The Women’s Edge celebrated a historic milestone on Oct. 24 as it marked the 25th anniversary of its Top 100 Women-Led Companies in Massachusetts list.
The annual event, held at the Boston Marriott Copley Place, honored women executives whose organizations continue to drive innovation, economic growth and leadership across the state.
The celebration, hosted in partnership with The Boston Globe, drew more than 800 business leaders, entrepreneurs and executives from diverse industries including finance, health care, education, manufacturing and technology. Over the past quarter century, the event has evolved into one of Massachusetts’ most recognized platforms highlighting women’s leadership in business and community advancement.
This year’s milestone edition also underscored the economic influence of women-led companies. According to The Women’s Edge, the 2025 honorees collectively contributed $141 billion to the Massachusetts economy — a $16 billion increase from 2024 — and employed more than 250,000 people statewide.
In addition to recognizing business achievements, the celebration featured discussions on equity, leadership and perseverance. The morning’s celebration opened with remarks by Mayor Michelle Wu and Gov. Maura Healey, who emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in shaping the commonwealth’s future. Both leaders spoke about creating inclusive opportunities and strengthening local economies by supporting women-owned and women-run enterprises.
The keynote address was delivered by Deesha Dyer, former White House social secretary during the Obama administration and author of the memoir “Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble.” Dyer shared her journey from grassroots activism to public service, reflecting on the challenges of navigating spaces where representation remains limited. Her remarks, which centered on authenticity, purpose and resilience, resonated with the audience of executives and entrepreneurs.
Throughout the program, speakers reflected on the progress women leaders have made over the past 25 years and the work that remains. Elizabeth Hailer, CEO of The Women’s Edge, said that the organization’s mission has always been to help women in business rise through collaboration, mentorship and community.
“For 28 years, The Women’s Edge has been dedicated to advancing women leaders and entrepreneurs,” Hailer stated in a release. “Their success not only demonstrates the incredible talent and vision of women leaders, but also underscores the vital role they play in fueling innovation, economic growth, and opportunity across the Commonwealth.”
As part of the celebration, Nancy Stager, president emerita of the Eastern Bank Foundation, received The Women’s Edge Impact Award in recognition of her commitment to community development and her longtime leadership in philanthropy. Stager, who has been a vocal advocate for equity and inclusion in corporate culture, was honored for her efforts to promote women’s advancement across both nonprofit and private sectors.
Founded in 1997 as The Commonwealth Institute, The Women’s Edge has become one of the state’s most influential organizations for professional women.
Over the years, it has expanded its reach through programs in mentoring, peer learning and executive education. The group rebranded asThe Women’s Edge in 2022 to reflect a broader, more inclusive mission supporting women at every stage of leadership.
This year’s Top 100 Women-Led Companies list represents a cross-section of organizations contributing to Massachusetts’ economy, from established corporations to emerging innovators.
The honorees were selected based on factors such as revenue, workforce size, innovation and community impact.
Among the honorees was Simmons University, which has consistently appeared on the annual list.
“Simmons University is honored to be named among the top women-led businesses in Massachusetts, and to be recognized alongside this group of influential and distinguished leaders,” Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten, president of Simmons, told the Banner. “As the only women-centered undergraduate institution in the city of Boston, Simmons has a critical role to play in educating the next generation of leaders who are making a difference in their professions and communities.”
For many attendees, this year’s event was both a celebration and a reflection on the long journey toward equity in leadership. In 1997, when the inaugural list was published, women-led businesses in Massachusetts were fewer and less visible. Today, those companies have become central drivers of the state’s economic landscape, with women now leading organizations in sectors once dominated by men.
Beyond the awards, The Women’s Edge continues to engage its network through year-round programming focused on mentorship, leadership training and peer-to-peer collaboration. The organization maintains partnerships with corporations, universities and public agencies to support initiatives that elevate women into decision-making roles.
The 25-year milestone also served as an opportunity for reflection within the broader business community. Speakers and attendees alike highlighted how supporting women in leadership yields measurable benefits, from strong company performance to inclusive workplace cultures.
“Women-led companies are the backbone of our economy,” Hailer stated in a release. “As we celebrate this 25-year Top 100 milestone, it’s clear that empowering women leaders is not just good for business, it’s essential for building a stronger, more equitable future.”
The anniversary celebration concluded with a call to continue investing in women-led ventures, especially in fields like technology, finance and manufacturing where gender disparities persist.
As The Women’s Edge looks toward the next 25 years, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying women’s voices and sustaining the momentum of leadership that continues to shape Massachusetts’ economic story.
