Caroline Lyle – BostInno
Last night, against spectacular State Room views of Boston Harbor, the voiceless were given a voice, hidden heroes occupied the spotlight, and the thankless finally reaped the rewards. It was the Ad Club’s 18th Annual Rosoff Awards, New England’s premier diversity awards, and after nearly two decades, the event has proven timeless and more meaningful than ever.
It’s one thing to preach diversity and inclusion, it’s quite another to practice it, especially in a corporate structure. When Ad Club President, Kathy Kiely took the stage, she reminded the audience that the evening was for the do-ers, the ones who don’t just talk, but act. And for the extraordinary individuals in our city who do just that, she said, we are not only “Boston Strong” but “Boston Proud.”
Following “Madame Prez,” Mayor Martin. J Walsh was the first to take the stage as the recipient of the “Champion of Change” Award. Mayor Walsh’s long career serving minority communities leaves no question he is more than deserving of such an honor. But his speech addressing his childhood growing up in a diverse neighborhood and his refusal to march in the Southie St. Patrick’s Day Parade urged you to stand up and applaud.
Mayor Walsh was a tough act to follow, but keynote speaker Senator William “Mo” Cowan proved up for the task, delivering a compelling speech calling America’s boards room to practice inclusion not only because it makes moral sense but because improves the bottom line.
Throughout the evening, the passion in the room was tangible, but the anticipation hung even heavier in the air as finalists waited with bated breath to see who would take home the top honors. While five winners were announced, the evening hinged on so much more than who claimed a prize. More than anything, the Rosoff Awards was a summit for social justice, a reminder of the progress made and how much further we have yet to go. For those who entered the State Room with only a flicker of interest in creating a culture a diversity, they could not help but depart with a fire in their belly.
Congratulations to the 2014 Rosoff Award winners! Stay tuned for more sights and sounds from the empowering event including coverage of Mayor Marty Walsh and Senator William “Mo” Cowan’s inspiring speeches.
