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          ...
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          Explore opportunities to connect and grow.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • FEATURED EVENT

          ...
          Premier Event
          2026 Pinnacle Awards

          Join on us on Friday, January 30, as we host our highly anticipated 2026 Pinnacle Awards Luncheon.

          01/30/2026

          11:00am - 1:30pm

          Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

          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
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          • Member Resources
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          • Sponsorship Opportunities
          • Small Business Benefits
          • Connect with your Member Services Rep
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          Register Now

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          Browse our directory to find and connect with member community.

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          Upcoming Events
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          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
          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
          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
          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
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What we heard: Advice from top Boston women leaders

January 20, 2017

The 2016 Pinnacle Awards, Boston’s top celebration for women in business, surely didn’t disappoint. More than 1,000 women (and men) from across the region gathered to honor eight outstanding female leaders, and pay tribute to the amazing (and increasing) contributions women make to our community.

Honorees spanned private, government, innovation, and non-profit sectors, sharing many tidbits of wisdom and lessons of success. No matter our gender, age, career level, or line of work, there was plenty for attendees to take away. Here is some of the best we heard!

  • “You need to risk rejection” – Vicki Kennedy
  • “As a leader be authentic!” – Katie Lapp
  • “Do things that lend into perspective and advanced learning. Help others. Get involved. Take big swings” – Susan Loconto Penta
  • “There is nothing you can’t achieve” – Katie Lapp
  • “Be brave and spend your life doing your passion” – Sheila Dillon
  • “There’s beauty and power in bringing your whole self to work. It makes a difference” – Stevie DeGroff
  • “Keep your eyes wide open. You never know what will present itself” – Katie Lapp
  • “Remember the world is small. Commit to being one person everywhere” – Susan Loconto Penta
  • “Be authentic. Don’t be someone you’re not” – Katie Lapp
  • “If you really want to do well in your career, you really need to pick something that inspires you”– Sheila Dillon
  • “Remember there will be disappointments. It’s on those moments the greatest opportunities present themselves” – Katie Lapp
  • “It’s important for people to be brave. We have to believe the things we want are possible & declare them“– Sheila Dillon
  • “I am because we are; all I achieve, we achieve” – Jackie Glenn
  • “We shine bright when you shine bright” – Stevie Degroff
  • “Be a woman of substance. Be a woman of achievement” – Vicki Kennedy

The Pinnacle Awards are part of the Chamber’s Women’s Network, connecting 3,000+ women of all career levels across Greater Boston. Regular events include speaker series, monthly networking breakfasts, and so much more. Getting involved is easy.

View event photos here.

And check out what they were saying on Twitter

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