2024 is shaping up to be a year of unprecedented innovation and progress, with women leading the charge across numerous fields. From tech visionaries reshaping our digital landscape to climate scientists battling global challenges, female trailblazers are making their mark like never before. This list spotlights 20 remarkable women who are not just participating in the world's most pressing conversations – they're steering them. Diverse in background but united in their drive to excel, these inspiring figures are set to leave an indelible impact on our society in the coming year. Get ready to meet the game-changers, the thought leaders, and the pioneers who are redefining success and paving the way for future generations.
Dr. Olivia Audrey
Dr. Olivia Audrey is a board certified, doctor of natural medicine, two time ANMA outstanding achievement award recipient, 3 x best selling author and otherworldly force of nature. She has founded and developed Align, a 7 day cellular detox and reverse aging protocol, guiding her A-List Clientele to their optimum health and wellness at any age.
Through her work in developing corporate mindfulness strategies, she is a sought after speaker, strategy coach and thought leader in the mind/body movement. Her passion for mental health advocacy with veterans has also earned her features in Vogue Uk, Martha Stewart, MSN, Yahoo, The Ladders and hosted the LivBetter Podcast.
Shakala Atkinson
In the realm of hairstyling, Shakala Atkinson stands out as an exceptional braider hailing from Arizona. With over 22 years of experience, she has mastered the intricate art of protective hairstyles. Shakala discovered her talent for hairstyling at a young age, and her fascination with textures and patterns blossomed into a true passion for braiding. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the flawless execution and impeccable quality of her work.
Shakala's exceptional skills have earned her multiple artistic awards, solidifying her reputation as a true master braider. Her ability to seamlessly blend creativity and technique has attracted numerous celebrities who seek her services for stunning looks. Shakala's talent has taken her on a journey across multiple states, sharing her expertise and embracing diverse cultures that influence her work.
Beyond her achievements, Shakala is committed to sharing her knowledge with aspiring braiders. She actively mentors and educates budding hairstylists, empowering them to explore their creativity and excel in the field. Shakala's unwavering dedication, exceptional artistry, and relentless pursuit of excellence have garnered her recognition, accolades, and a loyal clientele. She is a true visionary and master of her trade, inspiring all who aspire to turn their passion into a remarkable career.
Hannah Charlotte Murphy
Hannah Charlotte is a seasoned entrepreneur, mum of 3 and business mentor. She is the founder of global fitness and childcare brand Globe Fit which was established in 2013 and now hosts the annual world hula hoop championships. Hannah is also the host of the personal development podcast series Jumping Through Hoops with Hannah Charlotte which touches on a huge variety of life and business topics.
Hannah supports women (and men) at each stage of their entrepreneurial adventure via her mentorship which mixes elements of positive psychology, spirituality and of course Hannah’s own life and business experience.
Nadine Campbell
Nadine Campbell is a renowned expert in facial yoga and the founder of Face Yoga by Nadine Campbell. With passion and expertise, she is dedicated to promoting natural beauty and well-being through facial yoga exercises. Nadine has years of experience in the beauty industry and specializes in holistic approaches to skincare and anti-aging.
Through her work, Nadine Campbell has helped numerous individuals boost their self-confidence and enhance their natural beauty. Her holistic approach combines facial exercises, relaxation techniques, and nutrition tips to improve skin health and enhance overall well-being.
Nadine is known for her professional and empathetic approach, allowing her students to benefit from the advantages of facial yoga. Her vision is to inspire people to harmonize their inner and outer beauty and achieve a healthy, radiant appearance.
Tracy T. Ho
Tracy T. Ho is a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind Youth Skin Clinic, a renowned skincare sanctuary dedicated to empowering women's confidence and radiant beauty. With a solid educational background in psychology and leadership, Tracy has harnessed a profound understanding of cultivating a nurturing environment where customer satisfaction is paramount.
