These Are The Richest Women In American History

Huda Kattan - $400 million

Makeup artist and blogger Huda Kattan gained fame as the founder of the cosmetics line, Huda Beauty, which skyrocketed after the success of its false eyelashes, famously worn by Kim Kardashian.

Kattan is also known for her philanthropic efforts - which include significant donations to organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and humanitarian groups in Gaza. 

Danielle Steel - $420 million

Romance novelist Danielle Steel holds the title as one of the richest authors. With over 800 million copies of her books sold worldwide, she's one of the bestselling living authors.

Steel has penned an impressive 190 books, including over 140 novels. Her stories of love and resilience continue to captivate readers across the globe.

Barbra Streisand - $430 million

The iconic singer and actress has dazzled audiences for decades with her unforgettable performances. With concert earnings reaching hundreds of millions, she's built an impressive fortune.

Streisand received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 30th Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on February 24, 2024, and released her memoir in 2023. 

Reese Witherspoon - $440 million

Known for her roles in Legally Blonde and Big Little Lies, Reese Witherspoon isn't just a talented actress; she's also a savvy businesswoman.

Witherspoon founded her media company, Hello Sunshine, in 2016, focusing on storytelling by and for women. In 2021, she sold Hello Sunshine for a reported $900 million.

Kathy Fields - $460 million

Dermatologist Kathy Fields (right), along with her business partner Katie Rodan, has made a mark in the skincare industry with brands like Proactiv and Rodan + Fields.

Despite a decline in sales in recent years, it remains a major player in the market. In 2018, private equity firm TPG acquired a $1 billion stake in the company.

Judy Sheindlin - $480 million

Better known as Judge Judy, Sheindlin is an American court-show star, TV producer, and former judge. For 25 seasons, her top-rated show Judge Judy captivated audiences. 

She holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving television arbitrator. Beyond TV, she's a philanthropist and former Manhattan family court judge, adding to her $480 million fortune. 

Pamela Lopker - $500 million

Pamela Lopker is the founder, chairman, and president of QAD Inc., a software company. Her journey began when her boyfriend, Karl Lopker, sought software for his sandal company, Deckers Outdoors.

Faced with a lack of options, Pamela decided to create her own company, QAD, which now serves over 5,000 manufacturers across 90 countries.

Gloria Estefan - $500 million

The iconic Cuban-American singer boasts chart-topping hits in English and Spanish. Outside of music, she's ventured into children’s books and cookbooks, and even mentored on American Idol.

Now at 66, Estefan is set to star in Daughters of the Revolution, a documentary delving into lives impacted by the Fidel Castro era in Cuba.

Whitney Wolfe Herd - $510 million

As the founder of Bumble, an online dating platform, Whitney Wolfe Herd soared to success, becoming the world's youngest female billionaire when Bumble went public in February 2021.

Previously, she co-founded Tinder and served as its Vice President of Marketing. With a net worth estimated at $510 million, Herd continues to make waves in the tech industry.

Donna Karan - $510 million

The creative force behind DKNY is one of America's wealthiest women. With a vision to design contemporary attire for everyday wear, Karan launched her eponymous brand in 1984.

Her debut women's clothing collection debuted in 1985. Although she stepped down as CEO in 1997, Karan remains actively involved as chairwoman and designer.

Caryn Seidman-Becker - $515 million

Seidman-Becker spearheads Clear Secure as its co-founder and CEO. The company specializes in designing identification technology for security at airports and stadiums.

Following a successful IPO in June 2021 at a $4 billion valuation, Seidman-Becker holds a 20% stake in Clear Secure, highlighting her significant impact in the tech industry.

Neha Narkhede - $520 million

Neha Narkhede is a technology entrepreneur and the co-founder of Confluent – a streaming data technology company. She also co-created the software platform Apache Kafka.

Confluent’s IPO filing in June 2021 valued it at $4.5 billion, with major players like Goldman Sachs, Netflix, and Uber using its data-driven solutions.

Victoria Zoellner - $530 million

A significant figure in business, Victoria Zoellner leads the $2.1 billion hedge fund Alpine Associates. Alongside her late husband Robert, they founded the firm in 1976, starting with just $400,000.

Victoria's analytical skills, combined with Robert's trading expertise, propelled Alpine's success, and they have successfully retained their investors for over four decades.

Kendra Scott - $550 million

Starting with just $500, the designer launched her brand in 2002, crafting her first collection in a spare bedroom.

