Women defying odds to reach highest success level

Launched Wednesday, the third annual CNBC Changemakers list of women transforming business and philanthropy recognizes leaders and innovators at the forefront of artificial intelligence in traditional fields from finance to healthcare to retail, entertainment and sports.

2026 Changemakers range from start-up founders to high-profile stars like Kim Kardashian, who launched Skims at a massive valuation of $5 billion. Nike partnership and Selena Gomez, whose Rare Beauty has been valued at close to $3 billion by outside sources and includes a charity that combats mental health issues.

Artificial intelligence is a key trend on this year’s list, which features a number of female leaders innovating core technology and its applications. Former OpenAI chief technology officer Mira Murati founded Thinking Machines Lab to push the boundaries of next-generation artificial intelligence. Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, has expanded autonomous driving to new cities and established numerous transportation partnerships. Applying AI to fix the preventive care system, Binti CEO Felicia Curcuru has launched responsible AI tools for social services in collaboration with Anthropic.

Curcuru is a perfect example of a leader who pursues purpose as well as profit, which is the mission of many business leaders on the list. Gilead Sciences chief commercial officer Johanna Mercier introduced and expanded the reach of the first HIV prevention drug of its kind globally. Lupine CEO Vinita Gupta has led a groundbreaking effort to bring pharmaceutical manufacturing back onshore. Lisa Anderson, CEO of Paragonix Technologies, has developed a new device to transport kidneys for transplant.

Some of this year’s Changemakers are growing the business and audience of women’s sports: US Ski and Snowboard president and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt, F1 Academy founder and chief executive Susie Wolff, Jayna Hefford and Amy Sheer of the Women’s Professional Hockey League, and Kara Nortman of Monarch Collective & Angel City, which invests in women’s teams around the world. Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman has overcome obstacles and is restructuring college athletics.

The purpose of launching the 2024 Changemakers list was to highlight leaders who defy the odds.

Women still make up only 11% of Fortune 500 CEOs, a record high. According to McKinsey, for the 11th year in a row, women have been underrepresented at all levels of the leadership pipeline, starting with the executive; 29% of senior roles are held by women; According to McKinsey, this rate is stable compared to the previous year. New female board appointments fell to the lowest level recorded by Equilar in the third quarter of 2025. And for the first time in 60 years, the gender pay gap has widened for two years in a row.

By these metrics and many others, CNBC Changemakers have succeeded against all odds and are, by definition, extraordinary. Their stories of courage, innovation, and creativity reveal how a wide variety of backgrounds and leadership styles can enable anyone to succeed. We find their stories inspiring and believe you will be inspired too.

We will celebrate 2026 Changemakers with a half-day summit in New York on April 16. Join me there For a series of interviews and conversations about leadership, innovation, understanding consumers and more.