The notion that a woman’s career trajectory peaks and then gently declines after a certain age is being not just challenged, but completely dismantled. The Forbes “50 Over 50” list for 2025 is a thunderous celebration of a new reality: women over 50 are at the very pinnacle of their power, using their hard-won wisdom, profound experience, and unyielding resilience to reshape industries and influence the world. This is not a list of women nearing the end of their professional journeys; it is a roster of leaders in their most impactful and dynamic chapter yet.
The Titans of Commerce and Capital
In the high-stakes world of business and finance, these women are not just holding their own—they are setting the agenda. Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, is a prime example. As she continues to lead the automotive giant, she’s not just overseeing its operations; she’s orchestrating a complete, audacious transformation toward electric vehicles and autonomous technology. Her strategic vision has kept GM at the forefront of a rapidly changing industry, and she continues to top powerful women lists for her ability to navigate immense market shifts with a steady hand.
Equally formidable is Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup. In 2025, she has been celebrated as Euromoney‘s “Banker of the Year,” an accolade that speaks volumes about her decisive leadership. Fraser has fearlessly executed a comprehensive restructuring of the global bank, a move that has resulted in record financial performance and a leaner, more coherent organization. Her success is a powerful lesson in how a fresh perspective, combined with decades of experience, can completely revitalize a legacy institution.
Beyond the major corporations, women like Rafaela Aponte-Diamant are quietly dominating global logistics. As the co-owner of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest shipping line, she is a self-made billionaire and a key player in the intricate web of global trade. Her story is a testament to building an empire with a partner from the ground up, proving that a non-linear career path can lead to unimaginable impact.
Architects of the Global Stage
The political and policy arena is also being defined by women in their fifth, sixth, and even seventh decades. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, holds one of the most powerful political positions in the world. In 2025, her priorities have been laser-focused on a “ReArm Europe Plan” to strengthen the continent’s defense capabilities and a forward-thinking budget designed to foster a more flexible, competitive, and unified European economy. She is the embodiment of a leader who can tackle complex, multi-faceted challenges with strategic foresight.
In the UK, Rachel Reeves has made history as the nation’s first female Chancellor. Her recent Spring Statement, while acknowledging economic challenges, laid out a bold vision for boosting housebuilding and increasing defense spending, all while making significant welfare reforms. She is a political powerhouse whose decisions are actively shaping the economic landscape and the lives of millions of British citizens. These women demonstrate that true political influence is often earned with the gravitas and wisdom that only comes with years of experience.
The Cultural Shifters and Humanitarians
The influence of these women extends far beyond boardrooms and government halls. In the world of literature, at 85 years old, author Margaret Atwood is as relevant and vital as ever. Her dystopian novels, like The Handmaid’s Tale, continue to resonate with an urgency that feels eerily prescient. She is a powerful reminder that a single voice, through the power of storytelling, can profoundly impact an entire generation’s political and social consciousness.
In the field of public health, infectious diseases epidemiologist Quarraisha Abdool Karim has made an indelible mark. A co-founder of the Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), her work has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking HIV prevention methods for women and training hundreds of scientists. Her recognition on this list is a celebration of a career dedicated to saving lives and fighting for a more equitable and healthier world.
And then there’s Halle Berry, the iconic actress who is now using her platform to lead a wellness revolution. After a personal health misdiagnosis, she launched Respin, a healthcare company focused on menopause. She is using her voice to dismantle the taboos and stigmas surrounding women’s health in midlife, proving that her greatest act may be her role as an advocate and entrepreneur.
The women of the Forbes “50 Over 50” list are a source of endless inspiration. They are a living, breathing blueprint for a future where age is celebrated not as a limitation, but as a superpower. They are a diverse, dynamic, and fearless group of women who are not just making a comeback—they are just getting started.
