TIME reveals 2026 Women of the Year list honouring global leaders in culture, business and activism

TIME has announced its 2026 Women of the Year, honouring 16 influential figures from across entertainment, sports, business and activism for their work advancing equality and social progress.

This year’s honourees include actor and singer-songwriter Teyana Taylor, actor Lucy Liu, musician Brandi Carlile, actor Sheryl Lee Ralph, filmmaker Chloé Zhao and Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The list also recognises author and podcast host Mel Robbins, actor Mariska Hargitay and artist Amy Sherald.

Leaders from business and social impact are also featured, including Reshma Kewalramani, president and CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Kecia Steelman, CEO of Ulta Beauty; and Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Moms First. Humanitarian and grassroots voices on the list include Isata Dumbuya of Partners In Health, Sister Norma Pimentel, Safeena Husain of Educate Girls, and activist-lawyer Mahnoor Omer.

The annual project highlights women addressing major global challenges. TIME CEO Jessica Sibley said the list underscores how individual leadership continues to drive change. Editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs added that the initiative aims to spotlight those tackling the most urgent issues facing women and girls today.

The 2026 edition features a worldwide cover starring Teyana Taylor, alongside an in-depth interview. TIME will celebrate the honourees at its Women of the Year Leadership Forum and Gala on March 10 in Los Angeles.

The leadership forum will bring together members of the TIME100 network for discussions focused on practical solutions and advancing equity. Speakers are set to include Mariska Hargitay, Mel Robbins, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Reshma Saujani, along with business leaders such as Dara Treseder of Autodesk and Debby Soo of OpenTable.

The evening gala will feature appearances by several honourees, including Teyana Taylor, Chloé Zhao and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, as well as a musical performance by Brandi Carlile.

Launched in 2020, the Women of the Year project expands on TIME’s broader effort to highlight influential women worldwide and build on its long-running franchises celebrating global leadership and impact.

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