Associated Industries of Massachusetts is celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by publishing Women in their Own Words, brief reflections on success from some of the most accomplished women business leaders in Massachusetts.

Women in their Own Words tells the stories of women who traveled different paths in different industries in different regions at different time to accomplish great things, but the reflections are linked by a common thread of providing inspiration and sharing the lessons of success with those who come after.

Carol F. Campbell
President/CEO, Chicopee Industrial Contractors, Inc

When I started Chicopee Industrial Contractors in 1992, I was the only Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) in New England with an active female leader. My vision went beyond financial success — I wanted to create a business built on trust, respect, and integrity.

In an industry dominated by male autocratic leaders, I chose a different approach. My philosophy centers on:

• Creating safe, supportive work environments
• Maintaining an open-door policy
• Nurturing individual talents
• Prioritizing people over profits

By surrounding myself with a strong team and being self-aware of my own strengths and limitations, I’ve led the company for 33 years. Our annual profit-sharing program ensures employees directly benefit from our success.

The result? A thriving business that proves putting people first doesn’t mean compromising on performance or profits.

My advice to young women would be to find something you love.  When you love what you do it is easier to show up every day and work to be the best you can be.  Success doesn’t come easy – it’s hard work.  But it’s worthwhile work.

Work with people who you respect and for a leader who shares your value system.  And I would take that advice one step further – in your friendships.  We need to support each other.  Our tribe makes us stronger, and support is a two-way street.

Jen Perry
Co-head of Technology, Commercial Banking
J.P. Morgan

Building a career in the financial services sector in Boston has been a journey marked by both challenges and rewards. Early in my career, I often found myself as the sole woman in meetings and around decision-making tables. It was a time when seeing another woman in the same rooms was a rarity. I vividly remember the day I met another woman in banking covering technology companies in Boston; we immediately connected, forging a bond of solidarity. Fast forward almost 20 years, and not only do I have the privilege of being intentional about hiring and influencing inclusivity around the table, but I also have the joy of working alongside that very same woman. Together, we are now building banking teams focused on technology companies in Massachusetts and around the country, and creating spaces where all voices are heard and valued.

When I was new to Boston, navigating the professional landscape was daunting. I recall being invited to an evening event hosted by a woman lawyer that took place at her firm’s office. Sensing my discomfort in working the room, she graciously took the time to introduce me to her network, despite her responsibilities as the host. She didn’t owe me anything, yet her kindness and support were incredibly impactful. It wasn’t until a few years ago, as she was retiring, that I had the chance to express my gratitude for the difference she made in my professional development.

Throughout my career, I’ve learned that making mistakes is an essential part of growth. One of the most critical skills I’ve developed is the ability to discern between what is urgent and what is important, and to balance both effectively – this was something I had to hone over time, with the support of my mentors and managers. I’ve come to understand the importance of using my voice to elevate junior colleagues by inviting them to participate in client conversations, modeling effective interactions and providing feedback in an intentional way that underscores my commitment to their careers. I’ve found it extremely rewarding to pay it forward and ensure that others have the support they need to succeed.

The greatest fulfillment in my career comes from watching other women stretch beyond their perceived limitations and achieve new goals. My advice to young women following in my footsteps is to embrace challenges, learn from every experience, and build a network that supports and uplifts you. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, and every step you take is a building block for future success.

Patricia Begrowicz
Co-Owner and President, Onyx Specialty Papers

I am the President and Co-Owner of Onyx Specialty Papers, a manufacturing company with 140 employees, located in South Lee.

I never aspired to own a company, but the opportunity presented itself 15 years ago to purchase the business from my employer at the time, a global Fortune 300 company that did not want to be in the specialty paper-making business anymore. It was an exciting proposition, although not without significant risk for our employees, our customers, and our suppliers – and for me and my business partner.

But my parents raised me to believe that hard work, good planning, and a little luck can lead to positive outcomes, and today I am incredibly happy that I made that leap of faith all those years ago.

Onyx Specialty Papers was born on the wings of change, and change is challenging for most people to accept. From the beginning, I have seen my role as a leader to show healthy respect for the organization’s past that got us to where we are, to assess the current state of the business with a clear eye, and to chart the path to a future state that will benefit all the business’ stakeholders. This requires clear and honest communication, a willingness to experiment with innovative ideas while being ready to cut losses and change direction when things are not working, and a healthy dose of optimism and patience. It has been a rewarding and exciting journey so far!

