Celebrating the Influential Women of 2023 PART 5
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the final installment of our series, "Celebrating the Influential Women of 2023: Part 5." In this concluding chapter, we delve into the stories of women who have left indelible marks in the realms of business, economics, education, and research. From the corridors of power in global finance to the vineyards of Argentina, from Silicon Valley to the halls of academia, these women have not only broken barriers but also redefined what it means to be a leader and a trailblazer in their respective fields.
Join me, S.A. Sterling, as we explore the journeys of these extraordinary women, whose contributions have reshaped the landscape of their professions and inspired countless others to pursue their dreams with courage and determination.
Leaders in Business and Economics:
Christine Lagarde
Role: President of the European Central Bank
Age: 67
Country: France
“The euro is more than a currency. It is the strongest form of European integration and stands for a united Europe that works together, protecting and benefiting all its citizens.”
As the first female President of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde has navigated through a labyrinth of formidable challenges. She has steered the economy in the face of the pandemic's aftermath, the Ukraine war, and the ensuing energy crisis – all converging to spike inflation to an average high of 10.6% in the Eurozone, although it dipped to 2.4% by November. Her tenure has been marked by the most aggressive monetary tightening in ECB's history, with 10 consecutive interest rate hikes from zero to 4.5%.
Closing a year of profound uncertainty and upended paradigms, and with the emergence of new conflicts, such as in Israel, Lagarde now faces the monumental tasks ahead. The French lawyer-turned-banker will navigate the complexities of deglobalization, demographic shifts, and decarbonization. Her pivotal role involves managing monetary easing in a way that minimizes market turbulence. Through it all, Lagarde's leadership continues to symbolize the resilience and unity of a collaborative Europe, safeguarding and benefiting all its citizens.
Linda Yaccarino
Role: CEO of X
Age: 60
Country: United States
“My mother didn’t have the good fortune to go to college. She raised three daughters and made sure that each of her daughters focused on education so we could be financially independent. I continue to think that I owe her and it helps push me and drive me.”
Linda Yaccarino, at 60 years old, has earned her place among this year's most influential women as the CEO of X, previously known as Twitter. Her journey to this challenging role in Silicon Valley, a title that the Financial Times has dubbed "the wildest job," is a testament to her resilience and ambition. Before taking the helm at X, Yaccarino was a key figure at NBCUniversal, but her move to X was driven by a deep-seated aspiration to lead. Working under the watchful eye of Elon Musk, the platform's owner and dominant user, Yaccarino has faced considerable challenges. Despite Musk's often overwhelming presence and the pressures from advertisers for her resignation, Yaccarino remains steadfast in her role. She believes in the future of X and, more importantly, in her own capabilities, continuing a legacy of strength and independence inspired by her mother, who raised three daughters to value education and financial independence.
Laura Catena Zapata
Role: Winemaker
Age: 56
Country: Argentina
“My motto is ‘hard on issues, soft on people’.”
Laura Catena Zapata, a fourth-generation leader of the esteemed Argentinian winery Bodega Catena Zapata, holds degrees in Art from Harvard and Medicine from Stanford. Since 1995, she has been integral to her family's business, where she established the Catena Institute of Wine. Her mission: elevate Argentina's wine production to match the highest international standards. A fervent advocate of Malbec, the signature Argentinian grape, and an ambassador for the Mendoza region, Laura now heads the Bodega. In 2023, Bodega Catena Zapata was ranked first in the World’s 50 Best Vineyards for its exceptional wine tourism offerings. Visitors to the Bodega can experience wine paired with music, try their hand at being "master blenders" for a day, or dine at the "Angélica" restaurant, where the focus is on selecting the perfect wine to complement the dishes.
Milda Mitkuke
Role: Entrepreneur
Age: 37
Country: Lithuania
“To young people wanting to start a business, I say: ‘Just do it, don’t overthink it.’ Often, too much time is spent reconsidering the details of a project. My advice is not to be afraid. If there’s passion, don’t waste time – do it now.”
Milda Mitkute, born in Kaunas, Lithuania, was a university student when she co-founded Vinted in 2008 with her friend Justas Janauskas. Vinted, a web platform for buying and selling used clothing, has grown tremendously over the years. Within a decade, it became Lithuania's first unicorn, a startup valued at over a billion dollars. Today, Vinted operates in 20 countries worldwide, employs 1,800 people, and boasts a community of over 100 million members. Mitkute's journey from a simple idea to a globally recognized platform highlights the power of acting on one's passion without getting bogged down in over-planning.