Today, her brand, valued at over $1 billion, sells jewelry, home accessories, and more. A philanthropist at heart, Scott supports various causes, including women's and children's initiatives.

Jamie Kern Lima - $575 million

Lima co-founded IT Cosmetics in 2008, driven by her personal challenges finding makeup products due to her rosacea and hyperpigmentation.

After selling IT Cosmetics to L'Oréal for $1.2 billion in 2016, she became the first female CEO of a L'Oréal brand. 

Madonna - Net worth: $580 million 

It probably won't come as a shock to learn that Madonna is one of the wealthiest female musicians in the world. 

The Queen of Pop has a net worth just shy of $600 million, most of which she's made by selling records and going on tour.

Kathleen Hildreth - Net worth: $590 million 

After studying at the prestigious West Point Military Academy, Kathleen Hildreth served as a helicopter pilot with the United States Army for a number of years.

After leaving the military, Hildreth started M1 Support Services, with the company soon landing a lucrative contract to maintain the military's aircraft.

Martine Rothblatt - Net worth: $600 million 

Martine Rothblatt's first tasted success in 1990, when she founded the popular radio station Sirius Satellite Radio. After her daughter was diagnosed with a fatal disease, however, Rothblatt pivoted to biotech.

Rothblatt founded United Therapeutics, a company which remains at the cutting edge of medical science, helping Rothblatt build a $600 million fortune.

Janice Bryant Howroyd - $600 million

The founder and CEO of The ActOne Group, Janice Bryant Howroyd leads the largest privately held, minority-woman-owned personnel company in the U.S.

Howroyd also holds the title of being the first African-American woman to establish and own a billion-dollar company, cementing her legacy in American history.

Mary West - Net worth: $610 million

In 1980, Mary West sold WATS Telemarketing - a company she'd started in her garage six years earlier - and she used the money to set up West TeleServices.

This business proved even more successful, and West sold it in 1996 for $1.4 billion. Since then, she has spent a large portion of her fortune on charitable initiatives.

Dolly Parton - $650 million

At 77 years young, country music icon Dolly Parton isn’t slowing down anytime soon. In the last year alone, she released her first-ever rock 'n' roll album, Rockstar.

With her own Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, and a thriving music and acting career spanning six decades, it's no surprise she ranks among the richest women in America.

Kylie Jenner - Net worth: $680 million 

As a member of the Kardashian clan, Kylie Jenner was born into wealth, although she's proved herself to be a capable businesswoman in her own right.

In addition to the money she's made from reality TV, Jenner has launched a number of wildly successful cosmetics brands, which she deftly markets through social media.

Michelle Zatlyn - $680 million

Michelle Zatlyn is best known as the co-founder, president, and chief operating officer of Cloudflare, a cybersecurity firm.

Alongside her Harvard Business School classmates, she launched Cloudflare in 2009 and has since played a pivotal role in its success.

Theresia Gouw - Net worth: $690 million 

An investor who's made an absolute fortune over her career, Theresia Gouw currently runs Acrew Capital, which she founded in 2019.

Prior to that, Gouw founded and ran Aspect Ventures, an investment firm in the heart of Silicon Valley that focussed on tech startups.

Nancy Zimmerman - Net worth: $730 million 

With a net worth of $730 million, Nancy Zimmerman is officially the wealthiest female hedge fund manager in the United States.

Zimmerman cofounded Bracebridge Capital in 1994 with just $50 million of investor money; today, the fund manages more than $12 billion.

Lisa Su - Net worth: $740 million 

Lisa Su started her career as an electrical engineer at IBM, and she quickly worked her way up the ranks into management positions.

In 2014, Su was appointed CEO of AMD, an incredibly well-paid position that has helped her build up a fortune worth $740 million.

April Anthony - $740 million

At only 25, Anthony bought her first company – which she turned around and flipped in only five years. She later founded Encompass Home Health & Hospice in 1998.

After selling Encompass for $750 million to HealthSouth, she was named the CEO of VitalCaring, a home health and hospice care company, in August 2022.

Marissa Mayer - Net worth: $760 million 

In 2017, Marissa Mayer resigned as CEO of Yahoo! - a position she'd held since 2012 - after the company was purchased by Verizon.

Mayer then founded Sunshine, an a tech startup that focusses on artificial intelligence, and she continues to sit on the boards of companies including AT&T and Walmart.

