BOSTON, MA – Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is pleased to share that the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network has awarded Dr. Mary K. Grant, President of MassArt, with a 2026 Pinnacle Award in the category of Achievement in Arts & Education. The 2026 Pinnacle Awards honors nine outstanding women professionals in the Commonwealth for achievements in business, government, and management. The Chamber’s Pinnacle Awards continue to serve as the region’s most prestigious honor for women in professional roles across industries. 

“This prestigious honor recognizes President Grant’s exceptional leadership in public higher education, her experience in advancing creativity and learning, and her steadfast commitment to empowering students and communities alike,” said Daren Bascome, Chair, MassArt Board of Trustees. “At MassArt, she brings vision, care, and a lifelong belief in the power of creative education to help students discover their purpose and use art and design to further the common good.”

The annual Pinnacle Awards celebrate remarkable leadership, achievements, and dedication to enhancing the quality of life in the region. This year’s honorees will be celebrated on Friday, January 30, 2026, 11:00am – 1:30pm, at the Pinnacle Awards ceremony held at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport. More than 1,200 attendees are expected to attend the Awards ceremony, including elected and appointed officials and business community leaders representing every industry. Past Pinnacle honorees include Governor Maura Healey, Nia Grace, Josiane Martinez, Irene Li, and Jane Steinmetz.

MassArt is well represented amongst this year’s honorees– Elizabeth Lowrey, who has chaired the MassArt Auction for many years and sits on our Foundation Board, is receiving the Achievement in the Professions Award.

“Congratulations to our 2026 Pinnacle honorees! Our region is fortunate to have your outstanding leadership,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “Every year, the Chamber’s Women’s Network celebrates excellent leaders across sectors and industries that are elevating all people and all businesses across the Commonwealth. Our 2026 Pinnacle honorees are forging inspiring professional journeys while strengthening our region’s competitive edge, and I am grateful for their leadership.”

The 2026 Pinnacle Award honorees are listed below:

• Achievement in Arts & Education 

Mary K. Grant, President, Massachusetts College of Art and Design 

• Achievement in the Professions 

Elizabeth Lowrey FIIDA, RDI, Principal, Elkus Manfredi Architects 

• Emerging Executive 

Shavel’le Olivier, Executive Director, Mattapan Food & Fitness 

• Achievement in Management – Government 

Mary Skipper, Superintendent, Boston Public Schools 

• Achievement in Management – Non-profit 

Sandra M. McCroom, President & CEO, Children’s Services of Roxbury 

• Achievement in Entrepreneurship 

Rose Staram, Owner & Founder, RoseMark Production 

• Achievement in Health Care 

Robyn Riseberg, MD, Founder, Boston Community Pediatrics 

• Achievement in Management – Private 

Kimberly Sherman Stamler, President, Related Beal 

• Lifetime Achievement 

Patricia Jacobs, Ph.D., Massport, Chairman, Board of Directors  

Avangrid, Independent Director 

AT&T, President of Northern Region (retired) 

View the list of previous Pinnacle honorees here. 

The 2026 Pinnacle Sponsors are:

• Presenting Sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and The TJX Companies.
• Supporting Sponsors: The Castle Group, Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson, and Suffolk.

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Network was founded in 1994 to promote and expand economic opportunities throughout the region for all women in business through shared leadership and expertise. The Women’s Network offers events and programs that provide inspiration and enrich the opportunities and careers for women at all professional levels and promote the positive and transformative influence that women have within the Commonwealth.

About Massachusetts College of Art and Design 

The only independent public college of art and design in the country, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) was founded in 1873 in response to a bold idea: art and design are essential to our daily lives, and key to improving our society and economy. What began as a school to teach drawing is today a bold, comprehensive art and design institution that spans 18 undergraduate and nine graduate programs, certificates, continuing education, and post-baccalaureate study.

About the Chamber’s Women’s Network

In the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Network, there is a diverse group of more than 3,000 women and male allies at all levels of their careers, from all backgrounds, sectors, and industries, and professions, with the collective mission to make Greater Boston the best place for professional women to thrive. For 30 years, the Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all backgrounds and career levels. The Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women.

About the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is the convener, voice, and advocate of the region’s business community, committed to making Greater Boston the best place for all businesses and all people to thrive. We help our members and Greater Boston succeed by convening and connecting the business community; researching, developing and advocating for public policies that contribute to our region’s economic success; and providing comprehensive learning and development programs designed to grow strong business and civic leaders. Learn more at BostonChamber.com.

MassArt Media Contact: 

Temple Gill, Interim Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

tgill@massart.edu