As we move into 2025, the world continues to be shaped by women who are not just leading but redefining what leadership looks like. Across industries and continents, female leaders are building companies, sparking movements, rewriting narratives, and creating meaningful change. They are driven by vision, grounded in values, and unafraid to challenge outdated systems.
This list highlights 20 such women, including innovators, founders, executives, artists, and change-makers, who are not only making waves in their fields but also setting the tone for a more thoughtful, inclusive, and empowered future.
Aisha (Rashida) Hossain
Aisha Hossain is the founder of Selhaya — The First Luxury Abaya Maison™. At 29, she is redefining modest wear in the global luxury space. Selhaya offers sacred, limited-edition garments designed not for trends, but for legacy. With clients across London, the Gulf, and Africa, Aisha is building a quiet empire rooted in ritual, beauty, and belonging.Born and raised in London, Aisha studied Economics, graduating with First Class Honours before working in commercial public policy in the aviation sector. This experience gave her a sharp understanding of how systems operate — and where they overlook culture and identity. In early 2025, she planted the seeds for Selhaya, born from a personal longing for spiritually aligned fashion.
Each abaya is crafted in sacred limitation — using pure silks, emotional design, and storytelling to create heirlooms, not just garments. Selhaya launched with Yaqeen, a three-piece abaya made for only nine women worldwide, and has expanded with seasonal capsules like Waves of Light. Access is offered through a private registry that rewards ritual and loyalty.
Aisha’s vision goes beyond fashion — she’s shifting culture. Through Selhaya, she shows that modesty is not silence; it’s sacred, intentional, and powerful.
Dominique Zuniga
Dominique Zuniga is a world-renowned vocal artist and multi-instrumentalist specializing in guiding people to empower their voice, authentic leadership, & creative expression.
Her most famous YouTube collaboration with Café De Anatolia has amassed 8.1 million views, celebrated for its exotic, eclectic sound. Her cinematic world music album, Ikalgi, draws inspiration from Hans Zimmer’s Gladiator, blending operatic vocals with a self-created language—hauntingly beautiful and rich with emotion.
Dominique has traveled the world studying Amazonian, African, Middle Eastern, and classical Indian music, weaving these influences into her distinct sound. Classically trained as a Mezzo-Soprano, she mastered soaring high notes, turning them into her signature expression.
Her journey, however, was not without struggle. After experiencing a difficult childhood—growing up in foster care following her parents' imprisonment—she faced depression, addiction, and deep emotional wounds. Music therapy and holistic wellness saved her life, and today, she helps others find healing through music.
Having guided over 5,000 students, Dominique invites you to explore your voice and creative gifts through her membership, retreats, mentorships, and concerts—immersive experiences designed for self-discovery and profound transformation.
April Watts
April Watts is a media maven, style icon, and powerhouse influencer making waves in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. With a career spanning radio, television, and digital media, April has captivated audiences in Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, and Cincinnati, OH, earning her the title "Your Favorite Girl." Her undeniable charisma has graced billboards, magazines, music videos, and TV screens, solidifying her as a true multimedia force.
Now, having recently relocated to New York City, April is setting her sights on making waves in the media capital of the world. Beyond her on-air success, she is the premier event emcee in the region, commanding stages from high-profile galas to sold-out arenas with effortless charm and magnetic energy. Her sharp eye for fashion and authenticity has also made her a sought-after lifestyle influencer and professional stylist, turning "Boo Cake"—a term of endearment for her loyal followers—into a thriving brand.
April's expertise in social influence has attracted major brands, including Fox Network, the City of Baltimore, and the Maryland State Highway Administration. Now, she’s expanding her empire as the Program Director of an upcoming streaming network, spearheading its content studio build-out.
A visionary and trailblazer, April Watts continues to break barriers, blending media, fashion, and influence into a powerhouse brand. Keep an eye on her—because she’s just getting started.
