Call for Nominations: Gearing Up Leadership Awards

2025 Winner The Gearing Up Leadership Awards honor the extraordinary achievements of individuals and organizations who are dismantling systemic barriers and paving the way for women+ leaders to thrive in the workplace.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 19, 2025

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: FEBRUARY 23, 2026

AWARDS CEREMONY: MARCH 25, 2026

Nomination Form

Gearing Up Awards Categories

Rising Star Award

This award recognizes an early career individual.

Ally in Action Award

This award recognizes all genders amplifying women+.

Gender Equity Leadership Award

This award recognizes a woman+ leader dedicated to creating equitable opportunities that advance gender equity in business.

Progressive Partner Award

This award recognizes an organization committed to advancing women+ in the workplace.

Selection Process

The 2026 Gearing Up Awardees will be evaluated and selected by a committee of volunteers drawn from faculty and staff at Bentley University.

LEADERSHIP: The organization stands out in its industry when it comes to advancement of women+ in the workplace.

IMPACT: The organization has made a visible and tangible impact on women+ employees and the broader community through specific actions and activities.

DEVELOPING OTHERS: The organization is dedicated to mentoring and sponsoring rising women+ professionals both within and outside of its structure.

AMPLIFYING VOICES: The organization actively advocates for inclusion and gender equity.

LEADERSHIP: Nominee has demonstrated excellent leadership skills within their company, community and/or through volunteer activities.

IMPACT: Nominee has had a visible and/or tangible impact on fellow colleagues within their company or community through specific actions or activities.

DEVELOPING OTHERS: Nominee has been dedicated to mentoring or sponsoring rising professionals within or outside of their company.

AMPLIFYING VOICES: Nominee demonstrates advocacy for inclusion and gender equity.

Leaders. Allies. Changemakers.

2025 WINNERS

Learn about the leaders, allies, and changemakers advancing women+ in the workplace.

Amelia Sisson, Rising Star

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.

Dr. William Kapfer, Ally in Action

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.

Lynelia Raposo, Gender Equity Leadership

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, Sayles & Company, Progressive Partner

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).