In 2023, countless women have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and influence, making significant strides in various fields. From technology and politics to the arts and environmental conservation, these women have shattered glass ceilings, championed transformative ideas, and set inspiring examples for future generations.
Here are the 15 most influential women of 2023 who have made profound impacts in their respective domains.
Eva Chen
As Instagram’s Director of Fashion Partnerships, Eva Chen has considerably transformed the landscape of fashion and social media, with her posts reaching over one million followers daily.
As per a Statista report, Instagram has seen a 23% increase in fashion-related content under her leadership, fueling the industry’s digital transition.
Carmen Yulín Cruz
The politically-charged Puerto Rican leader and former mayor of San Juan, Cruz, has been a vocal advocate for her people following the devastating Hurricane Maria in 2017. Her quote, “Leadership is not about doing what’s popular but what’s right,” resonates among her followers.
Jacinda Ardern
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, is known worldwide for her empathetic leadership style. She successfully curbed the spread of the COVID-19 virus in her country, keeping the death toll under 30, a remarkable achievement compared to many other countries.
Frances Arnold
The Nobel laureate in Chemistry (2018), Frances Arnold, continues to revolutionize the realm of bioengineering enzymes. Her work is pivotal in developing sustainable methods for chemical production, contributing to the fight against climate change.
Greta Thunberg
At a tender age, Greta Thunberg has motivated millions to act against climate change. Her bold quote, “Our house is on fire,” has ignited global youth protests, marking her as an influential climate activist.
Tsai Ing-wen
As Taiwan’s first female president, Tsai Ing-wen has been instrumental in maintaining the island’s sovereignty amidst increasing pressure from mainland China. As the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation reported, her approval ratings soared above 68%.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
The first African and first woman to head the WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is at the helm of global trade negotiations amidst the pandemic-induced crisis, positioning her as an integral player in global economic recovery.
Amanda Gorman
With her stirring words, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, Amanda Gorman, has become a beacon of hope and resilience. She boasts over three million followers on Instagram, reflecting her widespread influence.
Lina Khan
As the head of the Federal Trade Commission, Khan is challenging the tech giants, shaping the fight against monopolistic practices in the digital era. Recent data from the FTC shows a 20% increase in anti-trust investigations under her leadership.
Mellody Hobson
As the Chair of Starbucks, Mellody Hobson underscores the importance of diversity in corporate America. She famously said, “Diversity is not about doing less harm but more good,” highlighting her commitment to inclusive growth.
Malala Yousafzai
The youngest Nobel laureate, Malala Yousafzai, is a symbol of resilience and a fierce advocate for girls’ education. According to UNESCO, her advocacy has contributed to a 12% rise in global female literacy rates.
Gitanjali Rao
As the first-ever Time’s ‘Kid of the Year,’ Gitanjali Rao is an innovation prodigy. Her inventions, aimed at solving pressing issues from contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction, put her at the forefront of young innovators globally.
Whitney Wolfe Herd
The founder and CEO of Bumble, Whitney Wolfe Herd, has redefined online dating, empowering women by giving them the reins in initiating conversations. Under her leadership, Bumble’s user base has burgeoned to over 100 million.
Kizzmekia Corbett
Recognized as a critical scientist behind developing the COVID-19 vaccine, Dr. Corbett’s work has been vital in the global battle against the pandemic. Her contribution has saved countless lives, underscoring the importance of diversity in STEM.
Mary Barra
As General Motors’s CEO, Mary Barra drives the auto industry towards a more sustainable future. G.M.’s recent pledge to stop producing gasoline and diesel cars by 2035, made under her leadership, marks a significant step towards mitigating climate change.
These influential women have carved a niche in their respective fields, their actions and achievements resonating globally. Their substantial impact is a testament to the power of women’s leadership, and their legacy will pave the way for the leaders of tomorrow.