1.Jessica Matthews
she is a trailblazer in the field of sustainable energy and the founder of Uncharted Power, a company reshaping the way the world thinks about renewable energy solutions. With a background in engineering and a passion for innovation, Matthews has developed groundbreaking technology that seamlessly integrates clean energy into everyday infrastructure, making it more accessible and affordable for communities worldwide.
Born to Nigerian parents, Matthews was inspired by her heritage and the energy challenges faced by developing countries. She first gained recognition while studying at Harvard University, where she co-invented the SOCCKET, a soccer ball that harnesses kinetic energy and converts it into usable electricity. This invention, which allows children to generate power simply by playing, was a creative and effective response to unreliable electricity supply in many parts of the world. The SOCCKET marked the beginning of her journey in revolutionizing the renewable energy sector.
In 2011, Matthews founded Uncharted Power with the vision of creating sustainable, resilient energy infrastructure that meets the needs of modern societies. The company has since expanded beyond the SOCCKET, developing technologies that integrate energy generation and distribution into everyday objects and urban infrastructure. One of its key innovations is a proprietary energy transmission system that allows power to be distributed through sidewalks, roads, and other built environments. This cutting-edge solution reduces dependence on traditional power grids and increases access to reliable electricity in underserved communities.
Under Matthews’ leadership, Uncharted Power has gained recognition for its pioneering work in energy innovation. She has received numerous awards, including being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and receiving the Harvard Foundation’s Scientist of the Year award. Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets, and she continues to advocate for the intersection of technology, sustainability, and social impact.
What sets Matthews apart is her ability to blend entrepreneurship with a commitment to social good. By focusing on clean energy solutions that are both scalable and practical, she is addressing critical global challenges such as energy poverty, climate change, and infrastructure resilience. Her approach to sustainable power is not just about innovation but also about empowerment—ensuring that communities, particularly those in developing regions, have access to the energy they need to thrive.
Jessica Matthews is a visionary leader driving the future of renewable energy. Through Uncharted Power, she is redefining how the world harnesses and distributes power, making sustainable energy a fundamental part of everyday life. Her work continues to inspire and shape the future of global energy solutions.
2. Reshma Saujani – Advocate for Women in Tech
Reshma Saujani is a dynamic leader and advocate for women in technology, best known as the founder of Girls Who Code. Her organization is dedicated to closing the gender gap in the tech industry by providing young girls with access to coding education and empowering them to pursue careers in STEM fields. Through her relentless efforts, she has made significant strides in fostering diversity and inclusion in technology.
Saujani’s journey into advocacy began with a background in law and politics. She holds degrees from the University of Illinois, Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and Yale Law School. Although she initially pursued a career in law and later ran for Congress in 2010, her experiences during the campaign—where she witnessed a striking lack of women in computer science classrooms—led her to shift her focus toward addressing gender disparities in technology.
In 2012, she founded Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization committed to teaching girls the skills and confidence needed to excel in the tech world. The program offers summer immersion courses, after-school clubs, and mentorship opportunities that equip young girls with the tools to succeed in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Since its inception, Girls Who Code has reached hundreds of thousands of students across the United States and beyond, helping to shape the next generation of female technologists.
Beyond Girls Who Code, Saujani is a vocal advocate for policies that support women in the workforce, particularly in STEM careers. She has authored several books, including “Brave, Not Perfect,” which encourages women to embrace risk-taking and imperfection in their professional and personal lives. Her TED Talk on the same topic has inspired millions to rethink societal expectations that often discourage girls from entering male-dominated fields.
Saujani’s efforts have earned her widespread recognition, including being named to Fortune’s World’s Greatest Leaders list and Forbes’ Most Powerful Women Changing the World. Her impact extends beyond coding education, as she continues to push for systemic changes that promote gender equality in all areas of the workforce.
Through her advocacy and leadership, Reshma Saujani is not only transforming the tech industry but also inspiring a cultural shift that empowers young women to pursue their passions fearlessly. Her work ensures that the future of technology is more diverse, inclusive, and representative of the world we live in.
3. Leila Janah – Ethical Entrepreneurship Visionary
Leila Janah was a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for ethical sourcing, best known for founding Samasource, a social enterprise that has transformed the global workforce by providing dignified digital work to people in impoverished regions. Her pioneering efforts in impact sourcing have created new opportunities for underserved communities and reshaped the way businesses approach economic empowerment.
Born in 1982 in Lewiston, New York, to Indian immigrants, Janah’s passion for social justice and economic equality was evident from a young age. She studied African Development at Harvard University, where she first recognized the potential of technology-driven solutions to alleviate poverty. Her early experiences, including working with microfinance initiatives in Ghana, reinforced her belief that access to meaningful work was the key to sustainable development.
