Rise of Self-Made Women Billionaires: A Growing Phenomenon

In the realm of billionaires, women constitute 13% of the World’s Billionaires. Even scarcer are those who have independently amassed their fortunes, accounting for a mere 3.6% of the list.

Topping the list for the second consecutive year is Switzerland’s Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, co-founder and co-owner of MSC, the world’s largest shipping line, boasting an estimated net worth of $33.1 billion. Following closely is Diane Hendricks of the U.S., who co-founded building materials business ABC Supply with her husband and now chairs it, with an estimated net worth of $20.9 billion.

Within this exclusive subset is a diverse array of achievers: entrepreneurs like Sarah Blakely of Spanx, entertainers such as Taylor Swift, and co-founders like Peggy Cherng of Panda Express, who embarked on their entrepreneurial journeys with their spouses. Notably, this elite group also includes hired hands, exemplified by former Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, brought on board to steer companies to success.

Despite their limited representation, self-made women billionaires are on the rise, with nearly four times the number seen a decade ago. Unsurprisingly, the group is predominantly composed of individuals from China and the U.S., with 43 Chinese citizens (including seven from Hong Kong) and 30 Americans leading the pack.

This year sees the addition of 15 newcomers to the ranks of self-made women billionaires, with pop sensation Taylor Swift making a notable entrance. Swift, renowned for her Eras tour and concert film, commands an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion. Additionally, tech industry newcomers Lisa Su, CEO of semiconductor firm Advanced Micro Devices, and Michelle Zatlyn, co-founder and COO of Cloudflare, join the elite club, their fortunes buoyed by advancements in AI technology.

Fashion mogul Tory Burch makes a triumphant return to the billionaire ranks after an eight-year hiatus, propelled by a resurgence in revenues of her eponymous fashion brand. Other notable entrants include media mogul Oprah Winfrey, Skims co-founder Kim Kardashian, and singer-turned-beauty mogul Rihanna, highlighting the diverse paths to self-made billionaire status among women.

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