Renata Castro
Dr. Renata Castro, MD, PhD, is a renowned sports cardiologist and visionary healthcare leader based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A former Pan-American kickboxing champion turned Harvard-trained physician-scientist, she combines elite athletic experience with cutting-edge cardiovascular care. As founder of Ipanema Health Club, she pioneers a multidisciplinary approach to cardio-metabolic diseases, using personalized prescriptions to improve the lives of both athletes and everyday patients. Internationally recognized for her research on steroid-induced cardiomyopathy, the autonomic nervous system, and metabolic health, Dr. Castro also leads Brazil’s first postgraduate program in Sports Cardiology. Through academic leadership, public health advocacy, and her vibrant digital presence, she inspires a new generation of physicians and empowers patients to take control of their health. Her mission to merge performance, prevention, and science places her among the top female leaders shaping the future of medicine in 2025.
Veronica Mar
Veronica Mar is an artist, sculptor, creative director, and harmonizer of spaces, born in Granada in 1979. Her work aims to convey the essence of nature and the human spirit through a minimalist approach and spiritual beauty. She focuses on simplicity, balance, and organic forms. Since 2007, she has exhibited in galleries such as Rossana Orlandi (Milan), Les Ateliers Courbet (New York), and Mint (London).
Veronica creates unique pieces that blend art, collectible design, painting, and jewelry—totems of light that transform spaces and invite introspection. She works with sacred geometry, minerals, and geobiology to energetically harmonize each environment. Her sculptures spiral upward, evoking growth, unity, and the power of emptiness. Each creation holds a conscious presence—a point of light—meant to restore balance and connect us to something beyond the visible.
Eunice Atuejide
Eunice Atuejide is a multi-hyphenate author, lawyer, public speaker, transformational coach, and politician who ran for President of Nigeria in 2019 and a House of Representatives seat in 2023.
Eunice leverages her life experiences and practical tools to help high achievers gain clarity and achieve success through her books, coaching, and public speaking. Her impactful approach fosters sustainable, positive change.
She is the author of Happiness Is Free!!!—a transformational guide for high-achievers ready to reclaim their identity, joy, clarity, and balance. As a certified coach, Eunice helps high-achievers unlock sustainable happiness and align with their true purpose through deep clarity work and actionable transformation.
She is also a highly sought-after public speaker and a multi-jurisdictional lawyer, bringing a powerful blend of insight, strategy, and heart to every stage, session, and story.
Eunice’s mission is simple: to help you live a truly authentic and fulfilled life—with ease, joy, and flow.
Vigdis Rosenkilde
Vigdis Rosenkilde is a passionate cacao sourcer and award-winning chocolate maker behind one of Norway’s most celebrated bean-to-bar brands. Since founding her company, Rosenkilde, in 2010, she has won 11 gold medals for both chocolate quality and ethical direct trade. A certified Level 3 cacao and chocolate taster, Vigdis works closely with farmers in Peru, where she spends part of each year involved in every step from bean to finished bar.
Driven by a love for adventure, nature, and honest ingredients, her journey began with handcrafted confections using wild Nordic flavors. But her curiosity led her deeper to the source. Over the years, she has visited more than 50 cacao farms across Latin America, building strong, fair partnerships and sourcing some of the world’s finest beans.
Every bar she creates tells a story of craftsmanship, sustainability, and flavor, made entirely in Peru to support local communities and preserve biodiversity. Vigdis is also a sought-after educator, sharing her knowledge through courses, tastings, and talks that bring the world of chocolate to life.
Melanie Pritchard
A lawyer turned Career and Life Coach, Melanie Pritchard helps smart, successful people peak perform in their personal and professional lives - whether helping individuals change careers, optimise professional success, or wider life upgrades. Having lived in a variety of countries, from France, Spain, the US, South Africa, and Ireland, she’s at ease supporting a range of stakeholders across all industries and levels to find greater happiness and fulfillment.
A trauma-informed Telephone Counsellor, Mental Health First Aid Trainer and NLP Practitioner with a Foundation in Psychology from Oxford University, Melanie bespokes her coaching to varied pain-points. These include building high-performance mindsets, optimizing confidence, leadership, and promotion, nailing presentations and career change, building a personal brand, and training teams on wellbeing and success in the workplace with clients including the Bank of Ireland, Network Rail, Hearst UK, and Imperial College London.
