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Gearing Up Awards

2025

2025 Gearing Up Awards

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.

Gearing Up Conference 20th Anniversary logo

2025 Gearing up Award Finalists

In celebration of Gearing Up’s 20th anniversary, the CWB has established an awards program that recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions by individuals and organizations who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and dedication to dismantling systemic barriers in career advancement for women+. Join us in celebrating this year's nominees. 
Laura Handler

Laura Handler

Chief of Staff, Sovos

Laura is a dedicated leader and mentor, committed to empowering women+ in the workplace. Through her initiatives at Sovos, she has supported the professional development of numerous colleagues and led key programs like the multi-lingual corporate mentorship program. As a board member of Waltham Fields Community Farm and Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund, Laura champions equity in key communities. She has robust support from Sovos' leadership, ensuring funding and resources for diversity and inclusion efforts. Her work is driven by personal experiences and a genuine passion for equity, making her an inspiring advocate for women+ and a catalyst for positive change.

Dr. William Kapfer

Dr. William Kapfer

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.

Ilhiana Rojas Saldana

Ilhiana Rojas Saldana

Founder, BeLIVE Coaching and Consulting

Ilhiana has over 20 years of global executive experience in top Fortune 500 companies in the US and Mexico, leading and coaching professionals, teams, and businesses into success. As the founder of her first company BeLIVE Coaching and Consulting, she is a certified expert in leadership and DEI best practices that help build resilient, collaborative, and high-performing leaders and cultures. She has mentored and coached leaders of all levels and has delivered impactful coaching programs to over 3,500 professionals across multiple industries worldwide. Her strong commitment to advocating for equity led her to co-launch UNITED LATINAS, a women’s empowerment and leadership development organization that provides upskilling workshops, mentoring, leadership and professional development programs, visibility, networking, and community-building platforms and programs.

Lynelia Raposo

Lynelia Raposo

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.

Amelia Sisson

Amelia Sisson

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.

Liz Duncan-Gilmour

Liz Duncan-Gilmour

Liz is a beacon of progress in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the insurance sector. As Chief of Strategic Initiatives at Embrace Partners, she has created opportunities for corporations and government entities to spend procurement dollars with diversely owned businesses. Liz supports Minority, Women, Business Enterprises (MWVBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOBs) through education, mentorship, and financial management. Her work with the Minority Business Development Institute fosters economic development in disempowered communities. With robust organizational support, Liz has managed nearly $100M and launched capital access funds for MWBEs. Her consulting services and national initiatives inspire others to become agents of change, reshaping insurance and construction for greater equity. Driven by a passion for solving problems and advancing diversity goals, Liz is an exceptional advocate for DEI.

Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA)

Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA)

ALPFA Boston is a trailblazer in fostering gender equity and empowering underrepresented communities. With a woman serving as President and 16 out of 26 board members identifying as women, the chapter demonstrates strong female leadership across key committees including Women of ALPFA, PRIDE, and Entrepreneurship.

The organization supports over 4k members, including 1.5k+ students, and uses programming to track and elevate gender parity. Events like the annual Latina Summit spotlight Latina leadership, legacy building, and equal pay. Additionally, ALPFA Boston provides mentorship, scholarships, leadership development, and impactful community engagement with partners like EforAll.

Through initiatives such as LEAD, DivERGe, and targeted workshops, ALPFA Boston offers Latinas and other underrepresented professionals practical tools, role models, and advocacy opportunities, driving systemic change and celebrating identity. The chapter's commitment makes it a model for advancing inclusion and transforming the professional landscape in Boston.

Loomis, Sayles & Company

Loomis, Sayles & Company

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).

Selection Process

The Gearing Up Awardees are selected by a committee of volunteers from the CWB advisory board and Bentley faculty and staff.

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.