Leading Women to Watchᵀᴹ in 2025
2025 is here, and we are at a pivotal moment in history. With a new administration and seismic shifts in our cultural landscape, one thing remains clear: the world needs more women leading the way. Now, more than ever, we must elevate women’s voices, celebrate their groundbreaking work, and acknowledge the trailblazers who refuse to wait for change. They create it.
From boardrooms to classrooms, science labs to social movements, women are challenging the status quo, breaking barriers, and forging new paths for future generations. Their leadership is bold, their impact undeniable, and their determination unwavering. Yet, the work is far from over.
Let this list of Leading Women to Watchᵀᴹ in 2025 serve as both a celebration and a call to action. These extraordinary women remind us that the only way to change the tide and build a better future is to come together, support one another, and be that change. Whether it’s by mentoring the next generation, amplifying women’s voices, or advocating for policies that foster equity, we all have a role to play.
This is more than a list—it’s a movement. A movement that honors those who have paved the way and fuels the fire for those still forging ahead.
Meet the Leading Women to Watchᵀᴹ in 2025!
Age-Tech and Healthcare
Dr. Andrée Bates
A pioneer in AI applications for the pharmaceutical industry, leading Eularis to drive innovation in healthcare.
Mitzi Krockover, MD
A women’s health advocate, founder of Beyond the Paper Gown, and Managing Director at Golden Seeds, where she supports women-led startups.
Pamela Nogues
Chief Business Officer at Softedge, scaling innovative and inclusive digital health solutions.
Stella Safo, MD MPH
Founder of Just Equity for Health, reshaping care systems to prioritize inclusion and justice.
Toni Racco Benner
Engineer and organization development scholar, advancing team collaboration in healthcare settings. Founder of the University of Michigan’s – Women In Leadership Conference
Aging, Wellness, and Longevity Trailblazers
Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA
Founder of NavigatingSolo.com and Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, she provides resources, a podcast, and support groups to empower solo agers in planning for their future.
Alison Climo
A seasoned professional with expertise in nonprofit management, community planning, and program evaluation. Develops and evaluates initiatives aimed at enhancing community capacity and inclusion, with a focus on adult well-being and aging services.
Anabel Pelham
A visionary in aging advocacy, she has inspired countless programs and organizations, shaping policies and communities for older adults.
Bernadette Wagner
Leads a social enterprise celebrating and empowering women in the second half of life through community, engagement, and personal growth.
Christina Peoples, MS
A fresh voice in aging education, she uses social media to make gerontology relatable and engaging for younger audience
Debbie Marshall
Managing Director of the Silver Marketing Association, she champions ethical marketing for older consumers and international industry collaboration.
Dierdre Wolownick
The oldest woman to climb El Capitan, she embodies fearless reinvention, proving that age is no barrier to adventure and personal growth.
Dr. Antonella Santuccione Chadha
A leader in women’s health, driving innovation and systemic change in medical research and healthcare solutions.
Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos
Bridging national security and longevity innovation, she highlights the economic and military implications of aging populations, advocating for longevity technology as a strategic imperative.
Gail Zelitzky
A serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Women Over 70—Aging Reimagined, she challenges ageism through storytelling, mentorship, and education.
Lynsey Farrell, PhD
Co-founder of the Grandmother Collective, leveraging grandmothers as agents of social change.
Melissa Davey
Left corporate life at 65 to direct award-winning documentaries challenging stereotypes about aging women.
Wendl Kornfeld
Educates and empowers solo agers to prepare for later life through financial, legal, and social planning, fostering meaningful community connections.
Wendy Green
Founder and host of Boomer Banter, she shares insights on aging, highlighting its challenges and opportunities with humor and wisdom.
Climate Change & Sustainability
Allison Wolff
Leading climate tech company Vibrant Planet, she collaborates with Indigenous leaders to build forest resiliency and wildfire protection strategies, bringing hope to environmental restoration.
Danielle Arigoni
Author of Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation, she leads efforts to address climate change’s impact on older adults.
Dr. Anneloes Smitsman
Founder of EARTHwise Ventures, and 2022 Africa’s Most Respected CEO in Human Development — she pioneers systems change for a thriving planet, integrating AGI, regenerative economics, and environmental sustainability.
Eriel Deranger
Founder of a Canadian nonprofit mobilizing Indigenous communities globally to fight climate change.
