Newton-Needham Project To Highlight Influential People Of Color

NEWTON, MA — In an effort to celebrate, document and encourage a diverse and inclusive workforce and in Newton and Greater Boston's western suburbs, the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with a lauded local diversity expert.

"Colette Phillips is widely recognized as one our region’s most extraordinary leaders in building and championing diversity, equity and inclusion through her networking, consulting and marketing efforts," said Chamber President Greg Reibman in a statement.

The collaboration’s first project will be to publish a list of 50 Influential Business People of Color who are making a positive contribution to Newton, Needham, Watertown, Waltham, Wellesley, Natick or Framingham businesses and nonprofits.

The list will be modeled after similar lists Phillip’s company and networking group Get Konnected! has been producing in the Boston market since 2016, only this time it will be focused exclusively on the western inner suburbs.

"Her famous GK lists of leaders have done wonders to shine the spotlight on those who contribute so much to our economic and cultural vitality but also to expose our gaps," said Reibman. "The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber is thrilled to be partnering with Colette and her team to shine a light of the people of color in our region."

Nominations will open in the weeks ahead. To qualify, nominees must work or sit on a board for a business or nonprofit that is located in Newton, Needham, Watertown, Waltham, Wellesley, Natick or Framingham. A seven-member committee, appointed by Get Konnected! and the chamber, will review nominations and select the honorees.

The final list will be published in the fall. There will also be a virtual event to celebrate the honorees and the region’s diversity.

Phillips and Reibman said they hope corporations and nonprofits will tap the list for boards, expert commentators, thought leaders and panelist speakers. They also said they hope the list will celebrate the region’s most inclusive businesses and nonprofits, and become something employers strive to see their employees on in the future.