Most Influential Women- Influential Women's Equality Day is on Friday, August 26, 2011, we take a look at some of the most influential women in the world from politicians, German Chancellor Angela Merkel , and Supreme Court justices, ruth bader ginsburg, sonia sotomayor, ruth kagan , to entertainers, Lady Gaga , and media powerhouses, Oprah Winfrey ,. Most made Forbes' latest list of the world's most powerful women, Forbes 100 most powerful women 2011. And in our view, the few who didn't make the cut this year still have some serious pull.
Ruth Bader born March 15, 1933 is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Ginsburg was appointed by President Bill Clinton and took the oath of office on August 10, 1993. She is the second female justice and the first Jewish female justice. Ginsburg has spent most of her distinguished career working for equal rights for men and women, +ruth bader ginsburg notable cases , Despite rumors, +ruth bader ginsburg retirement , of her retirement, she has not announced any plans to step down.Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
This effusively confident R&B sensation rose to fame as the centerpiece of Destiny's Child, American R&B girl group whose final line-up comprised lead singer Beyoncé Knowles alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Formed in 1997 in Houston, Texas, Destiny's Child members began their musical endeavors in their pre-teens under the name Girls' Tyme. After years of performing underground, they were signed to Columbia Records as Destiny's Child, comprising Knowles, Rowland, LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett. , one of the best-selling girl bands of all time, Destiny's Child best-selling. She's also a Golden Globe-nominated actress film, Dreamgirls , and a fashion designer, Beyonce House of Deréon , and has endorsed some big-name brands, Beyonce Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger, Armani and L'Oréal.Beyonce singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, actress, model, fashion designer , Beyonce Forbes 2011 powerful women #18
British-born Editor Tina Brown rose to American media prominence as editor of Vanity Fair Vanity Fair covers, then The New Yorker magazine. She wrote a best-selling biography of Princess Diana, The Diana Chronicles , and was inducted into the Magazine Editors' Hall of Fame, +Tina Brown Magazine Editors' Hall of Fame , the same year. Tina Brown Editor in Chief Daily Beast Newsweek , tina brown #81 forbes 2011 most powerful women
She may not be commander in chief, but Hillary Clinton, hillary rodham clinton , is one of the highest-ranking members of the U.S. government. secretary of state condoleezza rice Madeleine Albright , She is charged with managing the nation's foreign affairs, which is no small task in today's international political climate, united states international relations clinton. United states secretary of state , +hillary clinton #2 forbes 2011 most powerful women
As the star of her groundbreaking sitcom, Ellen , this comedian and actress made TV history when her character mimicked reality, Ellen Degeneres comes out as lesbian. Since then, she and her hit daytime talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show , have won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, Ellen Degeneres Show Daytime Emmy Awards. A short-lived "American Idol" judge, Ellen DeGeneres American Idol , she also has won awards for her charity work, Ellen DeGeneres charity work. Ellen DeGeneres talk show host , ellen degeneres #55 forbes 2011 most powerful women , The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner born 19 February 1953 has been compared to Eva Peron, the former first lady of Argentina, which is the title de Kirchner held before being elected to her current position. She was one-half of a presidential marriage, with her husband the former president, nestor kirchner , who stayed active in her presidency until his death in 2010. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner wins primary , president of argentina , cristina fernandez #17 forbes 2011 most powerful women
With her bold looks, Lady Gaga Outfits , and chart-topping music, Lady Gaga has become a dominant force in pop culture. She was named 2010's most charitable celebrity, Lady Gaga most charitable , is a stalwart LGBT activist , Lady Gaga LGBT activist , and has joined other celebrities in a crusade against bullying, Lady Gaga anti-bullying. Lady Gaga singer, songwriter, social activist , lady gaga #11 forbes 2011 most powerful women
Married to one of the richest men on the planet, Bill Gates , Melinda Gates is a leading force at the largest private philanthropy in the world. The foundation's mission is to improve health care, Gates Foundation global health , and reduce extreme poverty, Gates Foundation reduce extreme poverty , around the world and, in the U.S., to expand educational opportunities, Gates Foundation education initiative , and access to information technology. In 2005, Time magazine named the Gateses and an iconic musician, Bono , People of the Year. Melinda Gates co-chair Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , melinda gates #6 forbes 2011 most powerful women