Holly McCann
A core steward of Regenerating Asheville, bringing bioregional financing to support local sustainability initiatives.
Martina MacPherson
A recognized expert in European sustainability policy, innovation, and responsible business practices.
Cultural Innovators and Social Change-Makers
Dawn Davidson
Specializes in integrating brands into impactful consumer experiences, currently leading Prime Video Channels partnerships at Amazon Advertising to drive engagement and revenue growth.
Hilary Bradbury
Founder & Curator at AR + Action Research Plus Foundation. She bridges academia and practice to advance eco-social transformation through action research.
Jill Yesko Diana
Founder of a nonprofit providing organizing and downsizing assistance to low-income older adults and author of multiple books on organizing.
Julie Harrison
Transitioning from a career as a birth doula, Julia now dedicates her efforts to democratic activism, advocating for social justice and community engagement.
Karen Lee Downes
A global trailblazer transforming lives from grassroots communities to corporate boardrooms.
Keresey Pearl & Brianna Pond
Founders of Ms. Pearl Productions, where they spotlight women’s stories through documentary filmmaking.
Kristin Hull, PhD
Founder of Nia Community Investments, she pioneers ethical finance empowers women in business, and established the first 100% impact invested foundation endowment.
Marlène Schiappa
Former French politician shaping legislation for gender equity and corporate leadership inclusion.
Ozioma Egwuonwu
Founder of BurnBright International and World Dream Day, she inspires global change through visionary leadership.
Rev. Laura George, J.D.
Founder of the Peace Pentagon and the global Founding Mothers Movement, advancing equity and conflict resolution.
SD Shanti, DDS, MPH, PhD, CPH
Founder of the World Love Forum, using science-based solutions to reduce violence against women.
Sharon Ringier
Founder of The Possible Woman magazine and mastermind group, amplifying female entrepreneurs.
Inclusion Leaders
Avivah Wittenberg-Cox
A pioneer in gender-balanced leadership and longevity advocacy, she coined Four Quarter Lives and is a leading voice on the value of age in business and society.
Beverly Jurenko
Helps leaders foster personal growth, compassion, and inclusion through executive coaching, with a strong focus on DEI and global experience.
Hannah Kitt
Co-founded Power of Women World, a collective dedicated to fostering leadership, connection, and personal growth among female entrepreneurs and visionaries.
Kimberly Winters
Co-founder of Power of Women World, she empowers women entrepreneurs through connection, collaboration, and leadership to inspire personal and professional growth.
MaryAnne Howland
Founder of Ibis Communications, she fosters open, heart-centered conversations to challenge systemic racism and inspire meaningful change.
Shazia Ali
Passionate about forging relationships across religious, gender, and cultural divides, she promotes inclusivity with curiosity and joy.
Future of Work, Leadership, and Culture
Dr. Alice Mpofu-Coles
A former Zimbabwean diplomat turned UK researcher and politician, she is a cancer survivor, deputy mayor of Reading, and a champion for refugees and older adults.
Kim Anderson, NDCCDE, CDR
Launched GreySource to address hiring barriers for older job seekers, fighting age discrimination in the workforce.
Marion van Leeuwen-Kemmere
As VP at Pluralsight, she drives change by championing diverse teams and integrating inclusive leadership within corporate structures.
Maureen Wiley Clough
Host of It Gets Late Early, she speaks on age equity in the workplace, reaching millions through media and public speaking.
Suzanne Lerner
Co-founder of Michael Stars, she funds and leads initiatives advancing gender and racial equity through business and philanthropy.
Futures, Foresight, Futuristas
Alexandra Whittington
A leading female futurist specializing in generational trends and the future of education. Her research and writing make complex foresight accessible and relatable, guiding others toward an informed future.
Caitlin Bowers
She is a leader focused on strengthening U.S. national security by developing high-performing teams, enhancing processes, and navigating obstacles with a collaborative, user-centered approach.
Cat Zuzarte Tully
Founder of School of International Futures & FromOverHere where she advances intergenerational fairness through policy reform, empowering youth, and reshaping governance for a sustainable future.
Dr. Dana Klisanin
Creator of the Rewilding Futures framework, guiding leaders to deepen their connection with the natural world.
Eva Oloumi
A visionary foresight expert driving transformative change through bold, strategic initiatives.