Youth Skin Clinic stands as a beacon of excellence in the Australian skincare industry, widely acclaimed for its unwavering commitment to innovation and unparalleled standards. In 2022, the clinic's exceptional achievements were recognized as a finalist for the prestigious Australian Business Excellence Award, a testament to its relentless pursuit of excellence.
The resounding success of Youth Skin Clinic is a direct reflection of Tracy's unwavering dedication to delivering personalized service and a customer-centric approach. She firmly believes that each individual deserves the utmost care and attention, ensuring their unique needs are met with utmost precision. Tracy's gratitude for her valued clientele's trust and loyalty remains the driving force behind her unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional experience that transcends mere skincare, fostering a sanctuary where inner confidence and outer radiance converge.
Autumn Burke
Autumn Burke is a Partner at Axiom Advisors, a California firm specializing in government affairs, strategic consulting, and crisis communication. With expertise in energy, health, finance, technology, economic justice, and DEI, she serves Fortune 500 companies and non-profits. Burke's career highlights include her tenure in the California State Assembly, where she achieved bipartisan success in extending the Cap and Trade Market System and leading the Lifting Children and Families Out of Poverty Task Force.
She also contributed to the Domestic Violence Advisory Council and the State Allocation Board, managing a $42 billion school facilities program. Burke's legislative work includes wildfire legislation to protect against unexpected electricity costs and the Transformative Climate Communities program, empowering pollution-impacted communities.
Burke excels in crafting strategic communication plans, focusing on marginalized communities and fostering direct dialogues. Her community engagement strategies emphasize education, job training, and local business opportunities. She creates multilingual marketing campaigns and advises on legislative and political strategies across California. Additionally, Burke is the President and Founder of BIWOC, uplifting Women of Color in policy and politics, and serves on the boards of Women in California Politics and the California Problem Solvers Foundation.
Emma Victoria Wells
With nearly 20 years in the Sports and Leisure industry, Emma has a proven track record of delivering high-quality tennis programs for all ages and abilities. She has taught in diverse settings, from rural Sierra Leone to royal families, and has been involved in notable commercial projects and media, including Women's Health magazine, Nivea, BBC, and ITV News.
Emma is the first Female International Director for Professional Tennis Registry, overseeing UK racquet sports coach education and speaking at international tennis conferences. She also tutors for the LTA and is part of the Global Cardio Tennis Tutor Team, promoting tennis at the US Open Arthur Ashe Centre Court in 2023, filmed by ESPN.
As the owner and General Manager of Emma Wells Tennis, a successful park tennis club in Wimbledon and SW London, Emma leads one of the UK's largest park programs. The club, a triple LTA Award winner, offers diverse coaching and training services. Emma is dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of tennis enthusiasts and professionals, aiming to revolutionize community tennis worldwide.
Dr. Desziree Richardson
Her Excellency Dr. Desziree Richardson is an award-winning visionary and global leader known for her expertise in women empowerment advocacy and branding icons. She elevates women's presence globally, championing their empowerment and success. As a vibratory voice healer and international speaker, she connects deeply with her audience, spreading love and positivity to awaken their heart chakras and transform mindsets.
Dr. Richardson inspires individuals to shift perspectives and view themselves profoundly, contributing to the planet's healing through happiness and wisdom. Her brands and platforms, including Face of Woha, Women of Heart Awards, Gentlemen of Heart Awards, and Happy Mood Swagger, aim to foster a world where everyone feels happy, included, loved, and celebrated. She advocates for a positive mindset and vibrant energy, promoting emotional intelligence to create happier lives.
Her Excellency envisions a balanced society with inherent values of love, equality, and acceptance, where resources are abundant and shared with those in need. By embracing our true nature and connecting with the Earth, we can nurture and support all living beings.
Mabel Muijres
Mabel Muijres is the owner and principal interior designer at Mabella Artisans. Born in Flanders, Belgium, and having completed her academic studies in Amsterdam, Mabel discovered her passion for aesthetics while conducting research in Latin America. She was captivated by the lost virtue of craftsmanship and the timeless beauty of pieces made with dedication and soul. This appreciation for old-school flair is what she aims to bring to every interior she designs, whether it’s a tropical villa or a romantic ski chalet.
