This landmark Forbes list is dedicated to shine a light on 50 women over the age of 50 who have achieved significant success later in life, often overcoming formidable odds or barriers, say the publishers. The list is in partnership with Mika Brzezinski and her “Know Your Value” platform and is a part of Forbes’ special “Inclusive Capitalism” initiative.
As part of the 50 Over 50 package, Forbes published an exclusive series of essays, including one specially written by Vice President Kamala Harris, 56. In her essay, Vice President Harris discussed the importance of reimaging the economy so that every American can launch and grown an enterprise. The Vice President writes, “It is in this reimagining that we will remain competitive – and come out of this pandemic stronger than before.” The package also includes exclusive essays from Brzezinski, Host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe and Maggie McGrath, Editor, ForbesWomen.
“The 50 Over 50 list spotlights women who are rewriting the rules of success, shattering the prevailing misconceptions about age and gender in the workforce, and inspiring women — and men — through all stages of their careers,” said McGrath. “By telling the stories of these incredible women, and highlighting how they are making a difference in their community, industry or the world, we can also have critical conversations about the need to acknowledge the misconceptions about age and gender, and begin to change them.”
Shonda Rhimes, 51, one of the honorees on the 50 Over 50 list and Forbes magazine cover star, opens up about her winning fight for higher writing and producing salaries, how she is building her empire, the importance of having an “uncommonly inclusive” and racially diverse staff, and why it’s critical to bet on yourself and take risks. Shonda’s success story highlights how important it is that women are advocates for themselves and understand their worth, say the publishers.
Notable list makers include:
- Mary Barra, 59, Chair and CEO, General Motors Company
- Rosalind Brewer, 58, CEO, Walgreens
- Ina Garten, 73, Chef and TV Host
- Katalin Kariko, 66, Biochemist and Senior VP, BioNTech
- Kim Ng, 52, General Manager, Miami Marlins
- Catherine O'Hara, 67, Golden Globe Award-Winning Actress
- Nancy Pelosi, 81, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
- Maria Salazar, 59, Congresswoman, U.S. House of Representatives
- Julie Wainwright, 64, Founder and CEO, The RealReal
According to Forbes, its Inclusive Capitalism platform uses the global reach of Forbes to be a source for societal change to ensure everyone has equal access and an equal chance to achieve success.
The 2021 Inclusive Capitalism issue features four split covers:
- Vice President Kamala Harris - On January 20, 2021, Harris became the highest-ranking woman in American political history. She is the first woman, the first Black person, the first South Asian-American and the first alum of a historically Black college to become the vice president of the United States.
- Julie Wainwright: Once the CEO of dot-com bubble casualty Pets.com (she shut it down in 2000 on the same day her husband asked for a divorce), Wainright started over again in 2011 at age 53 with luxury goods consignment shop, The RealReal.
- Cathie Wood: A star stock picker, Wood founded Ark Invest in 2014 at age 58; her hedge fund now has $29 billion in assets. Known for her bold predictions (such as Bitcoin hitting $500,000), Wood is one of Tesla’s biggest boosters.
- Shonda Rhimes – The creator of Grey’s Anatomy scored this year with Bridgerton, the first show she produced for Netflix under her landmark $150 million deal.
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