90 Influential Women’s

 

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Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu is an acclaimed American actress, director, and artist, born on December 2, 1968, in New York City to Chinese immigrant parents. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Alex Munday in the *Charlie’s Angels* films (2000, 2003) and as Ling Woo on the TV series *Ally McBeal*, earning an Emmy nomination. Liu’s versatility shines through in diverse roles, including O-Ren Ishii in *Kill Bill: Volume 1* (2003) and Joan Watson in the modern *Elementary* series (2012-2019). Beyond acting, she has directed episodes of *Grey’s Anatomy* and *The CW’s Nancy Drew*, and her artwork has been exhibited globally. Liu is also a philanthropist, supporting causes like women’s rights and education through organizations such as UNICEF.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone, born January 5, 1986, in Copenhagen, Denmark, and raised in Bangalore, India, is a leading Bollywood actress and producer. She debuted in the film *Om Shanti Om* (2007) alongside Shah Rukh Khan, establishing herself as a box-office draw with hits like *Bajirao Mastani* (2015) and *Padmaavat* (2018). Known for her elegance and strong screen presence, she expanded her global reach with Hollywood roles in *xXx: Return of Xander Cage* (2017) and *The Intern* (2025). Padukone co-founded Ka Productions and is a mental health advocate, launching the Live Love Laugh Foundation to address depression and anxiety, inspired by her own experiences.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie, born June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, is an Oscar-winning actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian. She rose to fame with *Girl, Interrupted* (1999), winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, and became a global icon with action films like *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* (2001) and *Maleficent* (2014). Jolie’s directorial works, including *In the Land of Blood and Honey* (2011), reflect her commitment to social issues. As a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, she has championed refugee rights, adopting children from various countries, and her humanitarian efforts earned her the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2013.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross, born October 29, 1972, in Los Angeles, California, is an award-winning actress and producer, daughter of Diana Ross. She gained prominence playing Joan Clayton on *Girlfriends* (2000-2008) and earned critical acclaim as Rainbow Johnson on *Black-ish* (2014-2022), winning a Golden Globe in 2017. Ross is celebrated for her comedic timing and advocacy for diversity in entertainment. She launched Pattern Beauty in 2019, a haircare line for curly, coily, and tight-textured hair, reflecting her commitment to representation and self-love, and has been a vocal supporter of women’s rights.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain, born March 24, 1977, in Sacramento, California, is a highly regarded actress known for her intense and transformative performances. She broke out with *The Help* (2011) and won an Oscar for *The Eyes of Tammy Faye* (2021), showcasing her range in films like *Zero Dark Thirty* (2012) and *Interstellar* (2014). Chastain is also a producer, co-founding Freckle Films to promote female-driven stories. An advocate for gender equality, she has supported initiatives like the Time’s Up movement and uses her platform to address pay disparities in Hollywood.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler, born May 3, 2001, in Hackensack, New Jersey, is a rising star in acting and singing. She gained international fame playing María in Steven Spielberg’s *West Side Story* (2021), winning a Golden Globe, and has since starred as Lucy Gray Baird in *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* (2023) and the titular role in Disney’s live-action *Snow White* (2025). With a background in school theater, Zegler made her Broadway debut as Juliet in *Romeo and Juliet* (2024) and her West End debut in *Evita* (2025), highlighting her vocal talent and stage presence.

Ilana Glazer

Ilana Glazer, born April 12, 1987, in New York City, is a comedian, actress, and writer known for co-creating and starring in the Comedy Central series *Broad City* (2014-2019) with Abbi Jacobson. The show, based on their web series, earned her praise for its raw humor and portrayal of female friendship. Glazer has appeared in films like *The Night Before* (2015) and *Rough Night* (2017), and her stand-up specials showcase her bold comedic style. She is also an activist, supporting reproductive rights and environmental causes.

Fran Drescher

Fran Drescher, born September 30, 1957, in Queens, New York, is an actress, comedian, and advocate best known for her role as Fran Fine in the hit sitcom *The Nanny* (1993-1999). Her distinctive voice and comedic timing made her a household name, and she later starred in *Happily Divorced* (2011-2013). A cancer survivor, Drescher founded the Cancer Schmancer Movement to promote early detection and holistic health. She also served as president of the SAG-AFTRA union from 2019 to 2021, advocating for performers’ rights.

Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel, born May 30, 1971, in New York City, is a Tony Award-winning actress and singer renowned for her powerful voice. She originated the role of Maureen in *Rent* on Broadway and won a Tony for Elphaba in *Wicked* (2003). Menzel’s rendition of “Let It Go” in Disney’s *Frozen* (2013) earned her global fame and an Oscar nomination. She has released multiple albums, blending pop and Broadway styles, and continues to perform in theater and film, including *Uncut Gems* (2019).

Gabrielle Hearst

Gabrielle Hearst, born in 1966 in Rawlins, Wyoming, is a fashion designer and sustainability advocate. She founded her eponymous luxury label in 2015, known for its eco-conscious approach using deadstock fabrics and ethical production. With a background in ranching, Hearst blends rugged Americana with high fashion, earning accolades like the 2017 CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year. She also serves as creative director for Chloé, pushing for transparency and sustainability in the industry.

Nili Lotan

Nili Lotan, born in Israel and raised in a military family, is a fashion designer based in New York. She launched her eponymous label in 2003, creating minimalist, timeless clothing that blends military influences with soft femininity. Known for her tailored jackets and effortless silhouettes, Lotan has dressed celebrities like Natalie Portman and has been praised for her sustainable practices. Her work reflects her global upbringing and commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Anna Weyant

Anna Weyant, born in 1995 in Calgary, Canada, is a contemporary artist based in New York City, known for her figurative paintings that blend influences from the Dutch Golden Age with modern popular culture and social media. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2017 and has since gained prominence with her dark, humorous depictions of young women in tragicomic scenarios. Represented globally by Gagosian Gallery since May 2022, Weyant’s work, marked by a muted palette and meticulous detail, explores themes of femininity, youth, and social convention. Her rapid rise, highlighted by a $1.62 million auction sale of Falling Woman (2020) and a 2024 Vogue cover featuring her painting of Kaia Gerber, has sparked debate about her success, with some attributing it to her past relationship with gallery owner Larry Gagosian. Despite mixed critical reception, her exhibitions, like Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolves? (2024) in London, continue to draw attention.

Zoya Akhtar

Zoya Akhtar, born October 14, 1972, in Mumbai, India, is a prominent filmmaker and screenwriter from the influential Akhtar family. She debuted with *Luck by Chance* (2009) and gained acclaim for *Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara* (2011) and *Gully Boy* (2019), the latter earning her a Filmfare Award. Known for her nuanced storytelling and focus on youth culture, Akhtar co-founded Tiger Baby Films to support diverse narratives, making her a key figure in Indian cinema.

Christy Turlington Burns

Christy Turlington Burns, born January 2, 1969, in Walnut Creek, California, is a supermodel and humanitarian. A face of brands like Calvin Klein in the 1990s, she modeled for over 20 years before focusing on advocacy. She founded Every Mother Counts to reduce maternal mortality, drawing from her own childbirth experience. Turlington also directs documentaries like *No Woman, No Cry* (2010), blending her modeling fame with impactful social work.

Sahra Mani

Sahra Mani is an Afghan filmmaker and activist known for her documentary *A Thousand Girls Like Me* (2018), which highlights the resilience of an Afghan woman seeking justice against her abusive father. Living in exile due to the Taliban’s rise, Mani’s work focuses on women’s rights and survival in conflict zones. Her storytelling has earned international recognition, amplifying marginalized voices.

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland, born September 10, 1982, in Kansas City, Missouri, is the first African American woman to become a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in 2015. Overcoming a challenging childhood, she debuted with ABT in 2007 and gained fame with her role in *The Nutcracker*. Copeland is an author and advocate for diversity in ballet, inspiring young dancers through her memoir *Life in Motion* (2014).

Lydia Fenet

Lydia Fenet is a renowned auctioneer and author, known for raising over $1 billion for charities as a senior vice president at Christie’s. Based in New York, she has worked with organizations like Memorial Sloan Kettering and the New York Philharmonic. Her book *The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You* (2019) shares her strategies for success, making her a leader in philanthropy and empowerment.