Ingun Bol
Founder of Female Wave of Change and Wize Move Society, she empowers women and the 50+ community to lead with purpose and thrive in a changing world.
Jaqueline Weigel
A pioneer of FuturesThinking in Brazil, developing anticipatory leaders and shaping long-term decision-making.
Joana Lenkova
Empowers future generations through visionary foresight, inspiring emerging futurists worldwide.
Kate Colwell
A communications strategist focused on empowering mission-driven organizations to navigate transformational change. She specializes in the intersection of human and technological systems to help organizations adapt and thrive.
Monika Bielskyte
Futurist, speculative designer, and founder of @ProtopiaFutures. She explores innovation’s promises and risks, focusing on hybrid warfare, sci-fi’s impact, and inclusive future-making.
Nancy Muigei
Pioneering the integration of futures thinking into African governance and development policies, she transforms challenges into opportunities.
Sarah Baldeo
Blends neuroscience, technology, and STEAM to help people navigate a rapidly evolving world.
Tameka Vasquez
A futurist and business strategist leading The Future Quo, helping organizations break free from the status quo. Has worked with global tech companies and spoken at institutions like NYU and NASA.
Vanessa Andreotti
Dean of Education at the University of Victoria, she leads groundbreaking work on race, inequality, and systemic change through the Gesturing Towards Decolonial Futures collective.
Yvette Montero Salvatico
Former Disney head futurist and co-founder of TFSX, she pioneers foresight education, guiding global organizations toward future readiness.
High-Tech
Amy Daali, PhD
An AI and machine learning expert who helps organizations implement AI solutions. She founded Moonshot 4 Her to advance women in technology.
Kathy Starkoff
Former CIO of Ohio State University, now a consultant and board member, shaping industry risk and security strategies.
Kelly Vero
A leading force in gaming and the metaverse and founder of NAK3D, championing women in tech and digital spaces.
Personal, Professional, Organizational, Business Coaches & Transformation Masters
Aeon Karris
Founder of Know the Self Academy, she has spent nearly 30 years facilitating evolutionary consciousness, eco-communities, and transformational retreats while advising elite leaders worldwide.
Angela Philp
A champion for women’s personal and professional growth, she embodies the leadership qualities she helps others cultivate.
Anna Chernyshova
Guides job seekers with personalized coaching, empowering them with strategies for career transitions, resume building, and interview preparation.
Antonia Bowring
An author and speaker, she shares insights on neurodivergence and resilience, inspiring others through her athletic challenges and personal journey.
Diane Carter
Specializes in business novellas and profiles, helping women entrepreneurs differentiate themselves online.
Dorian Baroni
Former BP executive turned leadership coach, founder of Women Agents of Change, inspiring female empowerment.
Elizabeth Barbour
Supports professional women in achieving work-life balance through self-care strategies, offering coaching and workshops focused on stress management and personal growth.
Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore
Founder of Personal College Counseling, Inc., she helps families secure the best-fit college with optimal financial aid packages.
Ida Crawford
Founder of Just Minding My Business Media™, she amplifies female entrepreneurs through media, streaming platforms, and publications.
Katherine Morosani
Specializes in helping women in transition, business owners, and family stewards with personalized financial strategies. She is also a co-founder of Ladies Who Lunch, a networking group, and has extensive experience in project management, IT, and e-commerce marketing.
Kenge Adams
Founder of Nkenge’s Gallery and Connect Business Consulting, she transitioned from corporate to entrepreneurship, now coaching women to bet on themselves and thrive.
Linda Murray Bullard
As an award-winning author, podcast host, and speaker, she empowers entrepreneurs with government grants, business certifications, and expert networking support.
Marguerite Lorenz, MCIT, CLPF
Helps organizations improve processes, strengthen culture, and boost engagement through data-driven coaching, inclusive team development, and actionable training.
Marlowe J. Weingart, MAOL, ACC
Helps organizations improve processes, strengthen culture, and boost engagement through data-driven coaching, inclusive team development, and actionable training.
Natalie Micale, MS, RDN
With expertise in healthcare and leadership, she empowers leaders to elevate their communication, strengthen decision-making, and navigate career transitions.
Sallie Lee
Specializes in organizational change, strategy design, and appreciative inquiry, bringing innovative solutions to firms and networks worldwide.
