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Multicultural Symposium Series

Salute To Our 2020
​Breakfast Honorees


Norman Maines
Colonnade Boston Hotel

Dee Gonzales
Colonnade Boston Hotel

Patricia Spense
Urban Farming Institute of Boston

Lurie Davis
Lurie Davis Wealth Management

Reinier Moquete
Advoqt Cybersecurity

Enna Jimenez
ALPFA Boston Chapter
IDEMIA

Melissa James
The Tech Connection

Lee Francois
Bethel AME Church Boston

Eric Rivas
Berkshire Partners Boys and Girls Club

Evelyn Brito
Bodega Makeover Web Series

*    *    *
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Click Here For Complete Breakfast Details

Sex Trafficking Woman of Action

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Dee Gonzalez began her career in the hotel industry in the early 1970s when Boston’s landmark Back Bay property, The Colonnade Hotel, opened on Huntington Avenue. Beginning as a room attendant, her hard work and persistence were recognized, and she swiftly moved up the ranks through several positions onsite. Dee left the hotel to pursue a new opportunity but then returned in the 1990s. Upon her return, Dee was named The Colonnade Hotel’s Executive Housekeeper. 

What Dee likes most about hospitality is making connections with both employees and guests, and having the pleasure of being able to make a difference in other people's lives. 

Dee demonstrated her bravery, instinct and courage some four years ago when a room attendant alerted her to a young woman who was in trouble in one of the hotel rooms. Dee stepped in, confronted the "John" and whisked away the young girl who was caught in a sex trafficking ring. The police arrived and made arrangements to return the young girl to her parents.

It helped that Dee's son in law and former husband are police officers. She knew the signs and knew how to handle the situation.

Dee’s team is fiercely loyal to her, and she is admired and respected by colleagues. When she’s not working, Dee loves reading books, including fiction and mystery books. She also watches television documentaries and loves spending time with her family. Dee is the oldest of 7 in her family. She is the proud mother of 5 children and a loving grandmother to 15 grandkids.

Colonnade Hotel "Ambassador"

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Born and raised in Boston, Norman Maines got his start in hospitality in his early 20’s – by responding to an ad in the newspaper. In 2002, Norman found his home with The Colonnade Hotel where he has served for the past 18 years. He's more than a frontline greeter. Norman is a Colonnade Hotel Ambassador to the world!

Norman’s favorite thing about hospitality is engaging with people from different parts of the world, and having a unique chance to welcome visitors to our beautiful city – making a positive impact on every person’s day. Norman credits his ability to make people feel special to his role as a young usher at his grandfather’s church, where he saw what a big difference you can make by connecting with the community, one person at a time. 

When Norman is not working, he stays busy with a stack of jazz CDs he loves listening to, and cooking famous meals for his family from scratch. 
A proud husband and father, Norman is married to the love of his life, Melodine. And he loves being a dad to their lovely 10-year-old daughter Chrissy. He’s excited to be taking the family on a trip to Disneyworld for the first time in March! Besides traveling, jazz, and cooking, Norman’s other soft spot is for the classic candy-bar, Mr. Goodbar. 

Stay Turned For Our Remaining 8 Honorees

Congratulations To The 2020 Black History Breakfast Honorees!

March 12, 2020 Black History Breakfast Details
©2023 All Rights Reserved Carole Copeland Thomas • (508) 947-5755 • Carole@mssconnect.com
  • Home
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      • Session # 101
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      • Breakfast Directions Mar 16th
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      • Parking & Public Transportation Mass Art & Design
      • Conference Agenda 2017
      • Who Should Attend?
      • Who Should Attend
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      • Ayana Corbin
      • Dr. Velda McRae Yates
      • Dr. David Nelson
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      • James E. Rooney
      • Dr. Keith Motley
      • Patrick J. Sullivan Distinguished Panel
      • Roxann C. Cooke
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      • Special Speakers
    • March 3, 2016 Breakfast >
      • Ernest Washington Jr. Bio
      • Breakfast Directions & Details March 3rd
    • Nov 5 2015 Conference >
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      • Sarah and Abraham Peddiny
      • Gary Morton
      • State Street Panel Program
      • Roundtable Presenters
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    • Past Events >
      • March 17, 2015 Breakfast (Rescheduled) >
        • Rev. Karla Cooper Bio
      • Nov 6, 2014 Conference >
        • 2014 Conference Agenda
        • Garth Dallas Bio
        • Rahn Dorsey Bio
      • Feb 11, 2014 Breakfast >
        • About Keynote Speaker Beth Williams
        • Getting To The Breakfast Location
      • Nov 7, 2013 Conference >
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        • Sponsors & Advertisers
      • 2013 Caribbean Cruise >
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      • Feb 1, 2013 Breakfast >
        • Cassius Cash Bio
        • Getting To The Breakfast Location
      • February 2, 2012 Breakfast >
        • Juanita Abernathy Bio
        • Photos From Feb 2nd
      • 2012 Conference >
        • Conference Speakers
  • In The News
    • Black Journalist Convention In Boston >
      • Photo Highlights NABJ 2014 Convention
      • About The NABJ 2014 Convention
    • Media
    • Tribute: Dr. Roosevelt Thomas
    • Bio: Dr. Roosevelt Thomas
  • MEMBERS ONLY
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  • Store
  • Contact Us
  • US UK SUMMIT ON RACE SERIES
    • FEB 3, 2023 US Black History Month >
      • Meet The Feb 3rd Speakers
      • BHM Agenda US UK Feb 2023
      • Meet The Organizers
      • US UK Press Release Feb 2023
    • OCTOBER 2022 US UK BLACK HISTORY UK >
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      • Meet The Oct 7th Speakers
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  • March 10, 2022 Virtual Breakfast
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  • INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' RESOURCE PAGE
  • Nov 3-4, 2022 Virtual Conference
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    • Session One
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    • Conference Agenda 2022
    • Who Should Attend Virtual Event 2022