Core Insights - Didi Caldwell, President and CEO of Global Location Strategies, has been named to Inc.'s 2026 Female Founders 500 list, recognizing her leadership and impact in the business sector [1] - The 2026 Female Founders honorees collectively generated approximately $12.3 billion in revenue in 2025 and secured $12.2 billion in funding to date, highlighting the economic significance of women-led businesses [1] - The selection process for the honorees involves a rigorous evaluation of both quantitative metrics, such as revenue growth and funding, and qualitative factors like innovation and social impact [1] Company Overview - Global Location Strategies (GLS) is a leading firm specializing in location strategy, site selection advisory, and incentive negotiation, particularly in complex industrial and manufacturing projects [1] - Over the past year, GLS has expanded its global reach, including the opening of a European headquarters in the Netherlands and a significant venture-backed spin-off of Strata Platforms [1] - GLS played a pivotal role in guiding Emirates Global Aluminium through a 46-state search, resulting in a $4 billion investment for a new aluminum smelter in the U.S., the first of its kind since 1980 [1] Industry Impact - The 2026 Female Founders list includes innovators across various sectors, showcasing the transformative impact of female leadership in industries such as AI, beauty, wellness, and nonprofit [1] - The recognition of Caldwell as "America's Factory Whisperer" underscores her influence in modern manufacturing investment and site selection strategy [1] - The economic contributions of women-led businesses, as evidenced by the substantial revenue and funding figures, reflect a growing trend of female entrepreneurship shaping the future of various industries [1]