economy
February 25, 2026
2026 CNBC Changemakers: Women leaders who defied the odds to reach the highest levels of success
The 2026 CNBC Changemakers are women defying the odds to reach the highest levels of success in fields from AI to healthcare, retail, sports and entertainment.
TL;DR
- The third annual CNBC Changemakers list recognizes 2026 women leaders transforming business and philanthropy.
- The list features innovators in AI, finance, healthcare, retail, entertainment, and sports, including Kim Kardashian and Selena Gomez.
- AI is a significant trend, with leaders like Mira Murati (Thinking Machines Lab) and Tekedra Mawakana (Waymo) pushing boundaries.
- Other notable leaders include Felicia Curcuru (Binti) using AI for social services, and Johanna Mercier (Gilead Sciences) expanding HIV prevention medicine access.
- Women's sports are being advanced by leaders such as Sophie Goldschmidt, Susie Wolff, Jayna Hefford, Amy Sheer, Kara Nortman, and Val Ackerman.
- Despite women's continued underrepresentation in leadership roles and a widening gender pay gap, these Changemakers are succeeding against the odds.
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