With over 15 years of experience, Mabel Muijres has crafted interiors that exude authenticity, elegance, and a deep connection to natural materials. Her designs are characterized by tropical vibes, hedonistic touches, and unique light fixtures, all underscored by a strong eye for traditional craftsmanship. Mabella Artisans, her brand, stands for these core values, creating spaces that are not only visually stunning but also deeply soulful. Mabel’s work is a testament to her belief in the beauty of time-honored techniques and her dedication to bringing this ethos to modern interior design. Through her keen eye and creative vision, she transforms spaces into timeless havens of elegance and charm.
Kristy Kita
Kristy Kita a.k.a. the “Jewelry Tech Princess” is an innovator and visionary in the jewelry industry. Kristy invented, founded, and owns Hearcuff Jewelry, the world's first utility patented Bluetooth Enabled Jewelry precious metal ear cuff earrings for people that are ahead of the curve.
Hearcuff is handmade in the U.S.A. and enables the wearer to interchange earring designs while being compatible to be worn with Bluetooth earbuds. Hearcuff secures the earbud from falling off while increasing style and comfort, no ear piercings required. Kristy bootstrapped her venture while working in a full-time corporate role and building her company.
Kristy’s passion is also her mission, to make the world more stylish, one earbud at a time by creating and providing exquisite jewelry designed to be universally compatible with Bluetooth earbuds and inspiring others to pursue their passions in life.
Kristy also enjoys modeling and welcomes opportunities for collaboration, contact her at Hearcuff.jewelry@outlook.com. Discover our collection of unisex jewelry. Each piece is intentionally different, offering a unique blend of boldness and elegance that speaks to both men and women. Our jewelry is deliberately exquisite, ensuring every detail enhances your style and makes a statement, order at Hearcuff Jewelry.
Sheryl Baba
Understanding that many clients feel uncomfortable seeking skincare advice from younger salespeople, Sheryl offers a welcoming environment where clients of all ages can address their skin concerns. She tackles issues ranging from teen acne and college stress to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, as well as aging-related concerns like spots, wrinkles, and slack skin.
During each visit, Sheryl conducts a thorough skin analysis and collaborates with clients to create personalized skincare plans. She emphasizes the importance of a proper home skincare regimen, SPF use, water intake, and nutrition. Sheryl offers professional treatments tailored to make visible improvements in her clients' skin.
Additionally, Sheryl has curated a collection of global skincare products, including her own line, "STRATEGIC SKINCARE by Sheryl Baba," to support her clients' skincare routines. Sheryl's dedication ensures her clients achieve confidence and radiant skin at any age.
Tula Weissberg
Photo Credit: Michal Arbel
Tula Weissberg is an artist, creator, and pioneer who is deeply connected to nature and driven by an insatiable curiosity. A self-taught chemist with a lifelong love affair with textiles, she owns a textile manufacturing business that develops products from natural materials. Tula is a passionate advocate for sustainability, gender equality, and the preservation of the environment. Her ultimate aspiration is to establish a cooperative business model that promotes these values.
For Tula, her art extends far beyond aesthetics - it's a holistic embrace of humanity and nature. "My main goal is to produce comfortable and pleasant clothes that support the physiological system of the human body," she says. "As we choose what to eat, we should also choose what we wear. Nature is the source of abundance, splendor and beauty."
Textiles have captivated Tula since childhood, when she marveled at their textures, scents, and drapes. Driven to uncover ancient dyeing secrets, she began experimenting with plants and cooking methods. Her first attempt with bougainvillea flowers didn't yield the expected pink, but this failure only intensified her curiosity and desire to understand natural dyeing techniques. A proud Jewish Israeli woman, Tula finds inspiration in the unique landscapes of her homeland. Her work represents an intersection of tradition, innovation, and environmental reverence.