Aimee Brewer, MPH
President & CEO, Sturdy Health

I was fortunate to begin my career at Boston Children’s Hospital where I partnered with an extraordinary physician Dr. Yuan-Chi Lin. He taught me to always do the right thing for the patient, and the rest will follow. Throughout my career, I have found there are very few situations in which that philosophy has not applied, and it continues to serve as the foundation of my leadership at Sturdy Health.

Currently, the challenges of being a healthcare leader in Massachusetts are many:  workforce shortages at all levels, the shortage of primary care providers leading to stunted access to care, long waits and hospitals at capacity, not to mention continued financial instability.

What sustains me during these times is recognizing the profound impact we make each day on the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve, in spite of current circumstances.  For Sturdy, this includes a commitment to expanding our services to ensure our community has access to primary care, women’s health care, cancer care and specialty care, emergency care and acute care when and where they need it. By being here today, we are creating generational health for years to come.

My advice to those reading:

• Mentorship is critical – Find a mentor, formal or informal. Build a network of colleagues at all levels of their careers and seek to look at the world through their eyes.
• Block out time for continuous learning – Create the time to read, think, reflect – healthcare is always evolving, and so should you. I’m currently doing a deep dive into everything AI.
• Develop leadership skills and managerial courage – lead projects and demonstrate your ability to inspire and lead teams.
• Develop strong communication skills – This is essential for any leader. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently, whether in meetings or while delivering presentations.
• Finally, and most importantly, be authentic – Be true to yourself and your values, taking time look back at your career and celebrate what you’ve accomplished.

Anne Broholm
CEO, Ahead, LLC

Leading a company as a woman in Massachusetts in 2025 is both a privilege and an enormous responsibility. The rewards are immense—driving meaningful change, mentoring the next generation, and contributing to a business community that is becoming more inclusive.

However, challenges persist, particularly when leading a company like Ahead, which operates in a traditionally male-dominated industry.  My first significant leadership role in the golf industry was overseeing a team of (much) older, highly experienced, and predominantly male sales representatives.  This was an intense trial by fire that shaped my perspective and leadership style. Women leaders often face higher expectations, unconscious biases, and the ongoing balance of professional and personal responsibilities. Yet, these challenges have only reinforced my commitment to resilience, authenticity, and the importance of lifting others—both men and women—along the way.

Throughout my career, I have never viewed leadership through the lens of being a “female CEO”—my focus has always been on being a great CEO, period. While I have sometimes had to work harder to ensure my contributions were recognized on equal footing, I have never allowed external perceptions to limit my determination or belief in what is possible.

I credit my father, who never saw my potential through the lens of gender—he never imposed limits on who or what I could become simply because I was his daughter rather than his son.  My approach has never been about trying to fit in or, conversely, challenge a particular narrative about female leaders. Instead, I have focused on what truly matters: vision, execution, and results.

I love seeing young women rise to new levels of responsibility and success. To those aspiring to leadership roles, my advice is this: never underestimate your potential, embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and surround yourself with mentors and allies who believe in and support you. Success is not about fitting into a mold—it’s about redefining it.

The future of leadership in the Commonwealth depends on bold, visionary, and diverse individuals—women and men—who lead with purpose and integrity. Leadership is not about standing alone at the top; it is about creating opportunities for others to rise alongside you.

Colette A.M.Phillips
President/CEO Colette Phillips Communication, Inc.
Founder, Get Konnected!
The GK Fund

As a woman leading a company in Massachusetts in 2025, I’ve experienced both rewarding triumphs and significant challenges. The rewards are profound; I’ve had the opportunity to work with CEOs and senior leadership teams to both foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where creativity thrives and innovation flourishes as well as engaging women and culturally diverse consumers, thus helping them to expand their market share  and increase their bottom line.

I’ve seen firsthand how diverse perspectives drive better decision-making and enhance a company’s culture. However, navigating the complexities of leadership as a woman of color still presents challenges, from overcoming gender and racial biases to balancing the expectations of being both a leader and a mentor in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

My personal journey has greatly shaped my leadership style. Growing up in the Caribbean in a supportive family environment that valued hard work and resilience instilled in me the belief that challenges can be transformed into opportunities.

I have learned the importance of empathy, connections, collaboration, and allyship, recognizing that strong leadership is not just about making decisions but also about empowering others. One key lesson I have embraced is the necessity of advocating for oneself while also lifting others as we rise.

To young women aspiring to lead, my advice is simple yet powerful: embrace your unique voice and perspective. Don’t shy away from challenges; instead, see them as stepping stones to growth. Find mentors and allies who can support your journey and be willing to be a mentor in return. Remember, your leadership can pave the way for future generations, and every step forward contributes to breaking down barriers for women as well as others in all fields.

