Beacon Award

This February 26, 2026, at the Studio B at Big Night Live, join us for a milestone celebration of the 16th Annual Beacon Award, where we honor those who are shaping a more inclusive future for our profession and community. Over the past 16 years, we have celebrated groundbreaking leaders who have forged bold paths in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. This year, we continue the legacy with our 2026 honorees.

About the Event

Thursday, February 26, 2026
5:30PM – 8:30PM
Studio B at Big Night Live

Join over 250 members of the Boston legal community, along with law firm and corporate sponsors, for a night of inspiring remarks, great food, and lively entertainment.

Honoree

The Beacon Award recognizes exceptional leadership in creating a lasting impact and illuminating a new path towards a more diverse and inclusive legal profession in Greater Boston.

The Boston Bar Association is proud to announce that Paige Scott Reed, Partner at Prince Lobel Tye LLP, will be honored at the 16th Annual Beacon Award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion!

“Paige is a respected leader in public service and private practice who has shaped some of the most transformative community projects in Massachusetts,” said Suma Nair, President of the Boston Bar Association. “From serving as Chief Legal Counsel to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to spearheading initiatives in transportation, employment law, and unmanned systems, Paige has consistently broken barriers and forged a path for the next generation of lawyers. Her career exemplifies the type of bold leadership and community-focused impact that the Beacon Awards celebrate.”

Past Honorees

2025
Voice of Change: Jacquelynne J. Bowman, Executive Director, Greater Boston Legal Services
Corporate Champion: MFS
Empowerment Award: Derrick Young Jr., MPH, and Jonathan Allen, JD, MTS , Co-Founders, Leadership Brainery

2024
Voice of Change: Dean Angela Onwuachi-Willig, Boston University School of Law
Corporate Champion: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Empowerment Award: Beth Chandler, CEO & President, YW Boston

2023
Voice of Change: Mayor Michelle Wu
Corporate Champion: Fidelity Investments
Empowerment Award: Citizens for Juvenile Justice

2022
Voice of Change: Jennifer Levi – Western New England University Law School, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
Corporate Champion: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Empowerment Award: La Colaborativa

2020
Voice of Change: Ralph Martin
Corporate Champion: Boston Scientific
Empowerment Award: COVID-19 Relief Coalition

2019
Voice of Change Award: Yalonda Howze
Corporate Champion Award: Liberty Mutual
Empowerment Award: A Partnership between Greater Boston Legal Service’s Asian Outreach Project and the Asian American Resource Workshop

2018
Voice of Change Award: E. Macey Russell
Corporate Champion Award: Vertex
Empowerment Award: Yes on 3: Freedom for All Coalition

2017*
Voice of Change Award: Brent Henry
Corporate Champion Award: Biogen
Empowerment Award: Ivan Madrigal-Espinoza

2016
Paulette Brown

2015
Affinity Bars

2014
Governor Deval Patrick

2013
Paul Lee, Goodwin Procter LLP

2012
GLAD and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office

2011
Northeastern University School of Law

2010
MassMutual

*Event format changed, three awards introduced

Sponsorships

Sponsoring The Beacon Award is a powerful way to showcase your firm’s commitment to leadership, integrity, and community impact. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities or contact us at [email protected] with any questions or to confirm your sponsorship today.