In 2008, she founded Samasource with a bold vision: to connect marginalized individuals with jobs in the digital economy. The organization trained and employed workers from low-income backgrounds, particularly in Africa and Asia, to perform data annotation, AI training, and content moderation services for major tech companies. By providing fair wages and skill development, Samasource helped lift thousands of people out of poverty and set new standards for ethical outsourcing.
Beyond Samasource, Janah expanded her impact through additional ventures. She founded LXMI, a luxury skincare brand that sourced ingredients from low-income women in Africa, ensuring ethical production while promoting economic sustainability. She also launched Samaschool, an initiative that provided digital job training to help people build careers in the gig economy.
Janah’s contributions earned her widespread recognition. She was featured on Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list, honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and celebrated for her commitment to using business as a force for good. She also authored “Give Work,” a book that outlined her philosophy on leveraging entrepreneurship to combat global poverty.
Tragically, Leila Janah passed away in 2020 at the age of 37 after battling cancer, but her legacy continues to inspire change. Through her innovative work, she proved that ethical business practices can drive both profit and positive social impact. Her vision of a more equitable global economy lives on through Samasource and the countless lives she transformed, demonstrating that meaningful work is one of the most powerful tools for fighting poverty.
4.Jasmine Crowe – Innovator in Food Justice and Sustainability
Jasmine Crowe is a social entrepreneur, activist, and founder of Goodr, a company dedicated to reducing food waste and fighting hunger through innovative technology. Her work has redefined how businesses approach surplus food, ensuring that it reaches those in need rather than going to waste. Through her visionary leadership, she is making significant strides toward solving one of the world’s most pressing issues—food insecurity.
Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Crowe developed a strong sense of social responsibility from an early age. She pursued higher education at North Carolina Central University, where she honed her skills in public relations and social impact. Currently, she resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where she continues to expand Goodr’s reach and influence.
Crowe’s journey into activism and entrepreneurship was driven by her deep-rooted passion for social justice and community service. Before launching Goodr, she organized large-scale pop-up dining experiences to provide meals to the homeless and underserved communities. Witnessing the severity of food waste firsthand, she recognized an urgent need to create a more sustainable and scalable solution to bridge the gap between food surplus and hunger.
In 2017, she founded Goodr, a for-profit, mission-driven company that uses blockchain technology and data analytics to track surplus food from businesses and redirect it to nonprofits and individuals in need. Unlike traditional food donation models, Goodr provides businesses with real-time insights on food waste, offering tax benefits while ensuring food is distributed efficiently and responsibly. The company partners with restaurants, event venues, grocery stores, and corporate cafeterias to recover edible food that would otherwise be discarded.
Under Crowe’s leadership, Goodr has expanded its impact beyond food recovery. The company has launched grocery delivery programs for families in food deserts, mobile food pantries, and community meal distributions. By leveraging technology, data, and logistics, Goodr is not just reducing waste but also creating a circular economy that benefits both businesses and underserved communities.
Crowe’s work has earned her widespread recognition, including being named to Forbes’ Next 1000 list and receiving accolades from organizations like the United Nations and Fast Company. She is also a sought-after speaker on issues related to hunger, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship, advocating for systemic change in how society addresses food insecurity.
Through her relentless efforts, Jasmine Crowe is proving that technology and business innovation can be powerful tools for social good. Her work with Goodr continues to inspire businesses and individuals alike to rethink food waste and take action in the fight against hunger.
5.Kiah Williams – Healthcare Equity Champion
Kiah Williams is a dedicated social entrepreneur and co-founder of SIRUM (Supporting Initiatives to Redistribute Unused Medicine), a nonprofit organization focused on improving healthcare access by redistributing surplus medications to those in need. Through her work, Williams is transforming the way unused medicine is handled in the United States, ensuring that life-saving prescriptions reach underserved populations instead of going to waste.
Williams co-founded SIRUM in 2009 alongside Andrew Ganong and George Wang while studying at Stanford University. The idea stemmed from recognizing that millions of Americans struggle to afford prescription medications, while billions of dollars’ worth of medicine go unused and are discarded each year. By leveraging technology and logistics, SIRUM acts as a bridge between surplus medication from manufacturers, pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes, and people who need them the most.
Under Williams’ leadership, SIRUM has facilitated the donation of millions of dollars in prescription drugs, helping low-income and uninsured patients get access to essential medicines at little to no cost. The organization partners with state governments, healthcare providers, and pharmacies to ensure compliance with regulations while maximizing the impact of medication redistribution.
Williams’ work has earned her national recognition, including being named to Forbes 30 Under 30 and receiving honors from organizations like Echoing Green and the Aspen Institute. She is a passionate advocate for healthcare equity, regularly speaking about the need for policy changes and innovative solutions to make medicine more accessible for all.
