Changemakers Redefine Success: Insights from Google DeepMind, Skims, Reddit, Paris Hilton, and Naomi Watts
The CNBC Changemakers List: Celebrating Women in Business and Philanthropy
The CNBC Changemakers list for 2025 has been released, highlighting a diverse group of women who are making significant contributions to business and philanthropy. This annual recognition, now in its second year, honors leaders whose work spans various sectors, including biotechnology, artificial intelligence, women’s health, and innovative products aimed at female consumers.
Impactful Women Leading Change
This year’s list features a remarkable collection of individuals, including startup founders and CEOs of publicly traded companies.
- Startups and Valuations: Twelve startup founders have made it to the list, collectively valued at over $11 billion and raising more than $2 billion from investors.
- Public Company Leadership: Nine CEOs from public companies on the list manage firms with a staggering combined market value of around $385 billion.
Diverse Industry Representation
The companies represented in the Changemakers list encompass a broad range of sectors:
- Media, Entertainment, and Sports: 9 women
- Financial Services: 6 women
- Food and Restaurants: 6 women
- Aerospace/Defense, Construction, Real Estate, and Pharma/Biotech: 3 women
- Philanthropic Organizations: 3 women
- Government Achievements: 2 women
Selection for the list involved a rigorous nomination and evaluation process, facilitated by the Changemakers Advisory Board. Candidates were assessed based on both quantitative and qualitative data to highlight their contributions over the past year.
Key Trends in Leadership
Several trends have emerged from the 2025 Changemakers list:
Balancing Purpose with Profits: Many of these leaders are focused on creating businesses that align their success with social and environmental responsibilities. For instance, Toyin Ajayi, CEO of Cityblock Health, co-founded her company to provide comprehensive healthcare to underserved communities, addressing not only medical needs but also mental health and social services.
Innovations in Women’s Health: Women like Naomi Watts, founder of Stripes Beauty, and Joanna Strober, founder of Midi Health, are reshaping how issues such as menopause are discussed and treated. Their initiatives are aimed at making health care more accessible and responsive to women’s specific needs.
- Utilizing Technology for Better Living: This generation of women leaders is also focusing on health-tech and AI solutions to improve lives. Katherine Stueland, CEO of GeneDX, provides genomic testing to aid in medical diagnoses and treatments. Additionally, Lila Ibrahim of Google DeepMind emphasizes making AI a force for positive change, particularly in medical research.
Progress Despite Challenges
In a corporate environment where women make up only 11% of Fortune 500 CEOs, the achievements of these Changemakers are all the more remarkable. The list includes many individuals leading businesses in sectors where female representation in leadership roles remains low. For instance, Sheryl Palmer, CEO of Taylor Morrison, uses her unique position to empower other women by fostering inclusivity and enhancing her workforce.
Despite notable advancements, challenges remain in female entrepreneurship; funding for women-led businesses has seen a decline, with just 2% of venture capital directed toward female-only startups last year.
Upcoming Recognition and Discussions
The contributions of these women will be celebrated at the upcoming CNBC Changemakers Summit on April 8 in Los Angeles. The event will feature interviews and discussions about leadership, innovation, and strategies for the future. Notable attendees will include leaders from various sectors, providing a platform for sharing insights and experiences.
This recognition and celebration not only amplify the voices of extraordinary women but also inspire future generations to pursue change in their respective fields.
