Nominations are open to recognize the most influential business leaders of color in Boston’s western suburbs and recognize the region’s emerging top talent.
Colette Phillips, president of Colette Phillips Communications, Inc., and the Charles River Regional Chamber are collaborating to create this year’s “50 Most Influential Business Leaders of Color in Greater Boston’s Western Suburbs,” according to a statement.
They’re also seeking nominations for a separate list honoring “emerging leaders of color,” with a focus on suburban professionals under the age of 40.
The lists “are intended to celebrate, document and encourage the diverse workforce of Greater Boston’s western suburban communities,” the statement said.
The Emerging Leaders list is new for 2023. Since 2020, the Most Influential Professionals have been honored with these honors, modeled after Phillips’ program launched in 2016 to honor Boston businesspeople of color.
This year’s list will be part of an expanded report to help businesses and nonprofits find and hire top talent, recruit board members and attract experts in Boston’s western suburbs, according to the statement.
Phillips is one of Boston Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Bostonians of 2022 and founded Get Konnected! Networking group that hosts cross-cultural events in the greater Boston area.
“I also applaud the Chamber for not only making diversity, equity and inclusion one of its core values, but one of the key pillars supporting its members and recognizing that in a global economy , a diverse workforce is a competitive advantage.”
Chamber president Greg Reibman said the lists would also serve as a progress report on suburban employers’ efforts to create a more diverse workforce.
“Once again, we will showcase individuals and employers who are actively contributing to the economic and social fabric of our western suburbs businesses and nonprofits,” Reibman said. “But we also want to measure whether employers in our region are delivering on their commitment to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive.”
Nominations for both lists are open through February 2. 6 at charlesriverchamber.com. Visit the website for more information on the nomination process and candidate criteria.
John Hilliard can be reached at john.hilliard@globe.com.