5 of the Most Influential Women in America

Women have often had to fight to make their mark, some gaining influence more easily than others. While power and influence come in many forms, only some have the capacity to inspire. These 5 American women have influenced the world in amazing ways.

Oprah Winfrey

Arguably one of the most powerful women in television, Oprah Winfrey came from humble beginnings, suffering from poverty and sexual abuse throughout her childhood. Rising above her past, she began her career as a TV talk show host in 1976. By the early ’80s, she’d overtaken Phil Donahue’s ratings, and by 1986, her show had hit national syndication.

Through a series of smart media investments, Oprah Winfrey became the owner of her television show. Then, slowly but steadily, she expanded her portfolio to include her own television production company, a women’s magazine, a book club and even a cable television station. She’s currently worth 2.7 billion dollars.

Melinda Gates

Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates is a champion of philanthropists. Her efforts have included reducing maternal death rates in Ethiopia, speaking out against sexism in the workplace, and funding grants to help fight poverty. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has given over $41 billion dollars in grant money. Today, the foundation works to provide vaccination programs across the globe, increase resources for the underprivileged and provide grants to programs designed to improve people’s lives.

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama used her position as First Lady to inspire students to attend college, fight childhood obesity, and teach the benefits of exercise and healthy eating. In 2015, she teamed up with President Obama to create Let Girls Learn, a program designed to keep girls in school. As the first African-American First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama became a role model for an entire generation, and she remains an icon to many.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie’s humanitarian mission began when she visited Cambodia to shoot Tomb Raider and felt compelled to help local refugees. Since then, she’s traveled to numerous countries to assist in humanitarian efforts. She helped to found the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars to refugee camps, disaster relief and children’s education.

In 2001, Jolie became a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, traveling across the globe to work directly with those most in need. Jolie continues her work against extreme poverty, advocating for those displaced by war and disaster, and helping fund reforestation and urban development in war-torn Cambodia.

Tarana Burke

Activist and founder of the “Me Too” movement, Tarana Burke began her work at a non-profit outreach program she founded for young black women. A survivor of sexual assault, Burke learned there was power in solidarity--that by sharing “me too,” she could be an example of strength and compassion. She currently speaks across the country, advocating and offering resources for other survivors of sexual abuse.

Regardless of our backgrounds or what we believe in, we each have the power to improve our world. Oprah Winfrey, Melinda Gates, Michelle Obama, Angelina Jolie, and Tarana Burke are 5 of today’s most influential women; they are remarkable women who have made incredible contributions and use their influence to inspire and empower others. What might you do with yours?

 Note: We are fully aware that there are many other women that could and should be included on such a list. Who are some of the women you'd include on a list like this? Post your comment below to share...

~Here’s to Your Health and Wellness