A Spear’s 500-ranked life coach featured in publications including Marie Claire, Grazia, LA Weekly, Women's Health, and The Financial Times, she also helps clients hit personal goals from life design and finding purpose, relationship mastery, and separation to imposter syndrome, resilience, and beyond.
Sherina Maye Edwards
Sherina Maye Edwards is CEO in Residence at Red Arts Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm, where she invests in and scales middle-market utility infrastructure companies. A transformative leader, she is the former President & CEO of INTREN, a $14B MasTec subsidiary, where she drove record financial results and a $500M acquisition. Her career spans corporate strategy, regulatory, and law as a former Partner at Quarles & Brady LLP and a Commissioner on the Illinois Commerce Commission. A recognized thought leader, in 2016, she was appointed by President Obama to co-chair the U.S. DOT’s Voluntary Information-Sharing System Working Group. Bringing deep experience in corporate governance and strategy, Sherina serves on the boards of NorthWestern Energy, Nexus Water Group, and as a Trustee of Spelman College, her beloved alma mater. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two young children and is passionate about cultivating the next generation of leaders.
Kastle Sorensen
Kastle Sorensen is the definition of fearless hustle and sweet success. Born and raised in Alaska and a proud single mom of two boys, she turned her love for baking into a full-blown dessert empire. After winning Season 9 of Cupcake Wars, she launched Kastle’s Kreations—a mobile dessert truck that quickly became a local sensation, now expanding into stores statewide. But Kastle’s fire didn’t stop in the kitchen. After falling in love with country dancing, she opened Pink Cadillac Country Bar—a one-of-a-kind venue built by dancers, for dancers, where every night brings a new reason to party.
Recently cast on the hit documentary series Legacy Makers, Kastle is catching national attention for her unstoppable drive and bold vision. She’s not just building businesses—she’s building a movement. With big plans to take her brand nationwide, Kastle Sorensen is a name you won’t forget—and a legacy in the making.
Theresa Lindsay
Theresa Lindsay, a licensed cosmetologist and salon owner in Ocala, Florida, founded Theresa Mae Curls, a beauty product line launched in 2024 and inspired by her grandmother (Theresa Mae Banks-Dabner), a retired cosmetologist. Theresa's passion for hair began at age three when learning how to braid. By 16, she was creating hair products for her own curls at home. After graduating from cosmetology school in 2020, she focused her business on natural curls and extensive research on creating her very own product line. Drawing inspiration from the 1970s era, which fostered her appreciation for a time marked by a joyful groove, characterized by big fro’s, unwavering natural beauty, and timeless style. Also, her grandparents' unique home, built in 1969, her products boast a unique style that sets them apart from others. Theresa Mae reflects her dedication to empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty and celebrate their curls with the right products.
Susanna Edwards
Susanna Edwards is the founder and director of the School of Creative Wellness, a transformative space where creativity, self-care, and embodied practices intersect. After decades as a graphic artist, educator, and university programme leader, and following personal challenges with burnout and mental wellbeing, Susanna returned to the grounding practices of yoga, breathwork, and creativity that once brought her clarity and joy. Her journey led her to retrain in yoga, establish a home letterpress studio, and ultimately build a unique, heart-led wellness business supporting women through radical acts of self-care.
Trained by Yoga Teachers College and further mentored by leading figures like Anna Ashby and Gabrielle Harris, Susanna now offers yin, restorative, nidra, and flow yoga, as well as breathwork and somatic enquiry. She creates nurturing spaces for women of all generations to reconnect with themselves through movement, stillness, creativity, and reflection, online and in person.
Susanna’s offerings are grounded in empathy, compassion, and a belief in the power of joyful reconnection. Her studio was nominated in the OM Yoga Awards 2024, and she also collaborates with Yogamatters. Through workshops, retreats, and classes, Susanna invites others to explore, reframe, and rewrite their inner landscapes with warmth and intention.
