From CEO’s and politicians to actors and entrepreneurs, women leaders are dominating industries all around the world, at a revolutionary pace. As of 2019, the most powerful women in the world—based on Forbes’ list of 100 most powerful women—controlled an estimated $2 trillion dollars in revenue. These inspirational women accounted for 20% of the world’s presidential, government minister and parliamentary seats, according to Christina Vuleta of ForbesWomen. And these women lead the charge in their own careers and professional settings, they are simultaneously forging the path of progress for women’s rights for us all. For a previous of just a few amazing, high-ranking ladies, check out this list of the 8 most powerful women in the world.
Angela Merkel
Now serving her fourth term, Angela Merkel become the very first female Chancellor of Germany in 2005. She has also been leader of the Christian Democratic Union since 2000. For 8 years running, Merkel has held the number one spot on Forbes’ list of the 100 most powerful women in the world.
Theresa May
Theresa May has been the UK Prime Minister since July 2016. Her goal is a unified Britain, May reportedly saying “a Brexit that delivers on the result of the referendum.”
Christine Lagarde
Since 2011, Christine Lagarde has worked as the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). While in the position, Christine Lagarde has aided the IMF in maneuvering the eurozone debt crisis and a trade war between the U.S. and China.
Mary Barra
As the CEO of General Motors, Mary Barra earned $22 million dollars in 2017. This made her the highest earning person in leadership of any Detroit Big Three automaker. In 2018, GM was ranked number one on the 2018 Global Gender Equality Report, as one of only two international businesses with no gender pay gap.
Abigail Johnson
In 2014, Abigail Johnson took over for her father as the CEO of Fidelity Investments, which was originally founded by her grandfather in 1946. She has also made Forbes’ 2019 top 100 richest people in the world.
Melinda Gates
Though she is ranked number six of Forbes’ list of most powerful women, Melinda Gates is ranked as the most powerful woman in philanthropy. She is co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has a $40 billion trust endowment and is considered the world’s largest private charitable organization.
Susan Wojcicki
Susan Wojcicki is the CEO of YouTube, which has a current estimated worth of $90 billion. She’s also made the Forbes’ list of America’s top self-made women of 2019. She is also on the board for Salesforce, and has previously worked at Google, Intel, and Bain & Company.
Ana Patricia Botin
After the sudden and unexpected death of her father in 2014, Ana Patricia Botin became the chair and executive director of Sandtander Bank. In 2017 under Ana Botin’s leadership, Sandtander purchased its failing rival Banco Popular for a mere one euro, making Sandtander the largest bank in Spain.