Susan Wojcicki - Net worth: $765 million 

In 1999, Susan Wojcicki became Google's very first marketing manager, and it was on her recommendation that the company purchased YouTube in 2014.

Wojcicki was later appointed as the streaming service's CEO, a role she held from 2014 until 2023, during which time her net worth swelled to $765 million.

Anastasia Soare - Net worth: $790 million 

While working as a beautician in Los Angeles in the early 90s, Anastasia Soare realized that there was a lack of quality eyebrow products on the market.

Spotting an opportunity, Soare launched Anastasia Beverly Hills. To date, the business has earned her $790 million and the nickname "the Eyebrow Queen."

Kit Crawford - $800 million

You may not have heard of Kit Crawford, but if you’re a gym buff – you’ve definitely heard of the Clif Bar, which Crawford co-founded in 1992 with her husband.

The couple sold their majority stake in Clif Bar to Mondelez in August 2022, and Crawford pocketed an estimated $800 million from the sale.

Beyoncé - $800 million

Queen Bey is making waves in wealth as much as in music. Her net worth skyrocketed to an impressive $800 million this year, doubling from previous years.

With her Renaissance tour and self-produced concert film, she's paving her way to billionaire status. Her fragrance and haircare lines and Ivy Park fashion label also add to her empire.

Robyn Jones - $830 million

As the co-founder and vice chairman of Goosehead Insurance, Robyn Jones is a remarkable figure in the business world.

Taking Goosehead public in 2018, the Jones family's 39% ownership of the $209 million business reflects their success. With nearly 1,000 franchises, Goosehead continues to thrive under Robyn's leadership.

Sheila Johnson - Net worth: $860 million 

Although her net worth has declined somewhat over the last couple of decades, Sheila Johnson is the first African-American woman to have achieved billionaire status.

Johnson and her husband founded the cable TV channel BET in 1979, and in 2001 it was snapped up by Viacom for a whopping $3 billion.

Gwynne Shotwell - Net worth: $900 million 

In 2002, Gwynne Shotwell's mix of engineering skills and business know-how convinced Elon Musk that she was the perfect person to run SpaceX.

Shotwell has been at the company's helm ever since, and she's racked up a personal fortune of $900 million in the process.

Anne Dinning - $900 million

Anne Dinning is a key figure at D.E. Shaw, a prominent hedge fund managing around $60 billion, serving on its executive committee.

Originally from Seattle, she joined the firm in 1990 after earning her Ph.D. in computer science. She's also a notable philanthropist, contributing over $180 million to the Corabelle Lumps Foundation.

Neerja Sethi - $990 million

Neerja Sethi embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by co-founding Syntel, an IT consulting and outsourcing firm, with her husband Bharat Desai in 1980.

Despite starting with a modest investment of $2,000, Sethi's leadership propelled Syntel to success. She served as the company's treasurer for 16 years and currently holds the position of vice president.

Tory Burch - Net worth: $1 billion 

When Tory Burch founded her own fashion house - which she named after herself - she set out to produce luxury products that were also reasonably affordable. 

The strategy proved to be a winning one, with Tory Burch LLC eventually opening 350 stores around the world and making its founder a billionaire.

Sara Blakely - Net worth: $1.1 billion 

Spanx might have fallen out of fashion somewhat, but the company continues to turn over huge profits year after year. 

Sara Blakely - who founded the brand in 2000 - sold her controlling share to investment firm Blackstone in 2021, becoming a billionaire overnight.

Taylor Swift - Net worth: $1.1 billion 

While most musicians who achieve billionaire status are heavily involved in other business ventures, Taylor Swift's fortune comes solely from record sales and concert fees.

After a dispute with her record label in 2021, Swift started rerecording her entire back catalogue of music in order to have full ownership rights over her work.

Weili Dai - $1.1 billion

A prominent figure in the tech industry, Dai co-founded Marvell Technology Group alongside her husband in 1995. As the former director and president, Dai played a pivotal role in Marvell's success.

In 2021, she and her husband launched Silicon Box, a semiconductor company based in Singapore. Dai's influence extends beyond business, as she serves on the board of Give2Asia.

Kim Kardashian - Net worth: $1.2 billion 

No one has monetized fame as successfully as the Kardashians, and Kim Kardashian is the richest of the bunch. 

In addition to presiding over a reality TV empire, Kardashian has also launched a number of incredibly successful businesses, including the clothing and shapewear brand Skims.