Cathy Yan

Cathy Yan, born in 1983 in Wuhan, China, and raised in the U.S., is a filmmaker known for directing *Dead Pigs* (2018), which won at Sundance, and *Birds of Prey* (2020) in the DC Extended Universe. With a background in finance and journalism from Princeton and NYU, Yan brings a unique perspective to cinema, focusing on social commentary and strong female characters, marking her as an emerging talent.

Barbara Nessim

Barbara Nessim, born 1939 in New York City, is an influential illustrator and artist. Known for her vibrant, expressive drawings in magazines like *Rolling Stone* and *Time*, she pioneered digital art in the 1980s. Her work spans fashion, feminism, and technology, and she has taught at Parsons School of Design, leaving a lasting legacy in visual arts.

V (Eve Ensler)

V, formerly Eve Ensler, born May 25, 1953, in New York, is a playwright and activist best known for *The Vagina Monologues* (1996), which sparked the V-Day movement to end violence against women. Her works, including *In the Body of the World* (2013), address gender and trauma. Now identifying as V, she continues advocating through One Billion Rising, impacting global feminist discourse.

Rupi Kaur

Rupi Kaur, born 1992 in Punjab, India, and raised in Canada, is a poet and artist who gained fame with *Milk and Honey* (2014), a bestselling collection exploring love and trauma. Her minimalist style and Instagram poetry have resonated globally, with follow-ups like *The Sun and Her Flowers* (2017). Kaur’s work empowers young women, blending art with personal healing.

Marie-Josée Kravis

Marie-Josée Kravis, born 1949 in Montreal, Canada, is a prominent economist and philanthropist. A former senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, she co-chairs the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) with her husband, Henry Kravis. Her economic insights and support for arts and education, including significant donations to healthcare, highlight her cultural influence.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson, born February 1, 1984, in Wayne, Pennsylvania, is a comedian, actress, and writer. She co-created *Broad City* (2014-2019) with Ilana Glazer, earning praise for its feminist humor. Jacobson also voices Katie in *Disenchantment* (2018-present) and has authored books like *Carry This Book* (2016), showcasing her multifaceted creativity.

Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King, born November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California, is a tennis legend and equality advocate. She won 39 Grand Slam titles and famously defeated Bobby Riggs in the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes,” advancing women’s sports. King co-founded the Women’s Tennis Association and the Women’s Sports Foundation, earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

Gabby Thomas

Gabby Thomas, born December 7, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, is an Olympic track star. She won a gold medal in the 4x100m relay and a bronze in the 200m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A Harvard graduate with a degree in neurobiology, Thomas balances athletics with medical aspirations, inspiring with her intellect and athletic prowess.

Shilpa Yarlagadda

Shilpa Yarlagadda is an Indian film producer and entrepreneur, recognized for her work with Annapurna Studios. She has produced notable Telugu films, contributing to South Indian cinema’s cultural impact. Her inclusion in the “Women Shifting Culture” list suggests her influence in entertainment and business, though specific details are limited.

Megan Gabrielle Harris

Megan Gabrielle Harris is noted as a cultural influencer, possibly in media or arts, based on her listing. Without extensive public data, her impact likely aligns with the list’s theme of transformative contributions, potentially in storytelling or community engagement, awaiting further context for elaboration.

Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay, born January 23, 1964, in Los Angeles, is an actress and activist, best known for playing Olivia Benson on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* since 1999, earning an Emmy in 2006. A rape survivor, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation to support survivors of sexual assault, blending her acting career with impactful advocacy.

Melinda French Gates

Melinda French Gates, born August 15, 1964, in Dallas, Texas, is a philanthropist and co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. With a background in computer science from Duke, she has driven initiatives in global health and education, donating billions to eradicate diseases like polio. After her 2021 divorce, she continues her work through Pivotal Ventures, empowering women.

Ilona Maher

Ilona Maher, born August 15, 1996, in Burlington, Vermont, is a rugby player and social media influencer. She won a bronze medal with the U.S. women’s rugby sevens team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Known for her body positivity advocacy and viral TikTok presence, Maher inspires with her athleticism and authenticity.

