The World's Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs Of 2015

For FORBES’ 12th annual Most Powerful Women list, we searched the world for exceptional icons who impact business, media, philanthropy, politics and more. All 100 women have the power to shape our world, but 18 stand out this year as entrepreneurs— the women who built their status from scratch.

Two new names join this breakout list in 2015 — Beth Comstock, CEO of GE Business Innovations who oversaw the founding of Hulu, and Elizabeth Holmes, founder of blood testing company Theranos — to round out our business and nonprofit entrepreneurial elite. And at a time when the number of U.S. women-owned businesses jumped 68% from 1997-2014, there’s never been a better moment to champion these women who’ve helped pave the way.

Melinda Gates (No. 3)

Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda focuses heavily on philanthropy and the reproductive health of women in developing countries. After a trip to India this year, she wrote: “If you want to unlock the most progress for the most people, start by investing in women and girls.” Since starting their namesake foundation in 1998, Melinda and Bill have committed more than $26 billion in grants. 

Oprah (No. 12)

Winfrey continues to build success, spending the fall of 2014 on her “The Life You Want” tour around the country. Her Harpo Films production company co-produced the award-winning film “Selma,” and Oprah still rakes in millions from stars like Dr. Phil and Rachael Ray.

Beyoncé (No. 21)

The highest-ranked entertainer on this year’s Power Women list, Beyoncé’s On The Run tour with husband Jay Z grossed over $100 million for 19 North American shows.

Lucy Peng (No. 33)

One of the founders of Alibaba, China’s biggest e-commerce company, Peng heads its Small & Micro Financial Services Group.

Laurene Powell Jobs (No. 44)

Jobs founded Emerson Collective to help under-resourced students, and in July 2014 the organization, along with other partners, committed $50 million to help President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” program design better high school programs.

Beth Comstock (No. 55)

Comstock leads GE’s Business Innovations unit, which includes GE lighting, ventures and licensing, software commercialization and corporate marketing, sales and communication. Before GE, she oversaw Hulu’s founding.

Sofia Vergara (No. 57)

Starring with Reese Witherspoon in the 2015 spring release “Hot Pursuit,” Vergara landed her most prominent big screen role to date. She’s cofounded Latin World Entertainment, a talent management and media company, and launched a social networking site, NuevoWorld, to help Latino celebrities better connect with their fans. 

Arianna Huffington (No. 61)

The media mogul continues to lead the Pulitzer-Prize winning Huffington Post as editor-in-chief. Her 14th book, Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder, was published in 2014, and she continues to be a nationally syndicated columnist and radio host.