Ranking marks seventh consecutive year on annual list highlighting women business leaders who make significant impact on the state’s economy
The Women’s Edge and The Boston Globe again named Regis College to the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts list for workplace diversity, innovation and customer benefits.
President Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN, is in her 14th year of leading the university and is the longest serving female college president in Massachusetts. Under her leadership, President Hays guided the institution through continued achievement and growth including the launch of online programs before they became commonplace, the expansion of the university’s graduate programs and a record-setting capital campaign for Regis, Now We Fly. She was named a Living Legend in Massachusetts Nursing by the American Nurses Association of Massachusetts in 2019.
“Being named to this list among so many inspirational leaders is an honor, and a true testament to the welcoming, inclusive, and innovative Regis community where ideas, opinions, and diversity matter,” said President Hays. “This recognition is a reflection of our commitment to educating the whole person, with a focus on building character, instilling confidence, and opening doors to knowledge and experience students need to explore careers of meaning.”
Under her stewardship, Regis has been recognized by several independent entities for its exemplary academic programs. They include recognition by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Top 50 Regional Universities in the North and a Top University for Upward Social Mobility. Regis has also been honored as the top nursing school in the state by students, according to Nurse.org.
“The organizations on this year’s diverse list are driving $124 billion of revenue into the Massachusetts economy and innovation across the country, from increased manufacturing capacity to breakthroughs in clinical care and therapeutics,” said Women’s Edge Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth L. Hailer. “We are honored to celebrate the Top 100 women leaders and hope it inspires others to drive for success here in our region and beyond.”
This year marks the 24th anniversary of The Women’s Edge, a Boston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women in leadership positions. The organization continues to compile its annual list of outstanding businesses and non-profits through a comprehensive nomination process. This is also the 12th year that the list has been created in collaboration with The Boston Globe.
In evaluating the nominees, criteria included not only revenue or operating budget but also workplace and management diversity, board composition, and innovative projects that promote equity. The complete list is featured in the Globe Magazine’s Women & Power issue, available online at bostonglobe.com/magazine starting November 1, with a print edition following on November 3.
"These 100 exceptional leaders, and the companies they run, are at the heart of the Massachusetts economy," said Globe Magazine editor Francis Storrs. “We're delighted to highlight their inspiration and impact through our longtime partnership with The Women's Edge.”