For the sixth consecutive year, Forbes has released its highly anticipated list of the nation’s Richest Self-Made Women, featuring 100 female entrepreneurs who have amassed their fortunes across diverse business platforms. Topping the list once again is Wisconsin billionaire and GOP activist, Diane Hendricks, with a staggering net worth of $15 billion from her successful building supplies venture.
Joining Hendricks in the top 100 are some familiar names, including singer and songwriter Taylor Swift, securing the 34th position with a net worth of $740 million. Two other Tennessee women made their mark on the list: beloved entertainer Dolly Parton (No. 59) with a net worth of $440 million and entrepreneur Cordia Harrington (No. 99) with a net worth of $240 million.
This year’s list also welcomed eight newcomers, reflecting the diversity and innovation across various industries. Among them are TV producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes, 53, and Nancy Whiteman, 64, founder of Wana Brands, known for its edibles.
Notably, the youngest woman on the list is 25-year-old Kylie Jenner, ranking at No. 38 with a net worth of $680 million, attributed to her highly successful cosmetics line. On the other end of the spectrum is 96-year-old Doris Fischer, co-founder of Gap, with an impressive net worth of $2.3 billion, securing the 14th spot.
The top 10 richest women in America showcase a wide age range, from 90 to 64, and include names like Judy Love & family, Judy Faulkner, Lynda Resnick, Thai Lee, Johnelle Hunt, Gail Miller, Marian Ilitch, Elizabeth Uihlein, Peggy Cherng, and Taylor Swift.
These influential women hail from diverse backgrounds, with sources of wealth spanning from building supplies, gas stations, and healthcare software to agriculture, IT services, trucking, and car dealerships, among others.
The new additions to the 2023 list boast a wealth of talent and innovation. Elizabeth Uihlein (No. 9) makes an impressive entrance with her net worth of $3.7 billion, derived from the packaging materials industry. Nancy Whiteman (No. 100) stands out with her $225 million net worth from the edible marijuana business.
Other notable newcomers include Doreen Granpeesheh, Daphne Koller, Julia Cheek, Iman Abuzeid, and Christina Cacioppo, each making waves in their respective fields of healthcare, software, TV shows, healthcare tests, and software.
As the Richest Self-Made Women list continues to evolve, it highlights the remarkable achievements of these entrepreneurial trailblazers. Their stories serve as inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneurs and underscore the endless opportunities available across various industries in the United States.
In conclusion, Forbes’ compilation of America’s Richest Self-Made Women reaffirms the power of women in business, showcasing their brilliance and resilience across a wide spectrum of industries. From seasoned veterans like Diane Hendricks to young disruptors like Kylie Jenner, these remarkable women are driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the American economy.
- Diane Hendricks, 76. Net worth: $15 billion. Source: Building Supplies
- Judy Love & family, 85. Net worth: $10.2 billion. Source: Gas stations
- Judy Faulkner, 79. Networth: $7.4 billion. Source: Heathcare software
- Lynda Resnick, 80. Networth: $5.3 billion. Source: Agriculture
- Thai Lee, 64. Networth: $4.8 billion. Source: IT provider
- Johnelle Hunt, 91. Networth: $4.4 billion. Source: Trucking
- Gail Miller, 79. Networth: $4.2 billion. Source: Car dealerships
- Marian Ilitch, 90. Networth: $4 billion. Source: Little Caesars Pizza
- Elizabeth Uihlein, 77. Networth: $3.7 billion. Source: Packing materials
- Peggy Cherng, 75,. Networth: $3.1 billion. Source: Fast food