Marisela Argenal
Marisela Argenal, the visionary founder of "The Perfect Skin," has transformed the skincare landscape with her innovative approach and dedication to excellence. Based in the Bay Area, Marisela has built a thriving business that stands as a testament to her commitment to high-quality products and advanced skincare techniques.
With a passion for empowering individuals to feel confident in their own skin, Marisela has become a leading figure in the beauty industry. Her journey began with a desire to create a sanctuary where clients could receive personalized, luxurious skincare treatments. Today, The Perfect Skin in Martinez, CA, is renowned for its range of services, including Hydrafacial, Microcurrent “tama” facials, microneedle therapy, carboxy gel therapy, plasma clear facial, and custom facials.
Marisela's dedication to staying ahead of industry trends and her relentless pursuit of excellence have made The Perfect Skin a trusted name for those seeking radiant, healthy skin. Her story is one of resilience and determination, inspiring countless aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their dreams. Through her leadership, Marisela continues to revolutionize the skincare industry, one glowing complexion at a time.
Dr. Adebola Ajao, Ph.D
Dr. Adebola Ajao is an epidemiologist, author, keynote speaker, personal development coach, wife, and mother. Dr. Ajao has dedicated two decades to protecting public health and a decade to advancing women’s health through research.
Dr. Ajao is the founder of Empowering Initiatives, an organization that empowers professional women to identify their passion, walk in their purpose, fulfill their potential, and maximize their impact through personal leadership and service to humanity. Dr. Ajao published her first book “Empowered Woman” in 2021 and is a co-author of “The Habits Code”, a collection of success mindsets, and habits of how authors and coaches have excelled at mastering their lives.
In her speaking engagements, workshops, and coaching program Dr. Ajao teaches her five growth principles as practical tools for professional women to uncover their unique talents, retrain their mindset, overcome limiting beliefs, and take consistent action to unlock their potential and maximize their impact.
Pamela Genghiní Munoz, Esq.
Pamela Genghiní Munoz is an immigration attorney in El Paso, Texas with nearly 20 years of experience in the field of immigration law. Prior to attending law school, she coordinated the Justice for Women & Children Program for Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, a nonprofit organization that provides legal services to immigrants on the US-Mexico border. Since becoming licensed in 2011, Pamela has developed her private practice with a focus on asylum law, deportation defense, and cases involving complex immigration issues. She has collaborated with different immigration stakeholders, including a political campaign, congressional offices, and nonprofit organizations. Pamela previously served as president of the board of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, chaired the New Mexico State Bar Immigration Law Section, and is the current president of the Immigration Defense Bar in El Paso. She hopes to help as many people as possible through her work.
Tiina Alanen
Tiina Alanen, who mainly works with acrylics, is a Finnish Artist who graduated as a Graphic Designer and later studied Visual Arts. Tiina Alanen loves combining realistic and abstract elements, colors, and layers on her paintings. Many of them are inspired by nature. She lives with her family in Finland, Northern Europe and the lakes and forests that surround them, all four seasons provide a lot of inspiration.
Tiina studied Graphic Design in Finland and a year in Dublin, Ireland. After graduating, she walked in an Advertising Agency as a Graphic Designer and later in her own company Tiina Alanen Art. Their family lost one of their sons and creating an has been Tiina's healing power and light. She has felt this quote so deeply after her son's death "Some bring so much light into the world that the light remains long after they are gone”. That is what she would like to bring with her art - light.
Julia L. Rosengren
Julia L. Rosengren is a trailblazing and fearless entrepreneurial creative. Born and raised in Brazil, Julia’s upbringing was marked by resilience. As a young girl, she would trek several miles to town every day to fetch the two largest jugs of fresh water, despite facing challenging living conditions. These difficult circumstances served as a powerful motivator for Julia to aspire to a brighter future for herself and her family.
