Accelerate Action is the theme for International Women’s Day 2025, urging faster progress towards gender equality. On this day, we honor women breaking barriers in leadership and inspiring others through innovation, courage, and transformative vision. Among them, Amy Howe, Hilary Marden-Resnik, and Mellody Hobson stand out as exemplary leaders shaping their industries and paving the way for others.
1. Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO of Ariel Investments
Mellody Hobson is a trailblazer in the finance world, breaking barriers as the Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, one of the largest Black-owned asset management firms in the U.S. With a deep commitment to financial literacy, she actively works to close the racial wealth gap by advocating for greater diversity in corporate leadership and investment decision-making. Hobson is a champion of economic empowerment, regularly emphasizing the importance of financial education, responsible investing, and wealth-building strategies, particularly for underrepresented communities. As a respected voice on corporate boards, she has consistently used her influence to push for meaningful change in boardroom diversity. Her philosophy of “being color brave, not color blind” challenges organizations to take actionable steps toward equity and inclusion, ensuring that opportunities extend to those historically left out of wealth creation and decision-making spaces.
2., Cate Luzio, CEO Luminary
Cate Luzio is a force in the world of professional development and women’s empowerment. As the founder and CEO of Luminary, a global career and personal growth platform, she has dedicated herself to creating a community where women, non-binary individuals, and allies can access resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to propel their careers forward. With a background in corporate banking, Luzio recognized the systemic barriers that hold women back in the workforce and launched Luminary as a response—an inclusive space that fosters leadership, upskilling, and business growth. She is a staunch advocate for closing the gender pay and leadership gaps, ensuring women have equal access to opportunities in entrepreneurship and the corporate world. Her mission is not just about networking but about tangible, action-driven solutions that elevate more women into positions of power and influence.
3. Shelley Zalis, The Female Quotient
Shelley Zalis is a powerhouse advocate for gender equality in business, media, and technology. As the founder and CEO of The Female Quotient, she has built a global movement dedicated to advancing women in the workplace and ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords but business imperatives. Through The Female Quotient’s Equality Lounge®, she has created spaces at major events like the World Economic Forum and Cannes Lions, where industry leaders come together to drive conversations and action on gender parity. Zalis is known for challenging the status quo, emphasizing that equality is not only a social issue but also an economic one, as diverse teams drive better business outcomes. Her work focuses on helping organizations create inclusive cultures, measuring progress with data, and holding leaders accountable for meaningful change. With her signature approach of blending research, activism, and community-building, Zalis continues to be a leading force in reshaping the future of work for women.
Why Their Leadership Matters
These women exemplify the theme “Accelerate Action” by advancing innovation, and excellence. Their influence extends beyond their organizations, shaping industries and inspiring future leaders.
On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate these trailblazers by supporting initiatives that elevate more women to leadership roles and foster environments where everyone can thrive.
Who are the women leaders inspiring you this year? Share your thoughts below!
