The Women’s Edge

The Women’s Edge is a Boston nonprofit that helps women advance into leadership roles across the business community. It connects women at every career stage, from emerging leaders to CEOs, through leadership forums, development programs, research and events. Its Strategies for Success program trains leaders from corporations and nonprofits, and it publishes a Women’s Leadership Development Impact Study. Membership comes with mentoring, peer connections and practical tools for professional growth.

The organization began in 1997, when Lois Silverman gathered a group of women CEOs to learn from and support one another, and it was originally called The Commonwealth Institute. It went on to publish the first ranking of the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts, a list that remains part of its events and awards program. Today it runs an events calendar that includes a Town Hall and an In Conversation speaker series, along with a member directory.

What to Know

• Membership is open to women and nonbinary leaders, and men are welcome to take part as allies.
• The organization once opened an office serving Miami-Dade County in Florida.
• The 7th annual leadership impact study report was released in November 2025.
• Companies and individuals can partner with the organization, contribute to research or donate.