Michelle Zatlyn - Net worth: $1.2 billion 

While studying at Harvard, Michelle Zatlyn met and became close friends with Matthew Prince and Lee Holloway, with the trio founding CloudFlare in 2009.

Although the company went public in 2019, Zatlyn still owns a stake in the company, which accounts for much of her $1.2 billion net worth.

Rihanna - Net worth: $1.4 billion 

With a massive net worth of $1.4 billion, Rihanna is one of the wealthiest female musicians in the world. 

In addition to selling hundreds of millions of albums, Rihanna has also launched a number of successful businesses, include the luxury fashion house Fenty.

Safra Catz - Net worth: $1.6 billion 

Oracle Corporation is one of the most profitable software companies in the world, and Safra Catz deserves much of the credit. 

The Israeli-American businesswoman has been with the company since 1999, and in 2019 she became CEO. Her new salary is predictably huge, and it's boosted her net worth to $1.6 billion.

Elaine Wynn - $2.1 billion

If you’ve ever visited Las Vegas, you probably know the name Wynn is a big deal. Elaine Wynn is known for her contributions to business, philanthropy, and the arts.

Alongside her husband, Steve Wynn, she co-founded Mirage Resorts and Wynn Resorts, and was at the forefront of the movement to transform the Las Vegas Strip to what it is today.

Jayshree Ullal - $2.2 billion

Jayshree Ullal leads Arista Networks as president and CEO. Her innovative strategies have propelled the company to the forefront of cloud networking.

Her contributions to the tech industry have solidified her status as one of the richest and most influential women in American history.

Doris Fisher - Net worth: $2.3 billion

The Gap is one of the most popular clothing brands in America, so it's no surprise that Doris Fisher - who cofounded the business in 1969 - is a member of the billionaires' club. 

Fisher owns one of the largest art collections in the world, and she's loaned the entirety of it to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Oprah Winfrey - Net worth: $2.5 billion 

While you're probably unfamiliar with many of the names on this list, we'd bet good money that you've heard of Oprah Winfrey. 

Often referred to as "The Queen of All Media," Winfrey has amassed a personal fortune of $2.5 billion through her presenting work and business ventures.

Eren Ozmen - Net worth: $2.8 billion

Three years after graduating from the University of Nevada, Eren Ozmen landed a job at the aerospace defense firm Sierra Nevada Corporation. 

Ozmen quickly worked her way up the ranks, and in 1994 she purchased the company, which has continued to thrive under her ownership.

Meg Whitman - Net worth: $3 billion 

Widely considered one of the most astute businesswomen in the United States, Meg Whitman has served as CEO for some of the nation's largest brands. 

These include eBay and Hewlett Packard, and she was also an executive at The Walt Disney Company for almost a decade. Unsurprisingly, Whitman's illustrious career has made her one of the few female billionaires in America.

Peggy Cherng - Net worth: $3.1 billion 

After growing up in Malaysia and studying in Hong Kong, Peggy Cherng moved to the United States in 1966.

Cherng opened the very first Panda Express in 1983. The brand is now one of the most successful food businesses in America, and it's made Cherng very wealthy indeed.

Elizabeth Uihlein - $3.7 billion 

Elizabeth Uihlein cofounded the logistics business Uline with her husband in 1980, and she remains the company's president and CEO.

Uihlein was already seriously wealthy before all that, however, given that she's the heiress to the fortune of the Schlitz Brewing Company.

Sheryl Sandberg - Net worth: $3.7 billion 

In 2012, Sheryl Sandberg became the first woman to serve on Facebook's board of directors, after serving as the company's COO for a number of years. 

Sandberg is widely credited with making the social media platform profitable, and - judging by her sizable net worth - it's safe to say she's been rewarded.

Marian Ilitch - Net worth: $4 billion 

You might not have heard of Marian Ilitch, but you've almost certainly heard of Little Caesars Pizza, the chain of restaurants she co-founded in 1959.

In addition to her restaurant business, Ilitch has also invested heavily in the gambling sector, and her net worth currently stands at $4 billion.

Gail Miller - $4.2 billion

Gail Miller, an American businesswoman, took charge of the Larry H. Miller Company (LHMCO) after her husband's passing in 2009.

Initially focused on car dealerships, Miller expanded the company into real estate and healthcare. As of July 2023, Miller was the richest person in Utah.

