Meet the Chronic Boss Cohorts: Where Ambition Meets Authenticity

At the Chronic Boss Collective, we believe ambition and chronic illness don’t cancel each other out. They co-exist. Our CBC Cohorts are built around that truth. These intimate groups, led by women who truly get it, offer structure, connection, and strategy in a way that honors your health and your hustle.

Whether you’re building a business, exploring a passion project, or growing within your 9 to 5, there’s a cohort that feels like home. Meet the dynamic leaders behind each one and get a feel for the vibes they bring to the table.

Monday Mavens

Led by Sarah Stern and Liz Carmines

Monday Mavens is where business talk meets big-hearted reflection. It’s perfect for women who value deep conversation, shared support, and space to explore life beyond the metrics. You might come to brainstorm your next big offer, but stay to talk about your latest travel dream or how you finally set a boundary that stuck.

Sarah Stern is a purpose-driven designer and patient advocate who is humanizing healthcare. With degrees in both graphic and health communication design, she brings clarity, compassion, and creativity to every interaction. Sarah is the owner of With Care Creative. 

Liz Carmines is a nonprofit marketing pro who helps mission-driven organizations grow through intentional social strategy. Her business, Social with Purpose, is rooted in values that perfectly align with the ethos of CBC.

Vibe: Calm, connected, reflective
Anthem: Lofi coffee shop playlist
Party Persona: Off to the side having a conversation that goes deep fast
Success Story: Meredith leaned into her Maven community for support to let go of a client relationship that wasn’t serving her. With encouragement from fellow members, she chose alignment over obligation.
Why Join: If you want a space to be seen as more than just your work, and grow with women who are navigating life and health just like you, this is it.

Thursday Afternoon: The Elephant and Fire Society

Led by Mackenzie Abramson and Stephanie Boyle

If you need structure, strategy, and a serious dose of “yes you can,” this is your group. With a rotating format that includes goal check-ins, guest speakers, and collaborative exercises, Thursday Afternoon brings intentionality to your business growth while keeping it real about the health stuff, too.

Mackenzie Abramson is a fierce rare disease advocate and international speaker who has turned her own diagnostic journey into a force for good. With a background in public health and a deep commitment to community, Mackenzie brings both compassion and momentum to everything she does. Through the Chronic Boss Collective and her connections in cohort spaces, she launched not just one but two impactful businesses. She’s the founder of Tenacious Advocacy Consulting Team (TACT), a patient advocacy and life sciences consulting firm, and Arcadia Avenuess LLC, her latest venture built to expand her vision even further. She’s living proof that your story can be your strategy.

Stephanie Boyle is the founder of byFriday, a virtual assistant business she built on her own terms to prioritize both her work and her family. Her journey as a stay-at-home mom and CEO proves you don’t have to pick between your passion and your people.

Vibe: Encouraging, busy, goal-oriented
Anthem: We Got This
Party Persona: The person making her way around the room, introducing herself and making sure no one feels left out
Success Story: Samantha went from hobbyist to full-blown photographer in just a few months. She booked consistent gigs, built a social following, and even presented to the group about marketing yourself online. Today, she’s taking photos for CBC and building a thriving business.
Why Join: If you’re ready to be held accountable and pushed toward your next level, this cohort will help you set bold goals and actually achieve them.

Thursday Evening

Led by Mackenzie Abramson and Stephanie Boyle

This one’s for the career-driven woman clocking out of her 9 to 5 and still showing up for herself. Thursday Evening offers consistent check-ins, gentle structure, and a small group vibe that feels like texting your best friend after a long day. Whether you’re dreaming of launching a business or simply craving community, you’ll feel seen here.

Mackenzie and Stephanie bring the same energy and care to this group as they do to Thursday Afternoon, but with a softer, more reflective rhythm that honors what it means to work full-time and live with chronic illness.

Vibe: Low-key, connected, consistent
Party Persona: The one who arrives a little late but lights up the room with her presence
Why Join: If you’re balancing a demanding job and a chronic condition, and want a place where you don’t have to explain yourself, this is the crew that will show up for you consistently and without judgment.

Elevate

Led by Lauren Perna

Elevate is a curated, invite-only experience for seasoned entrepreneurs and business owners who are navigating life and leadership with chronic illness. It’s for women who have already built something significant and are looking for high-level support to scale with strategy, not stress.

Lauren Perna is the CEO and Lead Writer of Lauren Perna Communications. She’s also CBC’s founding member and Chief Community Officer. With over two decades in content strategy and communications, Lauren helps businesses tell their story with clarity and impact. She’s a mental health advocate, a leader in the Boston entrepreneur scene, and a Chronic Boss to the core.

Vibe: Strategic, focused, empowering
Entry: Invite only
Why It Matters: If you’re building at a higher level and want to collaborate with women who are equally ambitious and equally health-conscious, Elevate offers the kind of strategic space that transforms vision into reality.

Which Cohort Feels Like Home?

Maybe you’re ready to get clear on your goals. Maybe you’re craving a space to show up as more than your job title. Maybe you need women who get it on every level. Wherever you are in your journey, there’s a CBC cohort that fits your energy, your ambition, and your needs.

We don’t believe in cookie-cutter communities. We believe in curating spaces that honor both your dreams and your diagnosis.

Join the collective today or reach out to a cohort leader to learn more. Your seat is already waiting.