CNBC Changemakers List Highlights Women Transforming Business in 2026

The third annual CNBC Changemakers list, launched on February 25, 2026, recognizes women who are significantly impacting business and philanthropy across various sectors, including energy, financial services, healthcare, media, retail, sports, and technology. This year’s list features leaders who are not only creating multibillion-dollar companies but also addressing critical social issues globally. The selection process involved a thorough evaluation of applicants' impacts through both quantitative and qualitative measures, guided by the Changemakers Advisory Board.

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The 2026 Changemakers list includes a diverse range of women, from startup founders to established leaders. Notable figures include Kim Kardashian, who has propelled her brand Skims to a valuation of $5 billion through a partnership with Nike, and Selena Gomez, whose Rare Beauty is valued at nearly $3 billion and includes a philanthropic initiative focused on mental health.

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Significantly, the list highlights the role of women in artificial intelligence (AI), with leaders such as Mira Murati, former chief technology officer at OpenAI, who founded Thinking Machines Lab to advance next-generation AI. Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, has expanded autonomous driving technologies into new cities, while Felicia Curcuru, CEO of Binti, is applying AI to improve the foster care system through responsible technology.

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Other impactful leaders include Johanna Mercier, chief commercial officer at Gilead Sciences, who has broadened access to innovative HIV prevention medicine, and Vinita Gupta, CEO of Lupin, who has led efforts to reshore medicine manufacturing. Lisa Anderson, CEO of Paragonix Technologies, has developed a new device for kidney transport, enhancing transplant procedures.

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Despite the achievements highlighted in the Changemakers list, women currently lead only 11% of Fortune 500 companies, a figure that has been gradually increasing over the past decade. This statistic underscores the persistent gender gap in corporate leadership roles, particularly in key positions across corporate America. The Changemakers exemplify how women are defying odds and innovating within traditionally male-dominated industries.

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While the Changemakers list celebrates female leadership, it also reflects ongoing challenges within the business landscape. Critics point out that despite progress, the representation of women in top corporate roles remains disproportionately low. The growing gender gap in leadership positions raises questions about the systemic barriers that continue to hinder women's advancement in business.

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• “Changemakers defy the odds by taking novel approaches to old business problems and identifying new business opportunities — women who are succeeding, innovating and driving change at their organizations and beyond.” — CNBC Changemakers Advisory Board

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The CNBC Changemakers list serves as a testament to the transformative power of women in business, showcasing their contributions while also highlighting the need for continued efforts to bridge the gender gap in leadership.

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