Registration is now open for WTS-Boston's February Luncheon Seminar! Please note: this event will be held at a new venue.
On Tuesday, February 3rd, the WTS-Boston Programs Committee, in collaboration with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee will be hosting a panel discussion at our new luncheon venue. After many years at our previous location, we are excited to welcome members and guests to a new space that better supports our growing attendance.
The panel will be moderated by Jabes Rojas, Assistant General Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the MBTA, and will include Dr. Costanza "Connie" Cabello from State Street, Dr. Shirley Knowles from Tulios Consulting, Claire Cooper from The Partnership, and Emily Nash from Foley Hoag as panelists.
Panelists will discuss best practices for the recruitment and advancement of women in the workplace, drawing on perspectives from a range of sectors including finance, consulting, nonprofit leadership, law, and public service.
Registration for this event will close on Tuesday, January 27th, or upon reaching the venue's capacity. This event is Non-Refundable and no shows will be billed. When registering, please note Member pricing is for Individual Memberships, not Company Sponsors.
Speakers
Dr. Constanza "Connie" Cabello is the Managing Director of Global Inclusion and Diversity at State Street Corporation, where she leads enterprise-wide strategies to advance inclusion across workplace culture, HR, and business development. She also cultivates external partnerships to advance civil rights and social impact for the firm. Before joining State Street, Connie served as a senior diversity officer in higher education. A passionate advocate for educational equity, Connie serves on the boards focused on expanding access for underrepresented communities in Greater Boston.
Dr. Shirley J. Knowles is an executive leader, strategist, and thought leader in organizational effectiveness, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility. She has led enterprise-wide culture and DEI strategies for global organizations across technology, insurance, and healthcare, including serving as Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer for a multinational software company. Dr. Knowles is recognized for aligning people-centered initiatives with measurable business outcomes, advising C-suite leaders and boards, and building sustainable community investment frameworks. A nationally recognized speaker and award-winning leader, she brings deep expertise in inclusive leadership, change management, and ethical organizational transformation.
Claire Cooper is Vice President of Business Development at The Partnership, where she leads employer collaborations to strengthen talent pipelines and support leadership development for professionals at all career stages. She oversees corporate engagement with C-suite leaders and talent executives, connecting organizations to The Partnership’s nearly 40-year legacy of talent strategy and leadership development. With more than fifteen years of experience in partnerships and external affairs across public and nonprofit sectors, Claire also serves on several nonprofit boards focused on expanding health care access.
Emily Nash is a Litigation Partner at Foley Hoag LLP and Co-Chair of the firm’s Education practice. Her practice focuses on complex civil litigation, government and internal investigations, and employment disputes. Emily also provides counsel to colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits related to civil rights compliance and related issues. She also maintains an active pro bono practice focused on civil rights and reproductive justice. In addition to her work at Foley, Emily has taught legal research and writing at Harvard Law School and is a founding board member of the Brave House, a nonprofit providing legal representation and holistic services to young immigrant women.
Jabes Rojas is an executive leader with over 30 years of experience in diversity, equity and inclusion, corporate social responsibility, and nonprofit growth. He currently serves as the MBTA’s Assistant General Manager for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, reporting directly to the General Manager & CEO, and is part of the leadership group of Unidos In Power. Previously, he was the inaugural global executive leader for diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity at HubSpot, and served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Baker, where he led a statewide office focused on expanding personnel diversity and supporting diversity-owned businesses.