Julia Gillard, born 29 September 1961 is the 27th and current Prime Minister of Australia, in office since June 2010. Gillard was elected at the 1998 federal election to the House of Representatives seat of Lalor, Victoria for the Australian Labor Party. She is the first woman and nonnative to hold her political position in Australia. Her background and passion lie in education, which she has made central to her economic agenda. Australian labor party , Economic plans julia gillard economy , prime minister of australia , julia gillard #23 forbes 2011 most powerful women
Once a Arianna Huffington conservative commentator this Greek-American media powerhouse started espousing more liberal views, arianna huffington liberal transformation , in the mid-1990s. She ran as an independent candidate for governor in California's 2003 recall election ,she did +arianna huffington placed fifth recall election. Two years later, she co-founded a news website that grew so popular, a major online-media company bought it for Huffington Post $315 million, catapulting her to a new level of prominence. Huffington Post Media Group editor in chief , arianna huffington #31 forbes 2011 most powerful women
The lone female leader in a continent run by men, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf born 29 October 1938 is the 24th and current President of Liberia. She served as Minister of Finance under President William Tolbert from 1979 until the 1980 coup d'état, after which she left Liberia and held senior positions at various financial institutions. She placed a very distant second in the 1997 presidential election. Later, she was elected President in the 2005 presidential election and took office on 16 January 2006. Sirleaf is the first and currently only elected female head of state in Africa. She is known as Liberia's "Iron Lady" ,iron ladies of liberia. She accomplished a feat that most national governments have failed to do, erasing the country's external debt. Ellen johnson sirleaf liberia debt , president of liberia , Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf #62 forbes 2011 most powerful women
Elena Kagan born April 28, 1960 is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving since August 7, 2010. Kagan is the Court's 112th justice and fourth female justice. She is the latest woman appointed to her position, most recently serving as a professor and dean of Harvard Law School, her alma mater. Her first opinion was filed in January 2011. Ransom v. FIA Card Services , Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States ,
In a country divided, Mary McAleese born 27 June 1951 is the eighth and current President of Ireland. Prior to becoming President she was a barrister, journalist and academic. McAleese is Ireland's second female president. She was first elected president in 1997 and won a second term, without a contest, in 2004. Her birth in Belfast means that she is the first President to have come from both Northern Ireland and the Province of Ulster. She is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders. She was the first person elected to her position in Ireland who was born in Northern Ireland. Her two terms in office have been devoted to building bridges. She is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders, and her two terms in office have been dedicated to building bridges.president of ireland , belfast northern ireland
Trained as a physical chemist, Angela Merkel born July 17, 1954, Hamburg, W.Ger. Chancellor of Germany 2005 . Merkel, who grew up in East Germany, earned a doctorate in physics at the University of Leipzig (1978) and later settled in East Berlin, where she worked as a quantum chemist. In 1990, shortly before Germany's reunification, she joined the Christian Democratic Union CDU. Turned to politics after the fall of the Berlin Wall. She rose to her current position in 2005, and her tenure has focused on health care reform, angela merkel health care reform , and future energy development, angela merkel energy. chancellor of germany , +Angela Merkel #1 forbes 2011 most powerful women
People all over the world tuned in to watch this elegant "commoner", Kate Middleton Born: 9 January 1982, Birthplace: Reading, Berkshire, England, Best Known As: The wife of Prince William, and the Duchess of Cambridge marry an heir to the British throne,Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge. She's already become something of a style icon, Kate Middleton style icon , drawing comparisons to Prince William's beloved late mother, Princess Diana.Duchess of Cambridge
Janet Napolitano Born: 29 November 1957, Birthplace: New York, New York, Best Known As: Governor of Arizona, 2003-2009. Has been charged with keeping America safe, homeland security , from terrorism, or what she calls "man-caused disasters." National security matters range from airport security to border safety, and they have sparked controversy and criticism. janet napolitano , secretary of homeland security , Janet Napolitano #15 forbes 2011 most powerful women
