When Lindse Murphy speaks about the mission of The Women’s Edge, you can hear it — the spark in her voice, the unshakable pride, the drive behind her words. As executive director of the Florida chapter, she’s not just managing a program — she’s facilitating a movement nearly three decades in the making.
What began as a vision in the founder’s Boston residence has grown into a dynamic statewide network honoring and elevating women-led businesses, now with a growing presence in Florida. The origin story is one of inspiration: Lois Silverman, the founder, turned a modest $300 leadership development investment into a career that saw her become the first woman to chair a Harvard Medical Board — and a thriving entrepreneur in managed care. But even as she climbed the ranks, Silverman felt something was missing.
“She asked herself two questions,” says Murphy. “‘How can I make it easier for the women coming after me?’ And ‘Where are the other women like me now that I’m at the top?’” Those thoughts led her to create The Commonwealth Institute, which rebranded as The Women’s Edge, in 2022, to better reflect its mission.
In 2004, a Florida chapter was launched, initially focused on South Florida. Now, under Murphy’s leadership, The Women’s Edge Florida chapter has grown to represent the entire state.
“We may be a small team, but we get [stuff] done,” Murphy says with a laugh — a refrain that feels more like a rallying cry. The work is serious, but the camaraderie and energy are palpable.
The most visible celebration of this work comes each year through The Women’s Edge Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Florida awards — a ranking that recognizes not just revenue and employee count, but a more holistic view of leadership and impact. From nonprofit leaders to Fortune 500 executives, the honorees embody innovation, equity and economic growth.
And it’s not just repeat winners. “This year, we welcomed 29 new honorees,” Murphy says. “That’s a testament to how many women across Florida are stepping into these top roles — and how much more visibility we can still give them.”
The Event That Powers a Movement
The big reveal of the rankings — which are kept secret until the live event — takes place during a high-energy luncheon that feels more like a sports championship than a corporate gathering. “It’s electric,” Murphy says. “There’s music, anticipation, cheering — and a real sense of community.”
The list includes both for-profits and nonprofits, spanning industries from health care to shipping to tech. It’s a snapshot of Florida’s economic power through the lens of female leadership.
This year also marks a new milestone: an official partnership between The Women’s Edge and Tampa Bay Business and Wealth magazine, with TBBW as the exclusive media partner to release the full Top 100 rankings after the event — and that’s just the beginning.
“We’re looking forward to ongoing storytelling, cross-promotion and amplifying the message that strong women leaders mean strong communities,” Murphy says.
Tickets are still available for the event, and a new VIP reception will offer more intimate networking opportunities. “This is a room you want to be in,” Murphy says.
View the alphabetical list of 100 top women-led businesses here.
Learn more about this event or get tickets here.
Discloser: Tampa Bay Business and Wealth is listed on this year’s list.
