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The 2024 Pinnacle Awards Recap:
On Friday, January 26, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and its Women’s Network commemorated a significant milestone: the 30th anniversary of the Pinnacle Awards. More than 1,000 attendees gathered at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport to honor ten of Greater Boston’s top women in business. The honorees shared their moving personal journeys as well as keys to success, making it an unforgettable and uplifting experience for all in attendance.
Lisa Hughes, legendary anchor for WBZ-TV News and a #BosBizWoman herself, hosted the ceremony and welcomed Susan Loconto Penta, board member of the Chamber, to kick off the afternoon. Susan shared an important takeaway from the Pinnacle Awards and what they represent:
“As we celebrate together today, we want you to know that this is your Network and community – whether you’re new to Boston, a life-long resident, entrepreneur, board member, apprentice, or CEO. Our power is in our diversity – across industry, background, and years of experience.”
With that, the Chamber’s very own Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Policy, Celia Richa, highlighted the call to action for each one of us as members of the Greater Boston community – to support the women who may be on the stage as a Pinnacle Honoree in the coming years, and to champion them along the way to ensure their success.
With each honoree’s speech and unique piece of advice shared, the 2024 Pinnacle Awards planted seeds in the minds of many powerful women, allies, and future leaders in attendance. Read on to hear from the honorees and take with you what resonates most with your own journey to success.
Advancement of Women Professionals
“A woman’s greatest strength is found not just in her own success, but also in the empowerment of other women and the community around her.“
–Yvonne Garcia, Chief of Staff to Chairman and CEO, Ron O’Hanley, and Global Head of Internal Communications and CEO Experience Program, State Street Corporation
Emerging Executive
“Evaluate who you are and what you want – to innovate, save the climate, save enough money that you can retire early – it’s up to you – and find a place where your values align with the company’s values and vision. You don’t have to agree with every decision all of the time (and in fact, I’d advise you don’t) but from my experience you’ll find much more fulfillment in your own growth and successes.“
–Caitlin Dodge, CEO, Argus
Achievement in Entrepreneurship
“Do not be afraid to take on the world, no one else is going to take it on for you.“
-Rudina Seseri, Founder and Managing Partner, Glasswing Ventures
Achievement in Arts & Education
“At some point in your history there was a woman or man who dreamed of a better future. You represent that dream. Celebrate your accomplishments, remind yourself on tough days that you are enough, double down with your team, solve that problem, or take the hill. Let your light shine for all of those who are following your lead and cheering you on. “
-Donna Levin, CEO, Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College
Achievement in Healthcare
“Every day, I hold firm to my guiding principles – what I like to call my “Schusterisms.” I will spare you my laundry list; however, let me share a few of my favorites:
Schusterism #1: Believe in yourself – and for the record, I was believing in myself well before Ted Lasso came along! Why? Because if you don’t think you can do it, how will you ever convince anyone else? You are the CEO of your life – so take ownership of it! Don’t sit on the sidelines – jump into the game even if it makes you uncomfortable. That discomfort lets you know you are learning and growing.
Schusterism #2: Be a lifelong learner! Invest in yourself – take a course, get involved, network, and read anything you can get your hands on.
Schusterism #3: Remember: almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… even you. With so many struggling to find work-life harmony, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It doesn’t have to be that way. We must normalize: Resting, Relaxing, and Recharging. Try it—you’ll be surprised at how much better you feel.“
-Christine C. Schuster, President & CEO, Emerson Health, member of the Chamber Board of Directors.
Achievement in Management – Nonprofit
“Seeking advice, particularly from people with different journeys and viewpoints, provides well-rounded discussions and helps to avoid blind spots. A team consciously built with diversity of background, thought, and skills as well as race, gender and other elements of difference, will yield better perspectives, stronger decisions, and easier execution.“
–Nancy Huntington Stager, President & CEO, Eastern Bank Foundation
Achievement in Management, Government
“In my own way I am striving to emulate, to the best of my ability, the example that [former] Chief Justices Marshall, Ireland, and Gants set. To continue their practice of critical self-reflection about the legal system, while respecting the bounds of precedent and principles. And to carry on the commitment to collegiality, dialogue, and excellence that they encouraged.“
-Kimberly S. Budd, Chief Justice, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Achievement in Management, Private Sector
“When given a choice in terms of roles or projects, choose the more challenging one…Challenging roles will take you out of your comfort zone and provide meaningful development opportunities.“
-Julie Kim, President of the U.S. Business Unit and U.S. Country Head, Takeda
Achievement in the Professions
“Change, and leading the charge, is possible if you have the right team and people around you – all with a shared sense of purpose working toward a common goal. So, how do we begin? How do we build our village, solve a problem, and change the world for the better? Well, here is where I start:
–Lucy Pérez, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
Lifetime Achievement
“Self-awareness, and the change that results, is a journey that lasts a lifetime and pays dividends not just in work but in all your relationships. So my final advice to you is to invest in knowing yourself deeply.”
-Gail Goodman, Former CEO, Constant Contact and Current Board Member, EforAll, Shopify, and Jobber
Congratulations again to our 2024 Pinnacle Award Honorees! The Chamber is proud of your perseverance, grit, and commitment to impact.
Thank you to the many contributors of the ceremony:
Our presenting sponsors:
Our supporting sponsors:
Our media partner:
The Chamber looks forward to next year’s 31st Pinnacle Awards. In the meantime, view the 2024 ceremony photo album here.
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 female professionals of all backgrounds and career levels. The Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women.
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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