Sunisa Lee

Sunisa Lee, born March 9, 2003, in St. Paul, Minnesota, is an Olympic gymnast of Hmong descent. She won the all-around gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, stepping up after Simone Biles’ withdrawal. Her grace and strength have made her a cultural icon, promoting diversity in gymnastics.

Anita Elberse

Anita Elberse, born 1971 in the Netherlands, is a Harvard Business School professor and author specializing in media and entertainment. Her book *Blockbusters* (2013) analyzes the economics of hit-driven industries. Elberse’s research influences cultural trends in film and sports, shaping industry strategies.

Allyson Felix

Allyson Felix, born November 18, 1985, in Los Angeles, is a track and field legend with 11 Olympic medals, including seven golds. Specializing in the 400m and relays, she retired in 2022 as the most decorated U.S. track athlete. Felix advocates for maternal health and fair treatment of female athletes, founding Saysh.

Tamyra Mensah-Stock

Tamyra Mensah-Stock, born October 8, 1992, in Houston, Texas, is an Olympic wrestler who won gold in the 68kg category at the 2020 Tokyo Games, becoming the first Black woman to do so. Her joyful personality and strength have made her a role model, promoting diversity in wrestling.

Heidi O’Neill

Heidi O’Neill is the president of Nike’s consumer, product, and brand division, overseeing global marketing and innovation. With decades at Nike, she has shaped the brand’s cultural impact through campaigns featuring athletes like Serena Williams. Her leadership drives sportswear’s influence on society.

Aly Raisman

Aly Raisman, born May 25, 1994, in Needham, Massachusetts, is a retired gymnast and advocate. She captained the U.S. team to gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, earning six medals. A survivor of Larry Nassar’s abuse, she testified against him, founding the #FlipTheSwitch campaign for athlete safety.

Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman, born March 7, 1998, in Los Angeles, is a poet and activist who gained fame reciting “The Hill We Climb” at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration. The youngest inaugural poet, she addresses race, feminism, and unity. Her books, like *The Hill We Climb* (2021), cement her cultural influence.

Amal Clooney

Amal Clooney, born February 3, 1978, in Beirut, Lebanon, is a human rights lawyer and wife of George Clooney. Specializing in international law, she represents clients like Julian Assange and advocates for press freedom. Her high-profile cases and style make her a global cultural figure.

Nadia Murad

Nadia Murad, born 1993 in Kocho, Iraq, is a Yazidi human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner (2018). After escaping ISIS captivity, where she was enslaved, she co-founded Nadia’s Initiative to support survivors. Her memoir *The Last Girl* (2017) amplifies her fight against genocide.

Britanny Packnett Cunningham

Britanny Packnett Cunningham, born 1985 in St. Louis, Missouri, is an educator and activist. A key figure in the Black Lives Matter movement, she co-founded Campaign Zero to reform policing. Her work as a writer and speaker, including on *Pod Save the People*, shapes cultural discourse on racial justice.

Carolina Garcia Jayaram

Valerie Jarrett

Quannah Chasinghorse

Suleika Jaouad

Sylvia Earle

Trisha Shetty

Jennifer Doudna

Victoria Jackson

Larissa May

Zainab Salbi

Marley Dias

Jade Begay

Jade Begay, a member of the Tesuque Pueblo with Diné and Southern Ute ancestry, is a prominent Indigenous rights and climate justice activist, organizer, and filmmaker. She has worked extensively at the intersection of storytelling, narrative strategy, and policy, notably as the former Director of Policy and Advocacy at NDN Collective, where she led the Climate Justice Campaign to advance Indigenous self-determination. In 2021, she was appointed by President Biden to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council, marking her influence on national environmental policy. Begay has also served as the National Engagement Native American Director for the Harris-Walz Campaign in 2024 and is developing The Agency, a strategy firm focused on resilient communities. Her work spans global advocacy, including with tribes from the Amazon to the Arctic, and she has contributed to documentaries like Sugarcane (2024), which won Best Documentary at Sundance. A graduate of Naropa University with a Master’s in Environmental Leadership, she continues to shape climate justice narratives through research with RISE and board roles with organizations like Amazon Watch.

Nalleli Cobo

Jaha Dukureh

Geetha Murali

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