Beth Chandler Honored with Boston Bar Association’s Empowerment Award
BOSTON, MA – On Thursday, January 18, YW Boston President and CEO Beth Chandler was presented with the Boston Bar Association’s Empowerment Award at the organization’s annual Beacon Awards for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion event. The Empowerment Award is given each year to a powerful advocate who works to create systemic change in the wider community by amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups and advancing civil rights, access to justice, and/or DEI.
Chandler received the award alongside Angela Onwuachi-Willig, Dean and Ryan Roth Gallo Professor of Law at Boston University School, who was presented with the Voice of Change Award; and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, which received the Corporate Champion Award.
In her acceptance remarks, Chandler thanked the Boston Bar Association for recognizing the importance of YW Boston’s work. “Most folks don’t do [this work] for the recognition, but for the impact. Yet, it’s rewarding to know that people see the value of what we do, which is sometimes hard since it’s not as visible or sexy. We lay the foundation on which organizations can create inclusive environments.”
Chandler also thanked YW Boston’s staff, board, and supporters for their hard work and dedication, and thanked the event attendees for their support. “There are times I feel weary, but I never despair because I know that there are others like you in the room who will not give up until we reach a world where racism is eliminated, women are empowered, and there is peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.”
For more information on the Beacon Awards, please visit the Boston Bar Association site at https://bostonbar.org/annual-events/beacon-awards