True leadership is not about complaining or merely pointing out problems; it’s about taking initiative and finding solutions. This is exactly why I founded Get Konnected to create not only a safe space to foster cross-cultural social and business connections but to dismantle barriers and promote collaboration.

The Get Konnected! platform has also facilitated strong “Allyship” with corporate, institutional, media, and  affinity partners like Eastern Bank, State Street, Liberty Mutual, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, PNC Bank, Babson University, NBC10, GBH,  AIM, Amplify Latinx; BECMA and NAAAP – Boston to help support employee engagement and retention efforts.

Pamela Kuong
Market Director, Middle Market New England
Santander

When I started in banking in the late eighties, there were very few female executives at major banks in Boston. However, over the past ten years, the landscape has changed significantly. For example, at Santander, we are led by Ana Botin as Chairwomen; Christiana Riley, President and CEO of Santander US; and Ellen Marshall, Head of Middle Market and Corporate Banking. Corporations today recognize the unique perspective that females offer to companies.

Early on in my career, I experienced several situations where the client made it clear they did not want a female relationship manager. I shared their sentiments with my manager suggesting the need for a change in the relationship. I was fortunate to have a progressive manager at the time who supported me and would not switch me off the account, despite the client’s opinion.

I in turn worked diligently to provide the best customer experience by listening to the clients’ needs, responding quickly to their requests, and providing guidance and solutions to help the company prosper and grow, thereby earning the client’s trust. At the end of the day, if you can deliver for your client, gender has no bearing.

What lessons have I learned?

I learned that to advance in your career, you need to accept opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone. In a twelve-year period, I went through six acquisitions and eleven managers. To thrive in a world of transition, you need to be extremely flexible and able to adapt quickly. Change creates disruption but also creates opportunities. I worked in several lines of business, including workout, risk review, and mergers & acquisition financing. I took on each new assignment with a positive attitude and looked at every situation as the glass half-full. Each job enhanced my skillset and helped me become a better relationship manager.

At the advice of some colleagues, I took up golf in my mid 30s because they felt playing golf would help me be included in the discussion with my male clients. Golf has been the biggest differentiator for me. Client golf has helped me bring the client relationship to a higher level. I have been invited to attend many client events and had the opportunity on several occasions to travel with my clients on memorable golf trips. The male client, who upon our first meeting said he did not want a female on his account, considered me his preferred lending officer until he sold his company several years ago. We have stayed in touch and managed to played several rounds of golf since the company sold.

Although I picked up golf because it was supposed to be “good for business”, it has become so much more for me. I am so glad I listened to my colleague’s advice and pushed myself out of my comfort zone to learn the game of golf. My golf journey has led me to compete in local, national, and international amateur golf tournaments.

Best advice for the next generation:

Raise your hand when your organization is looking for volunteers to help on projects. In the short run, it will require you to do more work managing your current job and a new project, but it will give you exposure to senior management which, if you do a good job, leads to further advancement.

In addition, do not wait to be asked. If you have a solution to improve or streamline a process in your organization, do not just complain about the process but instead become part of the solution. Special assignments are exciting and rewarding at the end of the day.

Finally, your career is a marathon not a sprint. Do not expect or ask for immediate return – that happens naturally over time. Create a lot of IOUs and be a connector. You most likely will never collect on many of your IOUs, but when you do need a favor, you can count on the favor being returned.

Elyse Cherry
CEO, BlueHub Capital

I have always chosen to live with a foot in many worlds – at the intersection of ideas and community. I strive to build bridges among business, government and civil society to forge partnerships that serve the greater public good. In short, I focus on building a world in which equity is a given, not a goal.

Through my LGBTQ+ advocacy work, my positions on boards at Wellsley College, Eastern Bank and The Boston Foundation, and, of course, my role as CEO of BlueHub Capital—the nonprofit community finance institution that I helped found in the mid-1980’s and have now led for 28 years—I’ve committed myself to working toward a future where low-income individuals, families and communities are stronger, more resilient and well connected to the broader economy, particularly, in this period of political, social and environmental upheaval.

As we navigate the uncharted waters ahead, it’s imperative that we do not give in to fear, that we continue to ally with each other, and that we honor Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s words to “fight for the things we care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join us.” Together, we can work collaboratively to ensure that we continue generating equitable and inclusive economic opportunity across Massachusetts and beyond.