The 2024 Forbes list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women has seen a significant increase in combined fortunes, soaring to a record $154 billion. Nearly three-fourths of the 100 women on the list have started or cofounded a company, with 22 serving as chief executives or co-chief executives. The minimum requirement to make the list rose to $300 million, up from $225 million the previous year, marking the highest threshold since Forbes began tracking the top 100 in 2020.
Billionaire Diane Hendricks maintains her position as the wealthiest woman on the list for the seventh consecutive year, with a fortune of $20.9 billion. She founded ABC Supply, a roofing and building supply distributor, with her late husband in 1982 and has seen impressive revenue growth under her leadership. Another notable gainer this year is Elizabeth Uihlein, whose fortune increased by 81% to $6.7 billion due to stronger market conditions and increased information about her company’s revenues.
The list welcomed eleven new faces, including singer Katy Perry, whose estimated net worth is $350 million following the sale of her music catalog in September 2023. Fawn Weaver, owner of Uncle Nearest whiskey brand, and money manager Joan Payden also made their debut on the list. A record 31 billionaires are featured this year, with newcomers such as Barbara Banke, Susan Ocampo, and Sara Liu joining the ranks with substantial fortunes from their respective ventures.
California remains the home to the highest number of list members, with 39 women residing in the state. Texas and New York also have significant representation on the list. While the majority of women saw their fortunes grow, a few experienced a decrease in wealth. Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble, saw her fortune drop to $400 million, while Doris Fisher, cofounder of Gap, saw a decline in her net worth after donating a significant portion of her art collection. Additionally, 11 members from last year’s list did not make it this year, including Anne Wojcicki and Shonda Rhimes.
The methodology used to compile the net worths of the women on the list involves valuing individual assets, including stakes in public and private companies. Eligibility criteria include substantial self-made fortunes made in the U.S., with some women overcoming significant obstacles to achieve their wealth. The list includes women with self-made scores ranging from 6 to 10, indicating their level of entrepreneurship. For more details on the list and the women featured, visit Forbes.com/self-made-women.
