2025 International Women’s Day: These are the most powerful women in the U.S. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Accelerate Action”. Here are just some of the powerful women who’ve done just that.
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To define the most powerful women in the United States, we must first define what “powerful” means. Power is a broad term which encompasses various forms of influence, including political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual.
While Forbes defines their list of most powerful women in the world by four things - money, media, impact, and spheres of influence - we’ll explore the spectrum of all the above-mentioned aspects with this list, which includes women who have shaped and continue to shape American society in profound yet unique ways. From breaking political barriers to becoming innovative business leaders and championing social causes, these women have left a powerful mark on the country and continue to inspire future leaders.
The most powerful woman in the United States
Michelle Obama
When Michelle Obama was the First Lady, she was a strong advocate for improving health and education. Her Let’s Move! initiative brought attention to childhood obesity and memoir “Becoming” has been read by millions as she continues to inspire people around the world.
Kamala Harris
Although Kamala Harris is no longer the Vice President, her groundbreaking role as the first woman, first Black, and first South Asian VP in the United States remains an indelible part of the country’s history. She continues to be a champion for reforms for immigration, healthcare, and civil rights.
Sonia Sotomayor
Sonia Sotomayor is the first Latina Supreme Court Justice and she’s had a deeply significant impact on the United States judicial system as her rulings on voting rights, criminal justice, and racial discrimination have shaped and continue to shape American law.
Mary Barras
Mary Barras is the first female CEO of General Motors, a traditionally male-dominated industry, and the first woman to lead one of the big three automakers in the U.S. She’s transformed the company through her initiatives around electric vehicles and sustainable automotive innovation.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey has long been one of the most influential women not just in the United States, but in the world, and it’s no wonder why. She’s a self-made billionaire whose legacy spans television, film, publishing, and philanthropy. Thanks to her status, she’s been able to influence important conversations on race, mental health, and empowerment.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé is obviously a successful musician, but her power goes beyond that. Her music and public activism have both opened up important conversations on race and gender as she continues to be one of the most influential and powerful women in the industry.
Ava DuVernay
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay is doing more than just providing entertainment - she’s shaking up the industry and providing education with films like “Selma” that focus on social justice, race, and history.
Ruth Bader Ginsberg
The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg became a legal and cultural icon, particularly for her tireless fight for gender equality and women’s rights. Her influence continues to resonate in the ongoing struggle for social justice, making her one of the most enduring figures in American history.
While all of these women represent different forms of power, they all share a common denominator in shaping the United States in impactful ways. Whether they’re breaking barriers in politics, driving economic growth, or leading social movements, they’ve proven that power is not confined to a single domain. As the U.S. continues to evolve, these women - and others like them - will continue to lead the charge toward a more just, innovative, and inclusive future.
Women at Work in 2025: CNBC Survey Reveals Progress and Persistent Gaps
As workplaces evolve, the experiences of women in the U.S. workforce remain a critical measure of progress. CNBC’s Women at Work Survey for 2025, released on March 7, paints a complex picture: while strides have been made in pay equity and leadership roles, challenges like flexibility, burnout, and representation linger. Conducted in February 2025 with over 2,000 women across industries, the survey offers fresh insights into how women are navigating a post-pandemic, tech-driven economy.
Pay Gains, But Not Parity
One bright spot: women report earning closer to their male counterparts than ever before. The survey found that women in full-time roles now make 87 cents for every dollar men earn, up from 84 cents in 2023. Flexible work arrangements and remote opportunities have helped, with 62% of respondents saying hybrid models leveled the playing field by reducing "face-time" biases. Yet, the gap persists, especially in tech and finance, where women in senior roles still trail men by double-digit margins. “We’re moving forward, but it’s not a victory yet,” said Sarah Klein, CNBC’s lead analyst on the survey.
Leadership on the Rise
More women are stepping into the C-suite, too. Nearly 28% of respondents in management roles said they’d been promoted in the past year, a jump from 22% in 2023. Companies prioritizing diversity initiatives—like mentorship programs and transparent hiring—saw the biggest gains. However, the survey flagged a catch: women of color remain underrepresented, holding just 6% of executive positions despite making up 20% of the surveyed workforce. “The ladder’s there, but it’s steeper for some,” Klein noted.
Flexibility as a Double-Edged Sword
Remote work, a staple since the pandemic, remains a game-changer. Over 70% of women said flexible schedules were non-negotiable, with many crediting them for balancing career and caregiving. But there’s a flip side: 45% reported feeling “always on,” with blurred lines between work and home fueling burnout. Employers offering structured hybrid policies—clear off-hours and mental health support—fared better in retaining female talent, the survey found.
The AI Factor
Artificial intelligence is reshaping jobs, and women have mixed feelings. About 38% said AI tools boosted productivity, especially in administrative or creative roles, while 25% worried about job displacement in sectors like customer service. Younger respondents (ages 18-34) were more optimistic, with 55% eyeing AI as a chance to upskill. Companies investing in training could turn this tech wave into an equalizer, the survey suggests.
Stalling on Childcare and Leave
Childcare woes haven’t budged. Nearly half of working mothers said affordable options were harder to find in 2025 than in 2023, despite federal pushes for subsidies. Paid family leave also lags: only 33% of respondents had access to more than 12 weeks, unchanged from two years ago. “It’s a structural bottleneck,” said Klein. “Women want to work, but the system isn’t keeping up.”
What Women Want
So, what’s next? The survey asked women to name their top workplace priority for 2025. Flexibility led at 40%, followed by equal pay (32%) and career growth (20%). A striking 68% said they’d switch jobs within six months if their employer rolled back remote options—a warning shot to rigid corporations. Meanwhile, 15% of respondents had launched side hustles, signaling a shift toward entrepreneurial autonomy.
A Work in Progress
The 2025 Women at Work Survey shows a workforce at a crossroads. Women are climbing higher and earning more, buoyed by remote work and diversity efforts. Yet, stubborn inequities—pay gaps, childcare crises, and burnout—remind us the finish line is still ahead. As Klein put it, “We’re seeing momentum, but it’s fragile. Employers who listen now will shape the future.” With economic uncertainty and tech disruption on the horizon, 2025 could be a pivotal year for women at work.
