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LEADERS. ALLIES. CHANGEMAKERS.

Congratulations to the 2026 Gearing Up Leadership Award Recipients!

Rising Star

Rising Star

Renée Asafo-Adjei, Bentley Class of 2026, Marketing and Information Design and Corporate Communication (IDCC)

A first‑generation business student and emerging leader, Renée is a senior majoring in Marketing and Information Design & Corporate Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. She brings creative insight and strategic thinking to every endeavor, strengthened by leadership roles as President of the Black United Body, CWB Ambassador, and Marketing Communications Intern for the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. As the entrepreneur behind Reborn Creations by Renée, she pairs vision with initiative, demonstrating exceptional promise in branding, digital strategy, and public relations. She truly embodies the spirit of a Rising Star.

Ally in Action

Ally in Action

Michael Page, Professor, Finance, Bentley University

With a distinguished career spanning four decades and three continents, Mike has served as a leader, educator, and advocate within global management education. A Professor of Finance and Management and former Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bentley University, his research interests have focused on management education and the challenges facing minorities and women in career progression in organizations. He was instrumental in the founding of the Erasmus Centre for Women and Organizations at the Rotterdam School of Management and continues to serve as an advisor. Through his scholarship, leadership, and ongoing research in diversity and inclusion, Mike exemplifies the commitment and impact recognized by the Ally in Action Award.

Gender Equity Leadership

Gender Equity Leadership

Molyna Richards, Executive Director, Waltham Chamber of Commerce

Molyna is a powerful champion for Women+ entrepreneurs and professionals, widely recognized for her leadership in elevating gender equity across the community. Expanding the Women in Business Professional Lunch & Learn series into a high‑impact program that features engaging, high‑profile speakers and consistently delivers meaningful professional development, she has earned the strong respect and trust of her local and state community. Through her vision, advocacy, and community‑centered leadership, Molyna embodies the spirit of the Gender Equity Leadership Award. 

Progressive Partner Award

Progressive Partner Award

FlexProfessionals

FlexProfessionals expands equitable career pathways for women+ and underrepresented professionals returning to the workforce. Through personalized coaching, mentorship, and skill‑building programs like the Business Accounting Accelerator, they help individuals rebuild confidence and transition into meaningful roles. They also educate employers on reducing bias and creating inclusive hiring practices. With a strong record of life‑changing career re‑entry success, FlexProfessionals is a true Progressive Partner in building a more inclusive workforce.

Cheers to 2026 Gearing Up Award Winners

Gearing Up Leadership Awards Luncheon

These leaders, allies, and changemakers advancing women+ in the workplace will be honored at the Gearing Up Leadership Awards Luncheon on March 25th as the capstone event of Women’s History Month. Under the theme, The Power of Us, this celebration will honor individuals and organizations driving gender equity. 

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Luncheon | Panel Discussion | Awards Ceremony | Networking
11:00 am - 1:30 pm

Individual Ticket: $150

Sponsor a Table of 7: $1,000

Gearing Up Leadership Awards Luncheon

2025 Gearing Up Leadership Award Recipients

In celebration of Gearing Up’s 20th anniversary in 2025, the CWB established an awards program to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions by individuals and organizations who demonstrated excellence, innovation, and dedication to dismantling systemic barriers in career advancement for women+. 

A. Sisson
Amelia Sisson
Rising Star Award
Finance Manager, KLINGSPOR Abrasives USA

Amelia is a dynamic leader committed to empowering women+ colleagues and driving organizational success. As Finance Manager at KLINGSPOR Abrasives, she has implemented a new ERP system across multiple countries and managed two finance teams. Amelia actively mentors emerging talent, facilitates professional development initiatives, and has refined internal policies to address gender disparities. Her efforts are fully supported by senior executives, ensuring resources for diversity and inclusion projects. Amelia's proactive leadership and willingness to tackle high-stakes challenges inspire others to become agents of change. Driven by a passion for creating an inclusive workplace, Amelia is an exceptional advocate for diversity and equity.

Kapfer
Dr. William Kapfer
Ally in Action Award
Global Head, Supplier Diversity - Community Engagement, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Dr. William Kapfer is the Global Head of Supplier Diversity and Community Engagement at JPMorgan Chase, leading efforts to integrate diverse-owned businesses into the firm’s supply chain and support community economic growth. Under his leadership, JPMorgan Chase was inducted into the Billion Dollar Roundtable, making the firm 1 of only 2 financial services firms to be inducted. The firm was also named one of the Top 50 Best-of-the-Best Corporations for Inclusion by the National Business Inclusion Consortium (NBIC). Prior to joining the firm, William spent over 20 years in media and marketing positions with both mainstream and diverse-market segments; including strategic roles at American Express Publishing, Hearst and Condé Nast. William currently serves on the boards of: National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, the Billion Dollar Roundtable and WEConnect International.

Raposo
Lynelia Raposo
Gender Equity Leadership Award
Global Marketing: CIM, Duracell, Inc.

Lynelia Raposo is an influential leader dedicated to empowering women and making a positive impact in her community. As Director of Women of ALPFA Boston and a board member of the R.I.S.E Women's Leadership Conference, she has demonstrated her commitment to fostering leadership, supporting professional growth, and championing diversity and inclusion. Lynelia's work includes organizing impactful events like the Rise Women's Leadership Conference and ALPFA's Latina Summits, which provide tools, resources, and support for women to excel in their fields. Her leadership is backed by robust support from organizational leadership, ensuring funding and resources for diversity initiatives. Lynelia's passion for fostering diversity and empowering women's leadership is driven by her personal experiences and dedication to uplifting her community, making her an inspiring advocate for change.

Loomis
Loomis, Sayles & Company
Progressive Partner Award

Loomis Sayles is deeply committed to advancing women and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within its organization and the broader community. The UWIN program was founded in 2015, after a review of job applicants revealed that female candidates for junior level research positions at Loomis Sayles comprised only 18% of the applications received in 2014 and 2015. In 2021, the firm appointed Marques Benton as its first Chief DEI Officer, tasked with implementing strategic initiatives to attract, develop, and retain diverse talent, and to cultivate an inclusive workplace culture. The company supports various employee resource groups, such as MOSAIC, Pride, Women @ Work, and Valor, which aim to promote a culture of diversity, connectivity, and understanding.

Since 1926, Loomis, Sayles & Company has helped fulfill the investment needs of institutional and mutual fund clients worldwide. The firm’s performance-driven investors integrate deep proprietary research and risk analysis to make informed, judicious decisions. This rich tradition has earned Loomis Sayles the trust and respect of clients worldwide, for whom they currently manage $390.1 billion in assets (as of 31 March 2025).

Gloria Cordes Larson
The Gearing Up Awards allow us to pause and recognize the individuals and organizations who are doing the vital, day-to-day work of driving change—those who mentor, challenge the status quo, open doors, and build inclusive cultures.
Gloria Cordes Larson
Former President, Bentley University