This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SUBR chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
For years, people have denied Black women credit, believing they could not do male-prohibited tasks, think for themselves, or be enough. Yet, every time, Black women prove them wrong, tearing down barriers, and redefining what it means to be a BLACK WOMAN. They embody class, intelligence, vision, and resilience, showing the world to recognize the creativity, brilliance, and innovation that come from both their skin and their gender.
- Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most influential black female entrepreneurs in the world. She began as a news broadcaster to later became the producer of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” She earns income through her TV network, magazine company, philanthropy, and investments in Weight Watchers and Apple TV. Beyond her fortune, Oprah embodies empowerment and creates opportunities for People of Color. - Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty is that girl—an icon from Barbados who moved to the U.S. as a teen to pursue music. Discovered by Evan Rogers, she rose to fame with hits like Umbrella, Diamonds, and We Found Love. In 2017, she launched Fenty Beauty with 40+ shades and later Savage X Fenty, promoting body positivity and diversity. Most of her wealth comes from owning and building these billion-dollar brands. - Sheila Johnson
Mrs. Sheila Johnson is the FIRST African American woman billionaire, and she has built generational wealth for her family in the most analytical way possible. She co-founded Black Entertainment Television (BET), and after it was sold in 2001, expanded into hospitality, real estate, and sports. As CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts and part-owner of sports teams, her legacy goes beyond wealth—breaking barriers in media and business. - Folorunsho Alakija
This woman took entrepreneurship to another level, starting in London as a fashion designer and printer before launching her own label, Supreme Stitches, catering to high-class clients. Though known for fashion, she built her fortune through Famfa Oil, a Nigerian oil company in which she holds major stocks. She continues to expand her wealth in real estate, fashion, and other ventures, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. - Isabel dos Santos
Starting as an electrical engineer in Portugal, Isabel gained early exposure to business through her family’s connections. She has built her wealth through multiple investments across Angola and Portugal, including ventures in such areas as banking, energy, media, and telecommunications. She is an ambitious woman who makes bold investments and breaks down the walls for African women in business. - Ngina Kenyatta
Mama Ngina was her name, and being strategic was her game. As the First Lady of Kenya, she gained access to major business opportunities across the country. Her wealth comes from agriculture, real estate, and media, along with stakes in farms and commercial properties. These long-term investments made her one of the richest Black women globally and a respected figure shaping Kenya’s economic growth. - Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter
She said she wanted something fierce—and delivered just that! Showing talent early on, she gained fame in the late 1990s with Destiny’s Child before launching her solo career in 2003. Since then, she’s built an empire with Ivy Park, partnerships with Adidas, and investments in entertainment, fashion, and perfume. She remains one of the wealthiest Black women in entertainment, carrying herself with excellence and empowerment. - Janice Bryant Howroyd
Janice founded the ACT-1 Group, a workforce solutions company that grew from almost nothing into the largest minority woman-owned employment agency. Her leadership and focus on diversity and inclusion helped the business expand globally. She has earned numerous awards, including recognition from the White House, and continues to serve as an advocate and mentor for women and minorities in business. - Bola Shagaya
Pursuing her education in accounting and business studies allowed her to gain skills to be able to navigate the corporate world. She invested in multiple companies, including gas, oil, real estate, banking, and media. Doing charitable work all over Nigeria and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. Much like Isabel dos Santos, she is dominating the male industry. - Serena Jameka Williams
We all love a sports girl, and Serena is unmatched when it comes to her game. Trained by her dad alongside her sister from a young age, she showed discipline and a strong work ethic early on. She launched her fashion brand Serena’s World, and founded a venture capital firm investing in over 60 companies—most led by women and People of Color. Serena continues to empower her community and inspire women everywhere to chase their goals.