Tamara Lee
Helping female entrepreneurs overcome money blocks through mindset coaching and somatic healing to create financial confidence and success.
Willow Pryor
Dedicated to deepening human connection, she empowers individuals through storytelling, nature-reconnection, and embodiment practices to cultivate authentic leadership.
Zabrina Eps, PhD
A visionary in education and leadership, she chairs the Transnormal Institute and promotes transformative, critical thinking in organizations.
Icons
Below is my list of must-follow philanthropists, journalists, and other icons who explore topics like Women & the Future and Transformational Psycho-Spiritual Development.
Cultural Innovators & Social Change-Makers
Jane Fonda
From Hollywood to the frontlines of activism, she has fearlessly championed feminist, environmental, and social justice causes for decades.
Jean Houston
A mentor to changemakers, she co-developed transformational methodologies that continue to impact global leadership.
Media & Journalism Icons
Arianna Huffington
Co-founder of The Huffington Post and founder of Thrive Global, helping people redefine success and well-being.
Joy Reid
Host of The ReidOut, amplifying underrepresented voices and driving critical conversations on race, politics, and culture.
Katie Couric
A pioneering journalist and producer, shaping the media landscape with investigative reporting.
Mika Brzezinski
Co-host of Morning Joe, dedicated to political discourse and workplace equity for women.
Rachel Maddow
Host of The Rachel Maddow Show, known for her sharp political analysis and in-depth reporting.
Philanthropy & Social Impact Leaders
Melinda French Gates
Founder of Pivotal Ventures and co-chair of The Gates Foundation, funding initiatives in global health, gender equity, and education.
Oprah Winfrey
A powerhouse of influence, inspiring millions through storytelling, leadership, and humanitarian efforts.
Transformational Psycho-Spiritual Exploration
Carolyn Conger, PhD (deceased)
A consultant and teacher helping people deepen their self-awareness and spirituality.
Marion Woodman (deceased)
A renowned author, poet, and psychologist, exploring feminine consciousness and myth.
Sidra Stone
Co-founder of Voice Dialogue International, known for her work on self-awareness and the shadow self.
Visionaries in Leadership & The Future of Work
Elizabeth Isele
A globally recognized leader in senior and intergenerational entrepreneurship, she pioneers the “experienced economy,” driving social and economic impact by redefining aging and retirement.
Frances Hesselbein (deceased)
Former CEO of the Girl Scouts USA and one of the most influential voices in servant leadership.
Hillary Clinton
Former U.S. Secretary of State, Senator, and first woman to win a major party’s nomination for President.
Kamala Harris
Breaking barriers as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President in U.S. history.
Michelle Obama
Former First Lady turned best-selling author and changemaker, championing education, health, and women’s empowerment.
Women & The Future
Carole Hyatt
Founder of Mission: Getting to Next, helping leaders transition into new careers and opportunities.
Gloria Steinem
A trailblazer of second-wave feminism, advocating for women’s rights and equality for decades.
Maddy Dychtwald
Explores the financial and societal impact of longevity, aging trends, and retirement planning.
Suzanne Braun Levine
A leading voice on gender equality, leadership, and creating space for women at the table.
As we honor these Leading Women to Watchᵀᴹ in 2025, let this be more than a moment of recognition—let it be a rallying cry. These women are not just shaping the future; they are building it, brick by brick, with vision, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to change.
Their work challenges us to do more than just applaud from the sidelines. It calls us to step up, support, and uplift the women in our own communities. To amplify their voices, champion their causes, and ensure that progress doesn’t stop here.
Because when women rise, the world rises with them.
Let’s take this inspiration and turn it into action. Whether it’s mentoring a female entrepreneur, funding a female-led initiative, or simply recognizing and celebrating the women around you at all stages and ages, your contribution matters. The ripple effect of empowering women extends far beyond today. It shapes the future for generations to come.
Together, we are the movement. Together, we are the change. And together, we will build a world where every woman’s brilliance is seen, heard, and celebrated.
Give these trailblazing women a follow and let me know:
Who inspires you? Share their story and keep the momentum going. The future is ours to create.
P.S. The Leading Women to Watch™ community is a space for collaboration and connection. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, we kindly ask that interactions remain organic and non-promotional. We appreciate your support in fostering a respectful and engaging environment for all. If we see direct pitches or solicitation, we will remove those comments.
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