In a world where the glass ceiling is being shattered one industry at a time, women all around the world are leading the way with passion, girt, and vision. From healthcare to technology, finance to fashion, these inspiring CEOs are proving that leadership knows no gender or boundaries. Let’s celebrate these women making waves across industries, inspiring future generations to dream big.
Let us slide into your dms 🥰
Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)Finance: Jane Fraser (Citigroup)
Jane Fraser broke boundaries by becoming the first woman to lead Citigroup, one of the world’s largest financial institutions. Fraser's rise to the top came through her relentless work ethic, including turning around the bank’s Latin American operations and championing sustainable finance.

LowneyJane on Wikimedia Commons
Fraser’s leadership demonstrates that women can thrive in high-stakes, male-dominated environments without compromising their values. Her innovative approach to balancing profitability with sustainability is a model for aspiring leaders who aim to combine impact with financial success.

Take the Quiz: Which Squid Game Player Are You?
Ever wondered which player you’d be if you found yourself in the Squid Game universe? Take this quiz to find out which character matches your perso...
Technology: Lisa Su (AMD)
Lisa Su is a pioneer in the semiconductor industry, saving AMD from bankruptcy and transforming it into one of the most innovative tech companies globally. Su developed cutting-edge processors that revolutionized gaming and computing. Her calm and decisive leadership has made her one of the most respected figures in tech.

Fuzheado on Wikimedia Commons
Lisa Su’s story shows that you don’t have to be loud to lead effectively. Her ability to solve problems, innovate, and inspire her team has reshaped the technology landscape. For young women in STEM, Su is proof that being a trailblazer means embracing challenges head-on and believing in your vision.
Healthcare: Rosalind Brewer (Walgreens Boots Alliance)
As one of the few Black women leading a Fortune 500 company, Rosalind Brewer is a trailblazer for diversity and representation in leadership. At Walgreens Boots Alliance, Brewer focuses on improving healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas, and expanding initiatives around mental health and chronic illness care.
Brewer's unwavering dedication to equity in healthcare is not just inspiring—it’s transformative. She advocates for representation for smaller communities. For young women, especially those from marginalized communities, she is a reminder that representation matters, and her success underscores the importance of perseverance and purpose.
Fashion: Kendra Scott (Kendra Scott LLC)
Kendra Scott started her jewelry line in a spare bedroom with just $500 and has grown it into a billion-dollar brand. She is now one of the 20 women in US that own a billion dollar company. Her designs reflect a commitment to accessibility, beauty, and individuality. However, Scott is more than a designer—she’s a philanthropist, incorporating giving back into her business model through programs that support women and children.

Jhstanley on WIkimedia Commons
Kendra Scott is a shining example of how creativity and kindness can coexist in business. She encourages women to be unapologetically themselves and to use their platforms for good. For anyone with big dreams, Scott is proof that a small start can lead to great success.
Media: Cathy Hughes (Urban One)
Cathy Hughes's journey started as a single mother with a dream and a lot of determination who then built Urban One, now a multimedia empire, from the ground up, turning it into the largest Black-owned media company in the U.S. With digital platforms, TV networks, and radio stations, she’s amplified underrepresented voices and brought important conversations to the forefront. It all began when she bought a struggling news station, called WOL-AM, and turned it into a station with a 24-hour talk format centered on issues relevant to the African American community. This format, driven by her belief that "Information is Power," became a cornerstone of her success.
Hughes is a testament to perseverance and believing in one’s vision. Her work in empowering her community and telling authentic stories inspires future leaders to use their influence to create positive change.
Food & Beverage: Indra Nooyi (Former CEO of PepsiCo)
Indra Nooyi redefined PepsiCo during her tenure as CEO, introducing healthier products and committing to sustainability. As part of her “Performance with Purpose Initiative”, she introduced Tropicana juices, Naked Juice smoothies, and Izze sparkling beverages, all of which offer alternatives to traditional sugary sodas. Coming from a modest background in India, Nooyi’s rise to the top of the corporate world was driven by her intelligence, tenacity, and ability to think strategically about global challenges.

World Economic Forum on WIkimedia Commons
Nooyi’s journey is a beacon for women from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, showing that ambition, paired with a strong moral compass, can break barriers. She’s an advocate for balancing family life and career, making her an inspiration for aspiring leaders who want to achieve it all.
Entertainment: Donna Langley (Universal Pictures)
Donna Langley has led Universal Pictures through some of its most successful years, championing movies that celebrate diversity and innovation. She was helped in the producing of the Fast & Furious films, Get Out, and Bridesmaids, movies that reshaped Hollywood’s narrative norms.
Langley’s work proves that entertainment can be powerful, inclusive, and profitable. She’s a role model for those who want to challenge stereotypes and bring new voices to the forefront. For young creatives, Langley’s story is a reminder to think boldly and tell stories that matter.
Nonprofits: Malala Yousafzai (Malala Fund)
At just 26, Malala Yousafzai is already a global icon for girls’ education and equality. After surviving a Taliban attack for advocating for education in Pakistan, this former Noble Peace Prize award winner founded the Malala Fund, which has empowered millions of girls around the world to pursue schooling.

Southbank Center on Wikimedia Commons
Malala’s leadership reminds us that age, gender, and adversity are no barriers to creating change. Her courage and commitment to justice make her an extraordinary figure for anyone aiming to leave a lasting legacy.
Energy: Lynn Good (Duke Energy)
Lynn Good has steered Duke Energy, one of the largest utilities in the U.S., toward a future of cleaner energy. Under her leadership, the company is making significant investments in renewable energy sources, balancing profitability with environmental stewardship.
Good’s approach combines practicality with vision, showing that even large corporations can lead the way in sustainability. For those interested in environmental solutions, Good is a symbol of the power of innovative thinking.
Retail: Mary Dillon (Foot Locker)
Mary Dillon’s career is a masterclass in customer engagement and inclusion. From her transformative tenure at Ulta Beauty to her current leadership at Foot Locker, Dillon has consistently focused on making her companies more diverse and customer-focused.
Dillon’s success shows that being customer-centric and socially conscious can drive business success. She inspires aspiring leaders to focus on people and purpose as much as profit, a lesson valuable across all industries.
Why These Women Matter
These women aren’t just CEOs—they’re visionaries, advocates, and role models who redefine what leadership looks like. Their stories prove that no matter where you start or the challenges you face, you can create your path to success. Look up to these trailblazers, and let their journeys inspire you to break barriers, take risks, and make a difference. After all, the future of leadership is diverse, inclusive, and unstoppable—just like them.