The Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Awards

Each year, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation honors ten emerging leaders through its prestigious Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Awards. These individuals stand out for their exceptional ability to enhance their companies and communities by driving forward-thinking strategies that strengthen our region’s competitiveness and long-term vibrancy.

Past honorees—including transformational figures like Representative Ayanna Pressley, Melissa MacDonnell, Founder & President of Liberty Mutual Foundation, TJ Parker, Founder of PillPack & Amazon Pharmacy, and Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh—have gone on to make significant civic, social, and economic impacts not only in Greater Boston, but across the state and nation. Through this award, the Chamber Foundation proudly recognizes and celebrates these leaders embodying the values and vision that move our communities forward—honoring every voice, every story, and every bold contribution.

ABOUT THE GREATER BOSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm, expands economic opportunity through its initiatives focused on workforce and talent development, and small business growth. Our work supports people and small businesses through programs that develop talent, cultivate future leaders, retain a strong workforce, and promote inclusive growth.

Together with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Foundation creates a powerful ecosystem that drives business success, strengthens communities, and enhances Massachusetts’ long-term competitiveness.

Questions? Contact us.

Jessica Sanon
Jessica Sanon

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Why Apply for the T.O.Y.L. Awards? 

Join a network of over 500 young professionals who demonstrate outstanding civic, personal, and professional commitment to enhancing quality of life across Greater Boston.

Be nominated for Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program, participating in a weeklong, cross-sector collaboration experience alongside leaders from 13 other U.S. cities.

Receive heightened visibility through the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation and City Awake social media platforms and newsletters—reaching over 50,000 engaged individuals.

Develop and highlight your leadership through speaking engagements and events hosted by City Awake and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Gain recognition as a transformational leader whose contributions influence Greater Boston’s business, civic, and social communities.

Build cross-industry connections with changemakers from sectors including business, government, education, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and beyond.

TOYL
TOYL

Who Can Apply?

Below are the eligibility criteria for individuals interested in applying for the T.O.Y.L. Awards:

  • Nominee must be under 40 years old before November 1, 2025.
  • Nominee must hold and demonstrate outstanding leadership within their organization or industry.
  • Nominees must show a connection to their community or city outside of their professional career.
  • Nominee must live or work in Greater Boston for 1+ years.
  • Nominees must submit a completed application by the stated deadline and highlight their leadership and community contributions specifically tied to Greater Boston.
* Business associations and their staff members do not qualify.

Award Categories

 

The Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Awards look to recognize leaders in all sectors of Greater Boston’s business and civic community. To ensure the T.OY.L. Awards accurately reflect the full scope of Boston’s business and civic community, applicants will need to select a specific category listed below when submitting an application. 

The Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Awards continue to gain momentum in recognizing the best of our region, accelerating the number of nominations and applications. In addition to the overall high number of applications, some Award Categories may receive a higher number of applicants. 

*Higher Education institutions and arts & culture organizations are separate. 

Check out our 2024 T.O.Y.L Honorees

Anita Yip 2024 TOYL Honoree
Anita Yip

Founder and Creative Director, Project Asian Joy

Anita Yip is a purpose-driven technologist with a diverse background spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Emerging as a social practice artist, she…Read more

Rev. Art J. Gordon 2024 TOYL Honoree
Rev. Art J Gordon

Senior Pastor/Director of Community Engagement, St. John Missionary Baptist Church/Office of Governor Maura Healey

Rev. Art J. Gordon is a fourth-generation pastor. After graduating from Savannah State University with a degree in History, he moved to Boston to attend the Boston…Read more

Brandon Teixeira 2024 TOYL Honoree
Brandon Teixeira

Founder & CEO, Mental Health Declassified Inc

Brandon Teixeira is the CEO and founder of Mental Health Declassified Inc., a passionate mental health advocate, and a dynamic storyteller. Born and raised in Stoughton,…Read more

Jessica Pires Brown 2024 TOYL Honoree
Jessica Pires Brown

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Leader, Brown & Brown Insurance

Jessica is the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Leader for Brown & Brown, Inc. where she develops and executes the enterprise DIB strategy throughout all…Read more

Julie Eaton Ernst 2024 TOYL Honoree
Julie Eaton Ernst

Climate Resilience Practice Leader, HNTB Corporation

Julie Eaton Ernst is HNTB’s Climate Resilience Practice Leader based out of Boston, MA. She is a licensed professional civil engineer (MA #54968), and her background…Read more

Liz Powers 2024 TOYL Honoree
Liz Powers

Co-Founder & CEO, ArtLifting

Liz Powers is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of ArtLifting, a business that champions artists impacted by housing insecurity and disabilities. ArtLifting…Read more

Michel Bamani TOYL 2024 Honoree
Michel Bamani

Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

Michel arrived to the United States at the age of 14 as a refugee. Having lived through a war zone and leaving his country of birth, Michel has a deep admiration…Read more

Monica Adwani 2024 TOYL Honoree
Monica Adwani

CEO, Breezy Seguros

Monica Adwani is a highly accomplished insurance industry leader with over 18 years of experience across diverse roles, guiding organizations through strategic growth…Read more

Patrick Lucey 2024 TOYL Honoree
Patrick Lucey

Executive Vice President, Division Manager, Suffolk Construction

As Executive Vice President of Suffolk, Patrick Lucey leads Suffolk’s Northeast office, proudly based here in Boston. Lucey “grew up” at Suffolk, starting…Read more

Ryan Gordon 2024 TOYL Honoree
Ryan Gordon

Project Manager, Nitsch Engineering

Ryan is a registered professional Civil Engineer, Project Manager, and shareholder at Nitsch Engineering, an employee-owned land development and engineering consulting…Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does my company have to be a member of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to apply?

    No. Membership is not required to apply. We welcome applications from all eligible individuals who are making an impact in Greater Boston.

  • When do nominations open?

    Nominations for this year’s T.O.Y.L. Awards will be announced in August. The application window will remain open for 3–4 weeks before the submission deadline.

  • If more than one person nominates me, will it improve my chances of receiving an award?

    No. Each nominee only needs one nomination to be considered. The nomination will be judged based on the nominee’s application and candidate profile.

  • Can I nominate more than one person?

    Absolutely. You are encouraged to nominate as many individuals as you would like.

  • Can I nominate myself?

    Yes. Self-nominations are accepted. However, you must also submit a completed nominee application form to be considered during the final judging phase. This takes place once the nomination window closes.

Thank you to our Funder