Karina Milei
Role: Sister and Campaign Manager for Argentine President Javier Milei
Age: 51
Country: Argentina
“(My father) worked 20 hours a day. He instilled in us the values of work, responsibility, and savings. You must earn something by working. You shouldn’t wait for others to give it to you.”
Karina Milei, who transitioned from selling cakes on Instagram to holding a pivotal role in Argentine politics, currently serves as the General Secretary of the Presidency. Her brother, President Javier Milei, affectionately calls her "El Jefe" (The Chief), acknowledging her as the guardian of his public image, his confidante, and the spiritual link to their late dog Conan, whom they both seek advice from in the afterlife. Political analysts regard Karina as the mastermind behind her brother's successful ascent to the presidency as an ultra-liberalist leader. On the day of the inauguration, December 10th, she walked alongside him down Avenida de Mayo in the heart of Buenos Aires, joined him in a convertible parade, and greeted the crowd from the Casa Rosada. Karina plays a role in Milei's presidency that is considered more crucial than that of a traditional first lady.
Trailblazers in Education and Research:
Claudia Goldin
Role: Academic, 2023 Nobel Prize Laureate in Economics
Age: 77
Country: United States
“We need to radically change the way we work if we want to achieve gender equality and equity in partnerships.”
Claudia Goldin, a 77-year-old economic historian, has made a significant impact in the field of economics with her insightful analysis of demographic and employment data spanning generations of women. In her 2021 book "Career and Family," Goldin introduces the concept of "greedy jobs" - demanding roles that require maximum flexibility, wide availability, and significant dedication, which are characteristics of many contemporary jobs and almost all career paths. These roles disproportionately disadvantage women with families, as women are often expected to be the more flexible and available partner for family responsibilities, hindering their career progression. Goldin's decades-long research has illuminated the systemic disadvantage women face in balancing a successful career with a harmonious family life. Her clear and balanced arguments in support of this thesis earned her the Nobel Prize in Economics in October.
Chizuko Ueno
Role: Feminist Sociologist, Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo
Age: 75
Country: Japan
“After reading this book, I feel like a 19th-century worker who has just read The Capital for the first time.”
Chizuko Ueno, a 75-year-old feminist sociologist from Japan, has unexpectedly become an influential figure in China. Her essays, with compelling titles like "Misogyny" and "Would you teach me feminism from scratch?", have resonated deeply, selling over half a million copies in just the first six months of 2023. Additionally, a fiery speech she delivered in 2019 continues to circulate widely on the heavily monitored Chinese internet. Ueno's growing influence in China is particularly noteworthy given the government's stance on feminism, which, as scholar Leta Hong Fincher explains, is seen as subversive. In China, the #metoo movement (#WoYeShi in Chinese) faces censorship, and feminist activists like Huang Xueqin face constant pressure and, in some cases, arrest. Ueno's essays, which analyze Japanese society rather than Chinese, have managed to avoid censorship by Chinese authorities. As a result, Ueno, an unmarried and childless academic, has become a surprising star and role model in a country where traditional female roles are still heavily promoted.
Barbie
Role: Fashion Doll
Age: 64
Country: United States
“You can be anything you want!”
2023 marked a triumphant return for Barbie, propelled by a blockbuster film that grossed $1.43 billion. Directed by Greta Gerwig, the movie transformed the iconic doll into a feminist symbol. In the film, Barbie rebels against her predestined life of endless, identical days in a seemingly perfect world, where men are mere extras. Upon encountering the human world, Barbie discovers various societal issues, including patriarchy. Rather than retreating, she chooses to stay and fight against these injustices. The film's defining moment is Barbie's symbolic act of self-empowerment: giving herself a vagina, a bold statement of autonomy and identity.
Camilla
Role: Queen
Age: 76
Country: Great Britain
“Look up, keep moving on your path, your work.”