Today, she is fluent in six languages and has lived in various countries across the globe. Julia is a seasoned producer, with notable credits including “Before Sunrise” and “Playing 5 Characters” (2020). Her most recent endeavor is her screenwriting and starring debut in “LEAVES” (2021), a mesmerizing short film focused on environmental awareness that sheds light on pressing issues like climate change, global warming, wildfires, and deforestation.
Currently, Julia is passionately engaged in the creation of her latest film, “ALORNOMORE,” which addresses the critical issue of violence against women. Her remarkable work on this project earned her the prestigious ‘Premio Luiza Brunet’ award in London last September.
Jennifer Bassett
For over 20 years, Jennifer has run an exceptionally successful event management company working primarily with premium brands and companies looking to create unique and memorable events. Specializing in fundraising event planning, and supported by a network of professional resources extending from B.C. to the Maritimes, Bassett Events are experts in creating sparkling initiatives that benefit community charities and non-profit organizations.
Jennifer believes in working only with the very best. From photographers and set designers, to budgeting and booking artists, Jennifer and her team are collaborative, creative and – always and without exception – cool under pressure.
Jennifer is a philanthropist and celebrated Event Planner, best known for planning some of the city’s most celebrated Charity Galas. She has served on many boards and committees, including SickKids, National Ballet School of Canada and Sunnybrook Foundation. In addition, she was a founding member of The Spoke Club and the Young Patrons Council for the Royal Ontario Museum. She is passionate about family and is a mother of two beautiful children. In her free time, she can be found pursuing her love of food, pilates, music and travel.
Jessyca Canal
Jessyca is the entrepreneur behind EBJ Events and she has spearheaded her business into one of South Florida’s most sought-after event planning companies for corporate and social events. Jessyca’s background is in marketing and economics but for the last 10 years, EBJ Events has been her passion. The EBJ Babes have helped many clients realize their dreams and have helped them create countless memories that last a lifetime.
As a Miami based company, Jess is known for bringing fun energy into every room and she is blessed to have been able to turn that light hearted energy into a successful business. Jessyca has been featured on VOGUE, CBS, Miami Modern Luxury and is a part of The Knot’s Hall of Fame and Wedding Wire’s Best of Weddings. As a single mom of twins, running EBJ Events, a podcast and an annual bridal show there is nothing that the EBJ Babes cannot do! They are committed to delivering excellence no matter how grand or intimate the occasion.
Merima Velagic
Entrepreneurial dynamo and catalyst for positive change, Merima emerges with an extraordinary journey. From a humble village in Bosnia to founding successful companies called BeautyPhi in Sweden and the UK, this visionary entrepreneur, distributor, and consultant have shaped a distinctive path. Empirielle, a firm that facilitates seamless business expansion from Europe to Dubai, stands out with its unique concept. Merima’s innovative approach allows startups to leverage Empirielle’s services for a smooth entry into the Dubai market. The firm not only connects businesses but also takes care of the intricate setup process, including establishing local contracts with partner companies—a strategic move that ensures direct profitability.
Drawing from a background in medical school, Merima brings a unique blend of expertise to the business landscape through her company, Empirielle. Overcoming the challenges of being different, Merima transformed perceived weaknesses into strengths, recognizing authenticity as a powerful asset. With a burgeoning venture in the Middle East and former Yugoslavia, this dual agent’s global impact is undeniable. Merima’s mission extends beyond business, aiming to be a role model and inspire others to achieve greatness through faith, self-belief, and good intentions—an inspiring narrative of triumph against the odds.
Final Thoughts
As we've seen, the future is bright – and it's being shaped by extraordinary women across the globe. These 20 visionaries represent the tip of the iceberg when it comes to female talent and leadership. Their stories remind us that innovation knows no gender, and that diversity is the key to solving our world's most complex problems. As we move through 2024, keep an eye on these incredible women, but also look around you. The next world-changing idea could come from a woman in your community, your workplace, or even your own mirror. Let these stories inspire you to dream bigger, reach further, and join the ranks of women who are not just facing the future – they're creating it.