What do Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Mexico’s president have in common? They’re all featured on Forbes’ Most Powerful Women of 2024 list. This annual ranking highlights 100 women who are redefining power across the globe.
The list uses four key metrics to measure influence: money, media, impact and spheres of influence. For political leaders, factors like gross domestic product (GDP) and population are also considered.
Together, these women wield $33 trillion in economic power and unprecedented influence over more than 1 billion people.
Ursula von der Leyen tops the list
Leading the 2024 list is Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. She is the first woman to hold this position and continues to lead pivotal initiatives across Europe.
At No. 4 is Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president. She was elected in June 2024 and is already inspiring chants of “Presidenta! Presidenta!” during her public appearances.
Entertainers making waves
Taylor Swift ranks No. 23, making history as the first musician on the list to reach billionaire status primarily through songs and performances. Right behind her at No. 33 is Oprah Winfrey. With a net worth of $3 billion, Winfrey continues to thrive decades after building her media empire.
Beyoncé lands at No. 25, solidifying her place among powerhouses. This year, she became the most Grammy-nominated artist of all time, with 99 nominations. Rihanna follows at No. 76, with a majority of her $1.4 billion net worth stemming from her Fenty Beauty cosmetics line.
Sports powerhouse joins the ranks
WNBA star Caitlin Clark rounds out the list at No. 100. At just 22 years old, she’s credited with boosting the league’s viewership and attendance since being the first overall pick in the 2024 draft.
While the Reykjavík Index –– a G-7 survey –– cited in the magazine suggests public confidence in female leadership across business and politics is declining, the women on Forbes’ list are defying those odds. They’re breaking records and redefining what it means to hold power in today’s world.
To see the full list, visit Forbes.com.
