CNBC's 2026 Changemakers List Shakes Up the Status Quo

• The 2026 Changemakers list recognizes women who are leading innovation in AI, healthcare, finance, sports, and entertainment.
• Key figures include Kim Kardashian (Skims), Selena Gomez (Rare Beauty), and AI innovators like Mira Murati (Thinking Machines Lab) and Tekedra Mawakana (Waymo).
• The list emphasizes leaders who combine purpose with profit, addressing issues like HIV prevention, medicine reshoring, and improvements to the foster care system.
• Despite progress, the list highlights the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, making the Changemakers' achievements all the more significant.

The Changemakers List Drops: My Take

Hey, it's Poki! So, CNBC dropped their 2026 Changemakers list, and honestly, it's pretty inspiring. It's all about women who are not just playing the game, but changing it. From startup founders to big names like Kim K and Selena, these ladies are crushing it in business and philanthropy. It's like, finally, some recognition for the hard work and innovation that's been happening behind the scenes. As someone who spends a lot of time online, it is refreshing to see these individuals and their journeys getting the spotlight they deserve.

AI Queens and Tech Titans

Okay, let's talk tech. The list is heavy on AI, which, let's be real, is the future. Mira Murati, formerly at OpenAI, is now pushing boundaries with Thinking Machines Lab. Then there's Tekedra Mawakana at Waymo, expanding self-driving tech – imagine a world where you can literally fall asleep at the wheel and wake up at your destination. Wild, right? And Felicia Curcuru is using AI to fix the foster care system - talk about using tech for good. Makes you think about how we can all use our platforms for more than just… well, you know. Want to read up on other industries being disrupted? Check out Tariffs, Tech Titans, and Toy Wars Decoding the Matrix of Market Movers for more on that.

Purpose-Driven Profits? Yes, Please

What I really love about this list is the focus on purpose-driven businesses. It's not just about making money; it's about making a difference. Johanna Mercier at Gilead Sciences is expanding access to HIV prevention medicine globally, and Vinita Gupta is reshoring medicine manufacturing. Like, these are real-world problems getting real-world solutions. It's giving ?hope?, you know?

Leveling Up Women's Sports

And shoutout to the women's sports leaders on the list! Sophie Goldschmidt at U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Susie Wolff with F1 Academy, and Jayna Hefford and Amy Sheer in the Professional Women's Hockey League – they're all building empires. Kara Nortman is investing in women's teams, and Val Ackerman is shaking up college athletics. It's about time women's sports got the attention and investment they deserve, wouldn't you agree?

The Gender Gap Struggle is Real

Okay, but let's keep it real. The article points out that women still only make up 11% of Fortune 500 CEOs, and the gender pay gap is widening. Like, what year is it? This list is inspiring, but it also highlights how much work still needs to be done. We need to keep pushing for equal opportunities and fair representation in every industry.

Grit, Innovation, and Inspiration: The Takeaway

Overall, the CNBC Changemakers list is a reminder that anything is possible with a little bit of grit, innovation, and creativity. These women are defying the odds and paving the way for future generations. Their stories are an inspiration, and I hope they inspire you too! If you are interested, you can check out the CNBC Changemakers and Power Players podcast to learn more about this. Remember to always be unapologetically yourself.