On February 26, 2026, the Boston Bar Association gathered at Studio B at Big Night Live for its annual Beacon Awards. an evening dedicated to celebrating leadership, service, and an unwavering commitment to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive legal profession.
The evening opened on a deeply personal note with a tribute video featuring event co-chairs Hannah Kilson (Nolan Sheehan Patten LLP) and Abim Thomas (Fidelity Investments). Speaking as friends and colleagues—with Hannah reflecting on their days as classmates—their stories captured what makes Paige’s steady brilliance, generosity, and instinct to pull others forward with her.
BBA President Suma V. Nair followed with remarks that grounded the night in purpose. The Beacon Awards, she reminded the audience, are about more than recognition. They are about shining a light on leaders who actively shape a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive profession. In Paige, she noted, we see someone who doesn’t just talk about opportunity and belonging, but creates it.
When Paige took the stage, she did what she has always done: she shared the spotlight. In heartfelt remarks, she thanked the mentors, colleagues, friends, and family members who helped her along the way. She spoke candidly about the responsibility lawyers carry to make space for others to succeed. Her message was clear and powerful: mentor generously, advocate intentionally, and never miss a chance to encourage the next generation of attorneys.
President Nair returned to close the evening with a call to action, urging everyone in the room to carry that spirit forward. The night served as a powerful reminder that when we celebrate leadership grounded in service and inclusion, we illuminate the path forward for the entire profession.
The BBA is deeply grateful to the sponsors whose generous support made the 2026 Beacon Awards possible. Their partnership reflects a shared belief that excellence and inclusion go hand in hand.