Michelle Obama born January 17, 1964 is the wife of the 44th and incumbent President of the United States, Barack Obama, and is the first African-American First Lady of the United States. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Obama attended Princeton University and Harvard Law School before returning to Chicago and to work at the law firm Sidley Austin, where she met her future husband. Subsequently, she worked as part of the staff of Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley, and for the University of Chicago Medical Center. In 2011 Forbes Magazine named Michelle Obama most powerful woman in world in Forbes Magazine's List of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women Throughout 2007 and 2008, she helped campaign for her husband's presidential bid and delivered a keynote address at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. She is doesn't hold a political office, but she has a highly visible role in both the national and international political spheres. michelle obama childhood obesity, Trained as a lawyer, she now works as an advocate partnering with a pop star michelle obama and beyonce and runs the most famous household in America. michelle obama #8 forbes 2011 most powerful women
Sonia Sotomayor born June 25, 1954 is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving since August 2009. Sotomayor is the Court's 111th justice, its first Hispanic justice, and its third female justice. Became a groundbreaker, sonia sotomayor first hispanic supreme court judge , in her position and has enjoyed a long career marked by notable rulings, sonia sotomayor notable rulings. She has been a champion for ethnic diversity and identity, and many of her speeches focus on these topics. Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
This homemaking media maven born August 3, 1941 is an American business magnate, media personality, author, magazine publisher. As founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, she has gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing publishing, broadcasting, and merchandising. Her syndicated talk show, Martha, is broadcast throughout the world, she has written numerous bestselling books, and she is the publisher of Martha Stewart Living magazine. Became a billionaire when her company went public, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia IPO , in 1999. Her reputation took a hit when she was sentenced to prison for a federal crime, Martha Stewart lying to investigators about stock sale , but her company and the power of her brand name, Martha Stewart brand , survived. founder Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
Oprah Gail Winfrey born on January 29, 1954 is an American television host, actress, producer, and philanthropist, best known for her self-titled, multi-award winning talk show, which has become the highest-rated program of its kind in history and was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2011. May have ended her reign as one of the most beloved talk show hosts of all time, but her powerful influence on public opinion, "The Oprah Effect" , isn't likely to wane anytime soon. Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) , oprah winfrey #14 2011 forbes most powerful women ,
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader born March 15, 1933 is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Ginsburg was appointed by President Bill Clinton and took the oath of office on August 10, 1993. She is the second female justice and the first Jewish female justice. Ginsburg has spent most of her distinguished career working for equal rights for men and women, +ruth bader ginsburg notable cases , Despite rumors, +ruth bader ginsburg retirement , of her retirement, she has not announced any plans to step down.Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United StatesRuth Bader Ginsburg
Beyoncé
This effusively confident R&B sensation rose to fame as the centerpiece of Destiny's Child, American R&B girl group whose final line-up comprised lead singer Beyoncé Knowles alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Formed in 1997 in Houston, Texas, Destiny's Child members began their musical endeavors in their pre-teens under the name Girls' Tyme. After years of performing underground, they were signed to Columbia Records as Destiny's Child, comprising Knowles, Rowland, LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett. , one of the best-selling girl bands of all time, Destiny's Child best-selling. She's also a Golden Globe-nominated actress film, Dreamgirls , and a fashion designer, Beyonce House of Deréon , and has endorsed some big-name brands, Beyonce Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger, Armani and L'Oréal.Beyonce singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, actress, model, fashion designer , Beyonce Forbes 2011 powerful women #18Beyoncé
Tina Brown
British-born Editor Tina Brown rose to American media prominence as editor of Vanity Fair Vanity Fair covers, then The New Yorker magazine. She wrote a best-selling biography of Princess Diana, The Diana Chronicles , and was inducted into the Magazine Editors' Hall of Fame, +Tina Brown Magazine Editors' Hall of Fame , the same year. Tina Brown Editor in Chief Daily Beast Newsweek , tina brown #81 forbes 2011 most powerful womenTina Brown
Hillary Clinton
She may not be commander in chief, but Hillary Clinton, hillary rodham clinton , is one of the highest-ranking members of the U.S. government. secretary of state condoleezza rice Madeleine Albright , She is charged with managing the nation's foreign affairs, which is no small task in today's international political climate, united states international relations clinton. United states secretary of state , +hillary clinton #2 forbes 2011 most powerful womenHillary Clinton
Ellen DeGeneres
