2023’s Ten Women of Impact were chosen based on their merit and contributions to the world of business, medicine, politics, entertainment, and of course, advocacy for women around the globe. These womens’ tireless efforts in making the world a better place must not go unnoticed, and the comprehensive list below highlights their profound accomplishments.
Yasmine Pahlavi
Philanthropist and prominent figure, and esteemed crown princess of Iran, Yasmine Pahlavi is known for her advocacy for human rights and democracy in Iran. She is married to Prince Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince and son of the late Shah of Iran.
Yasmine and the Pahlavi family continue to denounce the evil of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and raise awareness for people suffering throughout the Middle East. She is determined to give a voice to the voiceless, and improve the standing of people affected by radical Islamic fundamentalism. She campaigns for peace, justice, and equity in the Middle East and around the globe.
Sheryl Sandberg
Former COO of Facebook Sheryl Sandberg is a prominent business executive, best-selling author, and advocate for gender equality in the tech industry. Her book, “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead,” ignited global discussions on women’s roles in leadership and workplaces.
Now, as a professor at Stanford, Sandberg encourages the next generation of women to pursue their goals in the tech industry. She believes standing up for yourself as a woman is the path for a future where women and men are valued equally in the workplace.
Miriam Adelson
Israeli-American physician, businesswoman, and philanthropist Miriam Adelson is known for her advocacy for Jewish heritage in the United States government. Her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, left her as the owner of the Las Vegas Sands casino company after he passed in 2021, making her manager of a large business enterprise.
With her fortune, Adelson continues advocating for Jewish causes such as the March for the Living, as well as funding drug rehabilitation centers in both Nevada and Israel. She has a passion for medicine and for furthering Jewish pride.
Nikki Haley
American politician, diplomat, and former governor Nikki Haley served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. She was the first woman and the first Indian-American to serve as the governor of South Carolina.
Haley is also a presidential candidate for the 2024 election, and the only female Republican currently on the ticket. Surrounded by five other men on the stage, she does not let herself fall into the background- she stands her ground and confidently makes herself known as a powerful future President.
Helen Mirren
Talented British actress Helen Mirren is known for her remarkable talent and versatility on both stage and screen. With a career spanning several decades, she has earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, four BAFTA Awards, and multiple Golden Globes.
Mirren has inspired the world with her stance on age and beauty. At the age of 77, she still loves to play with her look, notably showing up with blue hair at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023. Believing in no beauty rules, she demonstrates the power of being yourself by conquering every red carpet.
Emily Schrader
American-Israeli activist and journalist Emily Schrader is an expert on Middle Eastern politics and how they affect the world. She focuses on Iranian and Israeli politics, online disinformation, hate speech, and women’s rights throughout the Middle East.
Notably, Schrader has organized several efforts to educate the world about the importance of Israel, and women’s rights issues throughout the Middle East. She has advised members of the Knesset (Israeli parliament), EU, US Congress in hate speech policy. She also proudly raised awareness of womens’ rights violations in Afghanistan and Iran, in fact organizing the first rally in the Middle East supporting Iranian women in Tel Aviv. She contributes to various publications and tirelessly works for a better future for women to live freely in the Middle East.
Amal Clooney
Lebanese-British barrister Amal Clooney specializes in international law and human rights. Known for her formidable legal career, she has worked on high-profile cases advocating for justice and representing clients in cases involving human rights violations and political prisoners.
Her work and advocacy for women’s rights in the courtroom showcase Clooney as a force of nature. Her tireless passion for representing victims of hate, terror, and oppressive governments are exemplary of the power of the law. Her presence in the courtroom serves as an inspiration for female barristers and litigators around the globe.
Nadia Murad
Iraqi Yazidi human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad is known for her advocacy against human trafficking and sexual violence in conflict zones. She survived captivity under ISIS, where she was subjected to these horrifying experiences.
Murad courageously shared her story, becoming a prominent voice for victims of such atrocities and a leading advocate for the rights of women and minorities affected by conflict. Her efforts have brought international attention to women’s issues and terrorism. She has earned widespread recognition for her bravery and advocacy work.
Darya Safai
Iranian-Belgian women’s rights activist Darya Safai known for her advocacy work, particularly in highlighting issues related to women’s rights and gender equality. She was the first Iranian-Belgian to be elected to the Belgian parliament.
Safai is a long-time proponent of women’s rights in Iran, protesting the Islamic Republic’s atrocities against women in Iran and throughout the Middle East. She has used her platform as parliamentarian to criticize appeasement of Islamic fundamentalism throughout the region, advocating for a better future for women and people living freely of oppression.
Salma Blair
American actress Salma Blair is known for her roles in various films and television shows. She gained prominence for her performances in movies like “Cruel Intentions,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Hellboy.” Blair has showcased her versatility as an actress in both comedic and dramatic roles throughout her career.
In recent years, Blair has also been open about her battle with multiple sclerosis (MS), becoming an advocate for raising awareness about the condition and supporting others facing similar health challenges. Her bravery in sharing her journey with MS has inspired many and brought attention to the realities of living with this autoimmune disease.
The roster of the Most Impactful Women of 2023 showcases an exceptional spectrum of brilliance. These women’s impact extends far beyond their respective fields, serving as beacons of empowerment, resilience, and progress for a global audience. As we celebrate their achievements, these extraordinary women stand as living testaments to the transformative power of determination, vision, and unwavering commitment.