Cheryl Isaac, Contributor
Listed among the 100 most powerful women in the world, are eleven of the most powerful black women who, despite their unique backgrounds, have one thing in common: Business Leadership.
Leading the list at #7 First Lady Michelle Obama. The now 48-year-old First Lady Michelle Obama was once a “gutsy” 13-year-old Michelle Robinson who traveled for miles—scared and alone—from her Chicago home, to attend the integrated high school, Whitney Young, says her English teacher, Dagny Bloland, to biographer, Liza Mundy.
Next at #11 Oprah Winfrey. In 2012, Ms. Winfrey still tops Forbes Highest-Paid Celebrities List. There’s only so much one can say about the woman who has transformed the face of the media, changed the scope of Daytime Talk Show TV, showcased the downtrodden, and been a beacon of hope for African Americans and women.
Followed at #17 Ursula Burns In 1980, she was a summer mechanical engineering intern at the Xerox Corporation. In 2009, Burns became its chief executive—making her the first black woman to run a major U.S. corporation. In 2011, Fortune ranked her #8 on its 50 Most Powerful Women in Business list.
Then at #32 Beyoncé Knowles. Being the “World’s Most Beautiful Woman” was not the only new accomplishment for Beyoncé. This year, Beyoncé had her first child, Blue Ivy, and just a few months after, the businesswoman and singer was “Back To Business” with a four-night-sold-out concert.
And at #50 Rosalind Brewer Just this year, Brewer made history as chief business leader of Sam’s Club; which makes her the first African American and woman, to hold the position of CEO at one of Wal-Mart’s business units.
At #52 Helene Gayle dives headfirst into issues that affect women and girls around the world. As CEO of Care USA, Helene Gayle is overseer of the organization’s day-to-day business matters, championing the fight for global poverty by directing programs to tackle issues which help further global poverty: Such as malnutrition, maternal mortality, and AIDS.
At #69 Ertharin Cousin. The twelfth Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme, started her career within social services, and even entered the world of politics; serving as White House Liaison for the Clinton Administration in 1994.
#71 President Joyce Banda. President Banda, Malawi’s first female president and the founder of the Joyce Banda Foundation International, recently told BBC news Africa that she views business as a tool of empowerment:
“I am a servant of the people,” she said. “My mission in life is to assist women and youth, gain social and political empowerment through business and education.”
#81 Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Up from #87 on the list last year, Okonjo-Iweala heads the business affairs of Nigeria as the country’s chief financial diplomat. Last year I suggested that perhaps Iweala had left her post at the World Bank for political posturing. This year she was short-listed for World Bank leader. The sky’s the limit for this political leader who possesses such a solid business and economic background.
#82 President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Down a few spots on the list this year, the President of Liberia also faced a challenging reelection year. A 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, and a women empowerment advocate, President Sirleaf has an expansive business and economic background; having had leadership roles in the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, and Citibank.
#90 Risa Lavizzo-Mourey. The first woman and African-American to act as President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the business-educated Mourey oversees millions of of dollars in grant money that goes toward improving health care.
Go to Forbes Most Powerful Black Women Business Leaders for more information.
See Also: Previous post: Why The Next-Gen Woman Needs A Voice in Politics
Cheryl writes about global entrepreneurship, next-generation business leaders, and economic empowerment for women and girls worldwide. You can find her on twitter or on her blog making business personal.
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