Through her relentless efforts, Kiah Williams is proving that innovation and compassion can come together to solve some of the most pressing healthcare challenges. By reducing medical waste and increasing access to life-saving drugs, she is making a lasting impact on communities across the country.
Under Kiah’s leadership, SIRUM has become the largest redistributor of surplus medicine in the United States, operating under Good Samaritan laws in 44 states. As of December 2024, the organization has facilitated the redistribution of $280 million worth of medicine, shipped over 40,000 donations through its platform, and helped more than 300,000 uninsured and underinsured patients access life-saving medications.
6.Courtney Adeleye – Beauty Mogul and Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
Courtney Adeleye, born on December 19, 1980, in the United States, is an American entrepreneur renowned for her contributions to the beauty industry and her commitment to economic empowerment. Raised in Detroit, Michigan, her upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of community and a commitment to making a difference. She pursued higher education at the University of Michigan, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing. Her academic background in science and health laid a solid foundation for her future endeavors in the beauty sector.
Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2013 when she started documenting her personal hair care experiences on YouTube. Utilizing her scientific knowledge, Adeleye experimented with creating natural hair care products in her kitchen, aiming to promote healthier lifestyles and hair practices. The positive reception from her audience led to the establishment of The Mane Choice, a hair care line that emphasizes natural ingredients and caters to a diverse clientele. With an initial investment of $500, Adeleye transformed The Mane Choice into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Within six years, the brand achieved over $100 million in sales and secured placements in major retailers such as Walmart, CVS, and Target. Her innovative approach and dedication to quality have made The Mane Choice a staple in the hair care industry.
Beyond her business acumen, Adeleye is deeply committed to philanthropy and economic empowerment. She launched initiatives like “Pay My Bill,” through which she assists individuals by paying off their bills, and has supported educators by providing resources such as vehicles to ease their daily commutes. Additionally, Adeleye invests in women-led businesses, offering financial literacy programs and entrepreneurship funding to foster economic growth and independence among women.
In 2019, The Mane Choice was acquired by MAV Beauty Brands, marking a significant milestone in Adeleye’s career. Following this, she founded Olbali, a direct-selling conglomerate that encompasses various brands across health, wellness, beauty, and food and beverage sectors. Through Olbali, Adeleye continues to create opportunities for families worldwide, reinforcing her commitment to community development and empowerment. Her journey from a healthcare professional to a beauty industry leader and philanthropist exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to uplifting others. Her work continues to inspire many, demonstrating the profound impact of combining passion with purpose.
7.Tiffany Aliche – The Budgetnista and Financial Empowerment Leader
Tiffany Aliche, widely known as The Budgetnista, is a leading financial educator, author, and advocate dedicated to empowering individuals—especially women—to achieve financial wellness. Her journey into personal finance began after experiencing financial hardship herself. Once a preschool teacher, she found herself in a dire financial situation following the economic downturn and a series of poor financial decisions. Determined to regain control of her finances, she immersed herself in financial education and transformed her challenges into a mission to help others avoid similar struggles. She founded The Budgetnista, a platform that provides financial literacy resources, tools, and courses designed to teach people how to budget, save, eliminate debt, and build wealth.
Aliche’s impact extends far beyond her platform. She created the Live Richer Challenge, a free online financial program that has helped over a million women worldwide take control of their finances. Additionally, she co-founded The Live Richer Academy, an online school offering in-depth financial education on topics such as investing, credit repair, and homeownership. Her work has earned her national recognition, and she has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Good Morning America, The New York Times, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and more.
As a bestselling author, Aliche has written books that break down complex financial topics into easy-to-follow steps. Her book Get Good with Money became a New York Times bestseller and introduced her “10-Step Financial Wholeness Plan,” a framework designed to help individuals achieve lasting financial security. She followed this success with Made Whole, which provides a more in-depth guide to achieving financial stability. Through her books, she continues to make financial literacy more accessible and actionable for people at all income levels.
Beyond her work as an educator and author, Aliche is a passionate advocate for financial literacy education. She played a key role in passing New Jersey’s financial literacy law, which mandates financial education for middle school students, ensuring that young people are equipped with essential money management skills early in life. Recognized as one of the top personal finance influencers, she has dedicated her career to helping others achieve financial freedom. Through her education, advocacy, and mentorship, Tiffany Aliche continues to be a powerful force in the financial empowerment movement, inspiring countless individuals to take control of their financial futures.
8.Sara Blakely – Entrepreneur, Innovator, and Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
Sara Blakely, born on February 27, 1971, in Clearwater, Florida, is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Spanx, a brand that revolutionized the shapewear industry. Her journey from a door-to-door salesperson to a self-made billionaire exemplifies determination, creativity, and a commitment to uplifting others, particularly women.