As the star of her groundbreaking sitcom, Ellen , this comedian and actress made TV history when her character mimicked reality, Ellen Degeneres comes out as lesbian. Since then, she and her hit daytime talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show , have won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, Ellen Degeneres Show Daytime Emmy Awards. A short-lived "American Idol" judge, Ellen DeGeneres American Idol , she also has won awards for her charity work, Ellen DeGeneres charity work. Ellen DeGeneres talk show host , ellen degeneres #55 forbes 2011 most powerful women , The Ellen DeGeneres ShowEllen DeGeneres
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner born 19 February 1953 has been compared to Eva Peron, the former first lady of Argentina, which is the title de Kirchner held before being elected to her current position. She was one-half of a presidential marriage, with her husband the former president, nestor kirchner , who stayed active in her presidency until his death in 2010. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner wins primary , president of argentina , cristina fernandez #17 forbes 2011 most powerful womenCristina Fernandez de Kirchner
Lady Gaga
With her bold looks, Lady Gaga Outfits , and chart-topping music, Lady Gaga has become a dominant force in pop culture. She was named 2010's most charitable celebrity, Lady Gaga most charitable , is a stalwart LGBT activist , Lady Gaga LGBT activist , and has joined other celebrities in a crusade against bullying, Lady Gaga anti-bullying. Lady Gaga singer, songwriter, social activist , lady gaga #11 forbes 2011 most powerful womenMelinda Gates
Married to one of the richest men on the planet, Bill Gates , Melinda Gates is a leading force at the largest private philanthropy in the world. The foundation's mission is to improve health care, Gates Foundation global health , and reduce extreme poverty, Gates Foundation reduce extreme poverty , around the world and, in the U.S., to expand educational opportunities, Gates Foundation education initiative , and access to information technology. In 2005, Time magazine named the Gateses and an iconic musician, Bono , People of the Year. Melinda Gates co-chair Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , melinda gates #6 forbes 2011 most powerful womenMelinda Gates
Julia Gillard
Julia Gillard, born 29 September 1961 is the 27th and current Prime Minister of Australia, in office since June 2010. Gillard was elected at the 1998 federal election to the House of Representatives seat of Lalor, Victoria for the Australian Labor Party. She is the first woman and nonnative to hold her political position in Australia. Her background and passion lie in education, which she has made central to her economic agenda. Australian labor party , Economic plans julia gillard economy , prime minister of australia , julia gillard #23 forbes 2011 most powerful womenJulia Gillard
Arianna Huffington
Once a Arianna Huffington conservative commentator this Greek-American media powerhouse started espousing more liberal views, arianna huffington liberal transformation , in the mid-1990s. She ran as an independent candidate for governor in California's 2003 recall election ,she did +arianna huffington placed fifth recall election. Two years later, she co-founded a news website that grew so popular, a major online-media company bought it for Huffington Post $315 million, catapulting her to a new level of prominence. Huffington Post Media Group editor in chief , arianna huffington #31 forbes 2011 most powerful womenEllen Johnson-Sirleaf
The lone female leader in a continent run by men, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf born 29 October 1938 is the 24th and current President of Liberia. She served as Minister of Finance under President William Tolbert from 1979 until the 1980 coup d'état, after which she left Liberia and held senior positions at various financial institutions. She placed a very distant second in the 1997 presidential election. Later, she was elected President in the 2005 presidential election and took office on 16 January 2006. Sirleaf is the first and currently only elected female head of state in Africa. She is known as Liberia's "Iron Lady" ,iron ladies of liberia. She accomplished a feat that most national governments have failed to do, erasing the country's external debt. Ellen johnson sirleaf liberia debt , president of liberia , Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf #62 forbes 2011 most powerful womenEllen Johnson-Sirleaf
Elena Kagan
Elena Kagan born April 28, 1960 is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving since August 7, 2010. Kagan is the Court's 112th justice and fourth female justice. She is the latest woman appointed to her position, most recently serving as a professor and dean of Harvard Law School, her alma mater. Her first opinion was filed in January 2011. Ransom v. FIA Card Services , Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States , Mary McAleese
In a country divided, Mary McAleese born 27 June 1951 is the eighth and current President of Ireland. Prior to becoming President she was a barrister, journalist and academic. McAleese is Ireland's second female president. She was first elected president in 1997 and won a second term, without a contest, in 2004. Her birth in Belfast means that she is the first President to have come from both Northern Ireland and the Province of Ulster. She is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders. She was the first person elected to her position in Ireland who was born in Northern Ireland. Her two terms in office have been devoted to building bridges. She is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders, and her two terms in office have been dedicated to building bridges.president of ireland , belfast northern irelandMary McAleese