Deborah Gregory
Deborah Gregory is a tax attorney, business strategist, and wealth mentor. As a former IRS attorney, she built her career through hard work, long hours, and personal sacrifice. Despite her successful career, she was unfulfilled and desired more impact, freedom, and abundance. Everything changed when she learned how to reprogram her subconscious mind as an energetic path for transformation. Trusting her intuition, she walked away from her safe government job and created a 7-figure law firm in just under 18 months.
The journey to success was one of energetic alignment, resonance, and surrender. Instead of pushing harder, she chose to surrender and trust the Divine and aligned her energy with her future self. Today, through her mentoring programs, she teaches high-achieving women how to reprogram their subconscious minds to their next level of wealth, success, and personal power.
She believes success comes from energetic resonance, not hustle. She is a founding partner of Gregory Tax Law and is currently rolling out her mentorship/coaching program. To learn more about Gregory Tax Law, visit online at: gregorytaxlaw.com
Dana L. Cox
Dana L. Cox is an executive coach, strategist, and author behind the Positioned to Paid™ Framework. She helps high-achieving professionals and organizations unlock growth without sacrificing wellness or authenticity. With over 25 years in tech, finance, and consulting, including leadership roles at Mastercard, FIS, and Fiserv, she has driven $850B+ in business impact and led global teams across product, fintech, and operations.
As founder of F.I.X. Coaching & Consulting, Dana transforms burnout into clarity, presence, and power. Her coaching blends mindset, execution, and lived experience. She rose from assistant to SVP while raising six children and navigating personal loss.
Today, Dana builds a legacy through ownership, scaling small businesses, and equipping professionals with the strategy and support to create wealth on their terms. She is the author of From Burnout to Badass and The F.I.X., and has been featured on The Morning Blend, at Yale’s Black Solidarity Conference, and national leadership events. Dana also serves on the board of Custom Collaborative and was named Savvy Ladies’ Mentor of the Year.
Tiffany Varchetto
Tiffany is the CEO of The One Matchmakers. She was a prior Physician Assistant/Associate PA-C and Nurse, RN for more than 25 years in the medical field. A Philanthropist and Advocate for Breast Cancer, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Christian Churches, and values, and Anti-Harassment and Bullying.
She is passionate about matchmaking and finding love for men and women. She believes a relationship is a blend of mind, body, and soul. Having coached medical professionals, Tiffany now employs her natural coaching talents to foster lasting, happy relationships. Armed with certificates in Matchmaking and Relationship Coaching, Tiffany approaches her role with a focused and fun attitude, embracing the holistic coaching that nurtures emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects.
The One Matchmakers is a boutique upscale matchmaking service. It’s an “Old School” yet new approach to dating. No online. No swiping. Private and professional. Tiffany has a warm and straightforward nature that puts you at ease. While her goal-oriented mindset imparts inspirational advice. Her matchmaking is a National Matchmaking business, with an emphasis in California and Florida. Now residing in Orange County, California, Tiffany is happily married to her husband, James. Loves the ocean and beach. Boating and relaxing with her family and friends.
Lethicia Bronstein
Lethicia Bronstein is a renowned fashion designer and entrepreneur who has significantly impacted the Brazilian and global fashion industries. Known for her intricate designs and dedication to showcasing Brazilian talent, Lethicia has dressed celebrities and influential figures, bringing #RedCarpetMadeInBrazil to the world stage. Her signature patchwork of lace and embroidery accentuates the female form with sensuality and modernity.
Her entrepreneurial spirit has led her to win awards for her commitment to employing and empowering women. Prestigious brands like Veuve Clicquot and AB Inbev have noticed her, resulting in high-profile collaborations to increase her brand's reach nationally and internationally.
With a robust digital presence boasting over 500k followers, Lethicia continues to influence through her lifestyle, innovative designs, and empowering messages. Recognized as one of the leading names in bridal and evening gowns in the country, her work has been worn by global personalities like Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton. Fox Life even created a reality show called "The Stylist" to showcase her life and impact on Latin American fashion.
