10 Influential Women Owning Their Spot On The Billionaire List

Across continents and industries alike, powerful women are now confidently commanding billion-dollar empires. Each name vividly tells a different story of legacy, bold vision, or reinvention. While some inherited dynasties, others steadily built from scratch. Either way, their dramatic rise is reshaping the spotlight. If you are curious about who these women are, here are 10 who made the Forbes billionaire list in 2025.

Alice Walton: USA 

Though she never held an executive role at Walmart, Alice Walton claims the 2025 crown with $101 billion. Her wealth stems from surging Walmart stock. Meanwhile, her passion for art shines through the Crystal Bridges Museum she founded in Arkansas.

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers: France

Not only does Francoise Bettencourt Meyers oversee L’Oreal’s legacy, but she also writes on biblical commentary and Greek myths. Her $81.6 billion fortune dipped slightly after briefly hitting $100 billion. Still, her reign as Europe’s richest woman remains unchallenged.

Julia Koch: USA

Once an assistant to designer Adolfo, Julia Koch now steers a 42% stake in Koch Industries. Her $74.2 billion fortune places her firmly in third place. Furthermore, she continues to build on her late husband’s vast industrial and political footprint.

Jacqueline Mars: USA

Jacqueline Mars blends anthropology and affluence, holding $42.6 billion from Mars Inc. She owns a third of the company, known worldwide for candy brands and pet care products that drive massive profits. On top of it all, she’s an accomplished equestrian.

Rafaela Aponte-Diamant: Switzerland

From a single vessel in 1970 to the helm of MSC’s 700-ship fleet, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant commands $37.7 billion. She’s the richest self-made woman today. Beyond business, her story, rooted in Haifa, reflects resilience, partnership, and leadership across the global shipping world.

Savitri Jindal: India

Following her husband’s passing, Savitri Jindal stepped into the Jindal Group’s helm with force. Now valued at $35.5 billion, her empire spans steel, cement, and more. Remarkably, she also served as a minister in Haryana, bridging business and politics.

Abigail Johnson: USA 

Abigail Johnson began as an analyst in 1988, and today, she owns 28.5% of Fidelity. Thanks to early crypto adoption, her fortune climbed to $32.7 billion. Moreover, she’s helped position Fidelity at the intersection of tradition and tech.

Miriam Adelson: USA/Israel 

A physician by training, Miriam Adelson leads the Las Vegas Sands legacy with $32.1 billion. Her reach extends far beyond casinos, influencing science, philanthropy, and US politics. Additionally, she’s one of the most powerful political donors in the modern era.

Melinda French Gates: USA 

After stepping away from the Gates Foundation in 2024, Melinda French Gates funneled her $30.4 billion toward gender equity via Pivotal Ventures. Since then, she’s supported countless women-led startups. To date, her philanthropic reach exceeds $47 billion.

Oprah Winfrey: USA 

Oprah Winfrey’s $3.5 billion fortune stems from her media empire, OWN and Harpo, plus savvy investments. Her cultural influence, however, is even bigger. She remains America’s first Black woman billionaire and still commands global attention with every move.