice President of Programs, Celia Richa, followed by emphasizing the importance of empowerment and recognition: “Own your worth and the recognition that it deserves.” 

Our Women’s Network Advisory Board Chair, Susan Loconto Penta of MIDIOR Consulting, introduced Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey who congratulated the honorees and offered encouragement to the women in the room: “[Looking around], I see a room full of incredibly talented, strong, accomplished women who day in and day out are driving change across this state.” Governor Healey’s remarks uplifted the audience, and her mere presence is a reminder that with persistence and keen vision, anything is possible. 

As the 2023 Pinnacle Honorees were called one by one to accept their awards, career anecdotes, wisdom, and motivational affirmations poured off the stage:  

Devanshi Purohit

Emerging Executive 

“I have the choice and agency to redefine my normal… And my normal will always include local, national, and international dialogue, and that will make this world better for future generations.”

– Devanshi Purohit, Associate Principal, Urban Design, CBT 

 

Dr. Maya R. Said

Achievement in Entrepreneurship

“If I had accepted the millions of nos I’ve gotten in my life, I would not be where I am today. I mean, a Syrian Muslim woman growing up in Syria in the 80’s pre-internet and pre-cell phone…what are the odds of me standing in front of you today? … I am sure you can imagine how many nos I have gotten and continue to get.”

– Dr. Maya R. Said, Founder & CEO, Outcomes4Me Inc. 

 

Lauren Baker

 Achievement in Management – Non-Profit

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try something new. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, or a raise. Don’t be afraid to try something and fail. As long as it isn’t life threatening, trying and failing will be the most instructive efforts you make.”

– Lauren Baker, Founder, Wonderfund 

 

Sandra Cotterell

Achievement in Health Care & Life Sciences

“The more recognition or attention we bring to the work we do and how we do it goes a long way in creating opportunities for us. Women comprise two thirds of the healthcare workforce, but only a third of senior leadership, and only 13% of the CEO roles. That means there is plenty of room for us to grow!”

– Sandra Cotterell, CEO, Codman Square Health Center 

 

Dr. Aisha Francis

Achievement in Arts & Education

“I am driven by the recognition that the work my team at Franklin Cummings Tech and I carry out. It extends the legacy of my Aunt Georgia Cash Frierson and so many other educators who came before us who were committed to removing historic barriers to equity, opportunity, and focused on building generational wealth.”

– Dr. Aisha Francis, President & CEO, Franklin Cummings Tech

 

Democratic Whip Katherine Clark

Achievement in Management – Government

“Whether it be in the boardroom, the courtroom, or the hearing room, we know that when women have a seat at the table, families have a voice in setting the agenda.”

– Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, 5th District of Massachusetts, U.S. House of Representatives 

 

Mary Anne Heino

Achievement in Management – Private

“‘Doing well for having done right’ is a mantle that can be claimed from any position in a company… It also invites leadership generosity because there is no limit on who can claim that prize and, as leaders, our ‘doing well’ is magnified by how many under our leadership can, in fact, claim it.”

– Mary Anne Heino, President & CEO, Lantheus 

 

Jess Ackerman

Achievement in the Professions

“This is a time for each of us to set goals heading into a new year, a new work environment, a new way of coming together, a new way of working as we reimagine the workplace, our interaction with it, and what it means to make work WORK for all of us.”

– Jess Ackerman, Audit & Assurance Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP 

 

Juliette Kayyem

Lifetime Achievement

“While we may not be able to stop all bad things from happening, we can still do much to minimize the harms that can come to pass.”

– Juliette Kayyem, Faculty Chair of the Homeland Security & Global Health Projects, Harvard Kennedy School 

Congratulations again to our 2023 Pinnacle Award Honorees. Thank you for your contributions in advancing the Greater Boston region. Thank you to our presenting sponsors, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Seyfarth, and The TJX Companies. Thank you to our past honoree sponsors, Deloitte & Suffolk, and our media partner, WBZ-TV. 

 

Click here to see all the photos from this event.

Watch the 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 25 years, the Women’s Network has connected female 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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