Angela Merkel
Trained as a physical chemist, Angela Merkel born July 17, 1954, Hamburg, W.Ger. Chancellor of Germany 2005 . Merkel, who grew up in East Germany, earned a doctorate in physics at the University of Leipzig (1978) and later settled in East Berlin, where she worked as a quantum chemist. In 1990, shortly before Germany's reunification, she joined the Christian Democratic Union CDU. Turned to politics after the fall of the Berlin Wall. She rose to her current position in 2005, and her tenure has focused on health care reform, angela merkel health care reform , and future energy development, angela merkel energy. chancellor of germany , +Angela Merkel #1 forbes 2011 most powerful womenAngela Merkel
Duchess Catherine
People all over the world tuned in to watch this elegant "commoner", Kate Middleton Born: 9 January 1982, Birthplace: Reading, Berkshire, England, Best Known As: The wife of Prince William, and the Duchess of Cambridge marry an heir to the British throne,Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge. She's already become something of a style icon, Kate Middleton style icon , drawing comparisons to Prince William's beloved late mother, Princess Diana.Duchess of CambridgeJanet Napolitano
Janet Napolitano Born: 29 November 1957, Birthplace: New York, New York, Best Known As: Governor of Arizona, 2003-2009. Has been charged with keeping America safe, homeland security , from terrorism, or what she calls "man-caused disasters." National security matters range from airport security to border safety, and they have sparked controversy and criticism. janet napolitano , secretary of homeland security , Janet Napolitano #15 forbes 2011 most powerful womenJanet Napolitano
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama born January 17, 1964 is the wife of the 44th and incumbent President of the United States, Barack Obama, and is the first African-American First Lady of the United States. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Obama attended Princeton University and Harvard Law School before returning to Chicago and to work at the law firm Sidley Austin, where she met her future husband. Subsequently, she worked as part of the staff of Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley, and for the University of Chicago Medical Center. In 2011 Forbes Magazine named Michelle Obama most powerful woman in world in Forbes Magazine's List of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women Throughout 2007 and 2008, she helped campaign for her husband's presidential bid and delivered a keynote address at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. She is doesn't hold a political office, but she has a highly visible role in both the national and international political spheres. michelle obama childhood obesity, Trained as a lawyer, she now works as an advocate partnering with a pop star michelle obama and beyonce and runs the most famous household in America. michelle obama #8 forbes 2011 most powerful womenSonia Sotomayor
Sonia Sotomayor born June 25, 1954 is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving since August 2009. Sotomayor is the Court's 111th justice, its first Hispanic justice, and its third female justice. Became a groundbreaker, sonia sotomayor first hispanic supreme court judge , in her position and has enjoyed a long career marked by notable rulings, sonia sotomayor notable rulings. She has been a champion for ethnic diversity and identity, and many of her speeches focus on these topics. Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United StatesMartha Stewart
This homemaking media maven born August 3, 1941 is an American business magnate, media personality, author, magazine publisher. As founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, she has gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing publishing, broadcasting, and merchandising. Her syndicated talk show, Martha, is broadcast throughout the world, she has written numerous bestselling books, and she is the publisher of Martha Stewart Living magazine. Became a billionaire when her company went public, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia IPO , in 1999. Her reputation took a hit when she was sentenced to prison for a federal crime, Martha Stewart lying to investigators about stock sale , but her company and the power of her brand name, Martha Stewart brand , survived. founder Martha Stewart Living OmnimediaMartha Stewart
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Gail Winfrey born on January 29, 1954 is an American television host, actress, producer, and philanthropist, best known for her self-titled, multi-award winning talk show, which has become the highest-rated program of its kind in history and was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2011. May have ended her reign as one of the most beloved talk show hosts of all time, but her powerful influence on public opinion, "The Oprah Effect" , isn't likely to wane anytime soon. Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) , oprah winfrey #14 2011 forbes most powerful women ,Oprah Winfrey
