As a woman, there's something magical about turning 40 that makes us feel more powerful… more empowered… than ever before. I don't know what it is, but these days they say 40 is the new 20, and you know what? Whoever they are, I believe 'em.
From business to entertainment to politics, the following women have overcome adversity and created for themselves careers and legacies that have withstood the test of time. Really, just being a woman in today's world puts us steps behind men to begin with, so to be able to do what these women have done in their respective industries over the years, it's an incredible feat that we're excited to celebrate here.
#10
One of the most renowned broadcast journalists and TV personalities of our time, Barbara Walters became famous for her ballsy approach to interviewing even the world's most powerful and intimidating leaders.
#9
This "Queen of Rock n Roll" is one of the world's most popular entertainers, and the most successful female rock artist of all time. She's sold more concert tickets than any other solo performer in history! She also has the best legs in the business.
#8
Every woman in the world is familiar with the infamous "wrap dress," created by Diane von Furstenberg — a fierce fashionista whose wrap dress came to symbolize power and independence for an entire generation of women. By 1976, she had sold over a million of the dresses!
#7
Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton has appeared in over 50 films that have showcased her ability in mastering both comedy and drama. Admired for her talent and intelligent humor, Diane is not only as an actress, but also a photographer, director, producer, and more recently, a successful author.
#6
Once the First Lady to Bill Clinton's Presidency, Hillary Clinton has become a political powerhouse in her own right. President Obama nominated Clinton to be Secretary of State, she was confirmed by the Senate in 2009 and she visited more countries than any other Secretary of State. Whether you're on her political side or not, Hillary has encouraged women empowerment, and has been at the forefront of using social media to communicate the U.S. message abroad.
#5
With a career in journalism that spans three decades, Christiane Amanpour is a British-Iranian journalist and the Chief International Correspondent for CNN. She's also a Global Affairs Anchor of ABC News. Christiane has earned every major television journalism award. Pretty good for a woman who arrived at CNN with a suitcase, a bicycle, and with about 100 dollars to her name.
#4
Jane Fonda is an actress, writer, political activist, former fashion model and fitness guru with a career that spans more than 50 years – phew! She has won two Academy Awards, an Emmy Award and seven Golden Globe Awards, but she's also just as well-known for her staunch efforts in activism, including violence against women and gender equality.
#3
Meryl Streep is one of the most accomplished actresses in the history of film. Whether it's an action, drama, comedy, romance or musical, Meryl has done it all, and better than most. She's taken home three Academy Awards for Best Actress, and has had an astounding 17 Academy Award nominations.
#2
Born out of the Bronx, Sonia Maria Sotomayor is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States who has been serving since 2009. Sonia is the Court's first ever Hispanic justice, and its third female justice! She serves with the belief that everyone has an equal opportunity to be a good and wise judge, regardless of their background or life experiences.
#1
What would a list of the most iconic women be without this woman?! Best known for her multi-award-winning talk show "The Oprah Winfrey Show," Oprah pioneered the highest-rated program of its kind — in all of history. Oprah has been ranked the greatest black philanthropist in American history. In 2013, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, and an honorary doctorate degree from Harvard.
