In a landmark year, the collective fortunes of America’s wealthiest self-made women skyrocketed by nearly 25%, reaching a total of $154 billion. This surge marks a significant increase from the previous year, reflecting a buoyant economy and strategic ventures by these formidable figures.
A remarkable 73% of the individuals on the list enhanced their wealth from the previous year, while only ten experienced a decline. The threshold to enter this exclusive group soared by 35%, with a baseline net worth of $300 million, up from $225 million.
Diane Hendricks leads the list for the seventh year with a fortune now at $20.9 billion. Her company, ABC Supply, founded in 1982, has seen substantial revenue growth under her leadership, jumping from $2.6 billion to $20.4 billion. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Uihlein’s wealth increased by 81% to $6.7 billion, primarily due to a better understanding of her company Uline’s financials and a more favorable market.
The year also welcomed 11 newcomers, including notable figures such as Katy Perry and Fawn Weaver. Perry, with a net worth of $350 million, benefited substantially from the sale of her music catalog. Weaver’s Uncle Nearest brand has achieved a historic milestone in the whiskey industry, adding her to the list alongside Joan Payden, a 92-year-old financial manager still heading her firm.
The list now boasts a record 31 billionaires, including Taylor Swift, whose earnings from her ‘Eras’ tour and music catalog has propelled her wealth to $1.3 billion. Other billionaires include Sheila Johnson, Lisa Su, and Michelle Zatlyn, whose companies have thrived due to strategic positions in the market.
However, not all fortunes were on the rise. Whitney Wolfe Herd saw a decline due to a significant drop in Bumble’s share value. Doris Fisher also saw a reduction in her wealth following substantial charitable contributions.
California remains the most populated state among the list’s members, hosting 39 of these successful women, indicating a strong concentration of opportunity and success in the region.
The methodology to determine net worth involved thorough assessments of public assets and consultations for private assets. Eligibility was strictly based on self-made criteria, reflecting the genuine entrepreneurial spirit of these women.
Overall, this year has been transformative for America’s leading self-made women. Their combined successes underscore the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship in the United States, illustrating not only personal triumphs but also significant economic contributions.
Source: Forbes