Katrina Kubicina
Katrina Kubicina is a certified life coach trained by MindValley, dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their healthiest and happiest lives. Through her transformative program "102 Days of You," she guides clients on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Katrina's passion lies in unlocking her clients' full potential, combining expert coaching with compassionate support. Her holistic approach addresses various aspects of well-being, helping people overcome obstacles, set and achieve goals, and cultivate a positive mindset. With personalized guidance and unwavering commitment, Katrina assists her clients in creating lives they truly love. Her mission is clear: to help individuals thrive and embrace their best selves through targeted coaching and support.
Yuliia Bryan
Yuliia Bryan is a fashion designer, CEO, founder of brand YLYNX, entrepreneur, wife and mom, who while ago immigrated to Canada from Ukraine. She has always been passionate about fashion and aesthetic beauty; everything what makes a woman look and feel special and beautiful.
Yuliia created her fashion brand with a mission to inspire women to recognize their inner and outer grace, beauty, and exclusivity. Believe in yourself treat yourself as a Queen! YLYNX’s slogan - “Produce your fairytale - you are the Queen!”
In May of this year, she was invited to attend the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France as a fashion designer, model, and brand owner. It was a successful debut on the “red carpet”; photos in fashion magazines and many social media posts featuring the models and dresses.
It has been a wonderful start for a new brand. Yuliia is very excited and inspired to make the best garment for each client, because every woman deserves to feel like a Queen, regardless of her background, size, or shape. Yuliia will ensure every client can find her perfect gown and reign over her own fairytale. YLYNX provides a luxury couture garment, and also gives a sense of specialty and nobility to the person who wears it.
Carol Zatt
Carol Zatt is a creative marketing strategist and international entrepreneur who empowers women to feel confident in front of the camera, in the boardroom, or while running their businesses from home.
Unfulfilled in her previous job, Carol pursued her passion for photography. Eventually, she landed a role as Google's leading content creator and worked with brands like YouTube, Lego, and Sonos. Since then, Carol has embarked on a mission to teach others to craft impactful social media content and authentically stand out from the crowd.
She hosts the “Marketing FLOW” podcast, where she interviews leaders and visionaries like Joe Foster, founder of Reebok, and other successful entrepreneurs to provide short and valuable insights about marketing and business that people can apply to their businesses.
She runs a disruptive marketing agency that provides accessible and personalised marketing services for small business owners and co-runs a community called SisterShip, where she passionately advocates for women's issues, diversity, inclusion, and equality.
She shares her inspirational story of leaving a simple life in the south of Brazil to travel the world and work with luxury brands. She is now dedicated to transforming the digital landscape and empowering women to turn their visions into impactful realities, proving that everything is possible when you have a “Marketing FLOW”.
Tiffany Chang
Tiffany Chang, this year’s Miss Asia USA and the first Taiwanese to earn this title, studies at Stanford University, majoring in Engineering Management & Human-Centered Design. Active within the Asian American community, Tiffany serves as a spokesperson, emcee, influencer, and model, partnering with organizations like the Asia Society and Girl Scouts. She aims to empower and integrate the Asian American community into the mainstream. During her reign, she has thrown the first pitch at MLS games, attended numerous parades, appeared on talk shows, and collaborated with various brands. Academically, she helped launch the Taiwan Program at the Asian Pacific Research Center and worked as an economics research assistant. Currently, she leads investor relations and marketing at Kneron, an AI company. Tiffany's commitment to philanthropy goes beyond the realms of pageantry. She founded Madhatter Knits, a 501(c)3 international nonprofit organization dedicated to supplying knit hats for premature babies in the NICU. Through her platform, Tiffany is dedicated to advocacy and being a source of inspiration and empowerment for others.
Final Thoughts
These 20 women represent more than success stories. They embody what is possible when passion meets purpose. Their journeys remind us that leadership is not about titles or spotlight but about impact, integrity, and the courage to forge new paths. As 2025 unfolds, these trailblazers are worth watching, not just for what they achieve but for how they inspire others to rise, lead, and build with heart.