2025 Rising Leaders Award

German American Business Council Announces Inaugural Transatlantic Rising Leaders Award Recipients

Boston, MA December 14, 2025 — The German American Business Council (GABC) announced the recipients of its inaugural Transatlantic Rising Leaders Award during the GABC’s 2025 Annual Gala. The award recognizes outstanding professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, strong engagement with GABC Boston, and a deep commitment to strengthening German-American ties. The announcement was made with the support of presenting sponsor RÖDL.

From the inaugural pool of nominees, Thorben Beckmann was selected as the 2025 Transatlantic Rising Leaders Award recipient, with Stella Paffenholz and Jason Wong named as top finalists.

The winner Thorben Beckmann is Area Sales Manager, Metal Foils for the Americas, at SCHLENK. Thorben, who relocated to Boston in 2018, has been one of the most dedicated members of the GABC Young Professionals community for more than five years. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Young Professionals, a role he has held for more than four years, and previously served as the Young Professionals Representative on the GABC Board of Directors for two years. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing recurring networking formats, expanding professional development programming, and building a strong support network for early-career German professionals in the Boston area.

Although Thorben was unable to attend the awards ceremony in person, he expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that GABC and particularly the Young Professionals group, has been a vital source of support and community for him. He also shared his pride in having helped build a lasting network for newcomers to the region.

Stella Paffenholz, Principal at Nextech Invest, was recognized for her leadership in transatlantic venture capital and biotechnology. Originally from Germany and holding a PhD in cancer genetics, Paffenholz has built a career at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and global innovation. She actively supports German biotech companies entering the U.S. market, invests in transatlantic startups, mentors global talent, and fosters academic and professional exchange. Within GABC, she has been a highly engaged member, contributing as a speaker, organizer, and thought partner across multiple life science events over the past year.

Jason Wong, Assistant Professor at Babson College and a Consulting Economist with NASA, was honored for his academic and community leadership. An applied microeconomist focused on connectivity, regional development, and sustainability, Wong has longstanding ties to Germany through his studies, research, teaching, and public service, including his time as a Parliamentary Scholar at the Bundestag. Fluent in German, he actively bridges academic and professional communities and has served on the GABC Young Professionals Committee since 2024, helping organize events and connect GABC members with Babson students.

The GABC congratulates all finalists and the award winner and looks forward to continuing to celebrate and support the next generation of transatlantic leaders.