At the 14th annual Forbes Power Women’s Summit in New York City, some of the world’s most influential women gathered to explore what power looks like when women fully take ownership of it. Leaders from business, sports, entertainment and beyond shared stories of breaking barriers, challenging tradition and using their influence to create opportunities for others.
Tennis legend Serena Williams focused on the power of directing capital toward overlooked founders. After learning that only a small percentage of venture funding reaches women, Williams made expanding access a priority through Serena Ventures, which has invested in more than 100 companies, including many women-led and women-focused businesses. Her message emphasized that changing who receives funding begins with changing who has a seat at the investment table.
U.S. Bancorp CEO Gunjan Kedia offered a similar call for change, encouraging leaders to question traditions rather than simply repeat them. Kedia, the first woman to lead U.S. Bancorp, urged those in positions of influence to focus on the future and avoid allowing past practices to limit innovation. Her own journey, from selling air fresheners door-to-door in Delhi to leading one of the nation’s largest commercial banks, illustrated how unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary leadership.
Throughout the summit, speakers reinforced that power is not simply about reaching the top, but about deciding what to change once you arrive. Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu discussed redefining success on her own terms, while Paralympian Ali Truwit shared her remarkable return to competitive swimming following a shark attack and leg amputation. Financial educator Vivian Tu also encouraged women to strengthen their financial knowledge, describing money as a tool that can provide greater freedom and choice.
The summit reflected how the conversation around women and power has evolved. When Moira Forbes launched the event 14 years ago, she recalled that many women were hesitant to even use the word “power.” Today, women increasingly embrace it not only as a measure of influence or achievement, but also as an opportunity to reshape industries, expand access and create lasting change.