Blakely’s childhood was marked by a strong work ethic instilled by her parents. Her father, a trial attorney, encouraged her to embrace failure as a learning experience, a mindset that later played a crucial role in her entrepreneurial journey. She attended Florida State University (FSU), where she earned a degree in communications. Initially aspiring to become a lawyer, she abandoned the idea after struggling with the LSAT and instead took a job at Disney World before moving into sales.
While working as a fax machine salesperson, Blakely grew frustrated with the discomfort of traditional hosiery. Seeking a solution, she developed a prototype for footless pantyhose that smoothed and shaped the body. With no background in fashion or manufacturing, she invested her own savings—around $5,000—to develop and patent her idea. After facing numerous rejections from manufacturers, she finally secured a deal, and Spanx was born in 2000.
Blakely’s persistence paid off when Oprah Winfrey named Spanx one of her “Favorite Things,” skyrocketing the brand’s popularity. Over the years, Spanx expanded from shapewear to leggings, activewear, and more, making Blakely one of the most successful self-made female entrepreneurs.
Beyond business, Blakely is deeply committed to philanthropy and women’s empowerment. She founded the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation, which supports women through education, entrepreneurial funding, and mentorship. She has donated millions to causes like women’s leadership programs, scholarships, and economic empowerment initiatives. In 2019, she joined The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of her wealth to charitable causes.
Through her innovation and generosity, Sara Blakely has not only transformed the fashion industry but also empowered countless women to pursue their ambitions. Her legacy extends beyond Spanx, proving that business success and social impact can go hand in hand.
9.Shiza Shahid – Advocate for Education, Social Impact, and Mission-Driven Entrepreneurship
Shiza Shahid, born in Islamabad, Pakistan, is a social entrepreneur, impact investor, and women’s rights advocate known for her role in co-founding the Malala Fund and launching Now Ventures. Her work focuses on empowering mission-driven businesses and ensuring access to education for girls around the world.
Growing up in Pakistan, Shahid was deeply aware of the challenges girls faced in receiving an education, particularly in conservative and underprivileged communities. She excelled in academics and earned a scholarship to study at Stanford University, where she pursued a degree in Management Science and Engineering. During her time at Stanford, she remained connected to social causes, seeking ways to create meaningful change.
Shahid’s journey into global activism began when she learned about Malala Yousafzai, a young girl advocating for girls’ education in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. In 2009, when Malala’s activism attracted global attention, Shahid organized an educational summer camp for young girls in Pakistan, mentoring and empowering them to continue their studies.
After Malala survived an assassination attempt in 2012, Shahid played a crucial role in supporting her recovery and leveraging the global outcry to launch the Malala Fund. As the organization’s first CEO, she helped establish a platform dedicated to advocating for girls’ education worldwide, raising awareness, and funding initiatives to provide education to millions of underprivileged children.
Building on her passion for social change, Shahid later co-founded Now Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in startups committed to solving global challenges. She focuses on impact-driven businesses that promote sustainability, gender equality, and economic empowerment. Through her investments and mentorship, she is helping entrepreneurs scale businesses that create positive societal change.
Shahid is also a sought-after speaker and advocate for women in leadership, social innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers, proving that business can be a powerful force for good.
10.Anousheh Ansari – Space Pioneer, Tech Innovator, and Advocate for STEM Education
Anousheh Ansari, born on September 12, 1966, in Mashhad, Iran, is an entrepreneur, engineer, and space explorer who made history as the first female private astronaut. As the CEO of XPrize, she continues to drive innovation in science and technology while advocating for space exploration and STEM education.
Ansari spent her early years in Iran, developing a fascination with space and technology. At the age of 16, she moved to the United States with her family, where she pursued her passion for science and engineering. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from George Mason University and later obtained a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from George Washington University.
Her entrepreneurial journey began in the tech industry. Along with her husband and brother-in-law, she co-founded Telecom Technologies Inc., a telecommunications company that developed groundbreaking software solutions. The company’s success led to its acquisition by Sonus Networks, allowing Ansari to pursue her lifelong dream of space travel.
In 2006, Ansari became the first self-funded female space tourist and the first Iranian in space when she participated in an eight-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Her journey inspired countless individuals, particularly women and young girls, to pursue careers in science and space exploration.
Beyond her personal achievements, Ansari has dedicated herself to promoting scientific advancements and fostering innovation. She played a key role in funding the Ansari XPrize, a $10 million competition that encouraged private companies to develop reusable spacecraft. Today, as the CEO of XPrize, she continues to champion technological breakthroughs in various fields, including space exploration, environmental sustainability, and artificial intelligence.
Ansari is also a strong advocate for STEM education and women’s empowerment. Through her philanthropic work and public engagements, she encourages young people to pursue careers in science and technology. Her journey from an aspiring space enthusiast to a trailblazing entrepreneur and astronaut serves as an inspiration to those who dare to dream big and push the boundaries of possibility.