In 2023, Camilla ascended to the role of queen, being crowned alongside King Charles III at Westminster Abbey. Despite initially being one of the less beloved figures following the tragic passing of Diana, for which she bore no fault, Camilla has since gained the trust of the British public. Her transformation began in the late 1990s when Mark Bolland, a genius in communication, guided her towards a non-glitzy charity like the National Osteoporosis Society and advised her to adopt a more modest public image, epitomized by her choice of a simple black jacket. Today, as Queen Consort, Camilla remains true to this understated elegance, which has endeared her to many. Last year, she celebrated her 75th birthday with a dinner at Highgrove, expressing surprise at the attention, reflecting her commitment to serving the country. This sense of duty was evident after Queen Elizabeth's death when she comforted an emotionally and ceremonially exhausted King Charles III during a moment of frustration. Born in the same year as Elizabeth and Philip's wedding, Camilla has embraced Prince Philip's philosophy: "Look up, keep moving on your path, your work." However, unlike Philip, she does not receive the same financial support for her official duties. Even amidst the controversies stirred by Prince Harry’s book "Spare," Queen Camilla has continued to steadfastly fulfill her royal duties, demonstrating her commitment to service without seeking the spotlight, a lesson in both duty and humility.
Leonor
Role: Heir to the Spanish Throne
Age: 18
Country: Spain
“I have assumed a great responsibility. I hope to do it with the greatest dignity and with the best example.”
Leonor of Bourbon, the beautiful fairytale-like princess and daughter of King Felipe VI and Letizia, embraced the weighty future of Spain’s relatively young monarchy (re-established in the 1970s by her grandfather) in 2023. Amidst the scandals of King Juan Carlos, internal tensions, and separatist movements, Leonor has become a symbol of hope and renewal. With confidence, dressed in a white trouser suit, her hair neatly tied back, Leonor took the constitutional oath before the solemnly assembled Cortes. Her first words as the heir were filled with commitment and hope: “I have assumed a great responsibility. I hope to do it with the greatest dignity and with the best example. I ask the Spanish people to trust me as I trust in the future of Spain." She shares common adolescent experiences, like wearing braces, with her peers. Her hair tied in a ponytail adheres to the strict rules of the Military Academy she joined for her service period, preparing for her future role as commander-in-chief. A girl like many others, yet destined for the throne, she represents the new generation of princesses poised to reign.
Sonsoles Ónega
Role: Journalist and Writer, Winner of the 2023 Planeta Prize
Age: 46
Country: Spain
“I always run away from labels. But if someone says ‘Las hijas de la criada’ is a feminist novel, so be it.”
Sonsoles Ónega, the accomplished Antena 3 broadcaster, has struck a fine balance between her careers in journalism and literature, dismantling prejudices with a story of redemption. In an interview with El Periódico de España, she remarked, "They tend to ask me more about my boyfriends than my books, but in the end, I don't complain." Her novels were initially overshadowed by her television fame and polite rejections from publishers at the start of her writing journey. Even the gossip about her divorce seemed to eclipse her literary mastery. However, Sonsoles has now triumphed both personally and literarily with her award-winning novel, "Las hijas de la criada," securing the prestigious 2023 Planeta Prize, one of the most significant accolades in Spanish literature, accompanied by a prize of one million euros. She dedicated this honor "to all the writers who are mothers and to all the children of writers," marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
CONCLUSION
As we wrap up our series with these compelling narratives, we are reminded of the extraordinary capacity of women to drive change, overcome obstacles, and inspire action. The stories of these remarkable women from diverse walks of life illustrate that the journey towards excellence and leadership is both challenging and rewarding. Their achievements do not merely mark milestones; they are beacons of hope, signaling a future where gender parity and empowerment are not aspirations but realities.
In reflecting on the journeys of these women, we are compelled to ask ourselves: How can we contribute to creating a world where the achievements of women are not the exception but the norm? How can we, in our own capacities, support and uplift the women around us, helping to forge a path towards a more equitable and inclusive society?
The narratives of these influential women of 2023 are not just stories of individual triumphs; they are collective victories that pave the way for future generations. As we move forward, let their stories be a source of inspiration, a call to action, and a reminder that the strength and potential of women know no bounds. Their legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and resilience. In their honor, let us all commit to championing the cause of women's empowerment, for when women rise strong, the world stands tall.
With affection and admiration,
S.A. Sterling
Source: Le Donne del 2023 secondo il Corriere della Sera, La Ventisettesima Ora, Corriere della Sera, December 2023, https://www.corriere.it/cronache/donne-anno-2023/index.shtml