Thai Lee - Net worth: $4.3 billion 

According to Forbes, SHI International is the largest woman-owned business in the United States, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year.

The company was founded in 1989 by Thai Lee, a Korean-American businesswoman whose personal net worth currently stands at $4.3 billion.

Johnelle Hunt - Net worth: $4.4 billion

Johnelle Hunt and her late-husband Bryan founded J.B. Hunt Transport Services in 1961, and the business is still thriving today. 

Although the company is now publicly owned, Hunt still sits on the board, and between her yearly salary and stock holdings she's worth $4.4 billion.

Lynda Resnick - Net worth: $5.3 billion 

The Wonderful Company is one of the most lucrative holding companies in the world, with its array of brands bringing in around $4 billion a year. 

The company is owned by Lynda Resnick and her husband Stewart, and it's made them an absolute fortune.

Judith Faulkner - Net worth: $7.9 billion

Judith Faulkner founded Human Services Computing in 1979. 34 years later, Forbes described her as "the most powerful woman in healthcare." 

Faulkner's company - which is now called Epic Systems - manages the health records of around 300 million patients, and it's made her around $7.9 billion to date.

Marijke Mars - $9.3 billion

Marijke Mars, a fourth-generation Mars family member, inherited about an 8 percent stake in Mars Inc. in 2016, making her a billionaire.

Following her graduation, she worked as a regional manager for Kal Kan Foods, a Mars pet food company. She’s currently employed at Mars Food, continuing the family legacy.

Laurene Powell Jobs - Net worth: $12.6 billion 

After Steve Jobs died in 2011, his widow - American businesswoman Laurene Powell Jobs - inherited ownership of the Steve P. Jobs Trust.

The trust's most lucrative holding is a 7.3 percent stake in The Walt Disney Company, which mostly accounts for Jobs' net worth of $12.6 billion.

Christy Walton - $13.7 billion

As the widow of John Walton, Christy is among the richest women in America. After her husband's passing in a 2005 plane crash, she inherited his fortune, mainly from Walmart shares.

Known for her philanthropy, she's a top female donor, contributing generously to various causes and organizations including The San Diego Natural History Museum and the San Diego Zoological Society.

Diane Hendricks - Net worth: $15 billion

Alongside her late husband Ken, Diane Hendricks founded the building supplies company ABC Supply, eventually growing it into a multi-billion dollar business. 

Hendricks has also worked a film producer, financing a number of independent movies including Snowmen and The Stoning of Soraya M.

Abigail Johnson - Net worth: $20 billion 

Edward Johnson III inherited leadership of Fidelity Investments from his father, Edward Johnson III, and he in turn passed the reins down to his daughter Abigail.

In addition to her role as CEO of Fidelity, Johnson also sits on the boards of a number of prestigious companies, boosting her net worth to $20 billion.

Miriam Adelson - $26 billion 

When David Adelson died in 2021, his wife Miriam became the sole owner of the Las Vegas Sands, a company that owns a number of resorts, hotels and casinos.

In addition to her ownership of the LVS, Adelson owns the newpaper Israel Hayom, and her and her son are majority owners of the Dallas Mavericks.

Mackenzie Scott - Net worth: $37 billion 

In 2021, Time Magazine declared MacKenzie Scott the most powerful woman in the world. With a net worth of $37 billion, she's also one of the wealthiest.

Although she's a successful novelist, the majority of Scott's fortune comes from her four percent stake in Amazon, the company founded by her ex-husband Jeff Bezos.

Jaqueline Mars - Net worth: $38 billion 

Frank Mars founded Mars, Incorporated in 1911, with the company eventually becoming the largest producer of confectionery in the world. 

Unsurprisingly, this made the Mars family enormously wealthy. With a net worth of $38 billion, Frank's granddaughter Jacqueline is one of the richest women in the world.

Alice Walton - Net worth: $55 billion 

Alice Walton's vast net worth of $55 billion - which was mostly inherited from her father, Walmart founder Sam Walton - makes her the second richest woman in the United States.

In 2017, Walton founded the Alice L. Walton Foundation, a charity which provides funding for education and health initiatives in deprived areas.

Julia Koch - Net worth: $59 billion 

When David Koch died in 2019, his wife Julia inherited his personal fortune of $59 billion, becoming the wealthiest woman in the United States .

Koch is famous for donating to political causes, but she also regularly makes large donations to organizations including the Lincoln Center and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.