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The 50 Over 50 Is A Brilliant And Bold Blueprint For All Generations Of Women

The 50 Over 50 Is A Brilliant And Bold Blueprint For All Generations Of Women

Forbes30-07-2025
F our years ago, when my Know Your Value platform partnered with Forbes to launch our very first '50 Over 50' list, I thought we were simply opening a door—a long‑overdue invitation for women over 50 to finally take their seat at the table. What I didn't realize then was that we were tapping into a quiet, yet massive, moment — one that has transformed how I see myself, and how the world sees all of us.
It also challenged the core message of Know Your Value. Instead of urging women to reach their dreams as soon as possible, I realize that women today have a much longer runway to achieve anything and everything they want. This includes finding love, creating a family, and pivoting not just once, but many, many times.
And this year, with the perilous moment that we are in, our list feels like a call to action—a battle cry—and perhaps even a moment to take a stand.
Our democracy is under pressure. Hard‑won freedoms are being stripped away. Budgets that protect the most vulnerable are being gutted. Federal leadership is, too often, in retreat. For many, it feels like the ground is shifting beneath our feet.
But look at the women on this year's list, and you will see something extraordinary. In this climate, they are not backing down. They are doubling down. They are doing mission‑critical work with unshakable purpose, fighting for the future with a tenacity that should inspire every one of us.
Take Alexis McGill Johnson, 52, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, who is steering a 109‑year‑old organization through one of its most perilous eras since the overturning of Roe v. Wade . Or Cecillia Wang, 54, the first woman to serve as National Legal Director of the ACLU, who has argued—and won—immigration cases at the U.S. Supreme Court while calling out raids that tear through communities with devastating impact.
Or Ellie Hollander, 68, leading Meals on Wheels through relentless funding threats, ensuring millions of seniors are fed even as the safety net frays. Or Christina Swarns, 57, executive director of the Innocence Project, who not only leads the charge to exonerate the wrongly convicted but personally argued—and won—before the Supreme Court in Buck v. Davis , overturning a racially biased death sentence. 50 Over 50: 2025 Our fifth annual list of 200 women who are redefining what's possible in life's second half. VIEW THE FULL LIST
None of these women have had it easy. They don't live in a vacuum, either. They fight through headwinds we all feel: Rising costs, dwindling protections from the social safety net, the relentless churn of bad news. And yet, they persist.
This year's '50 Over 50' list may be our most powerful yet. You'll meet leaders in biotech and business, visionaries in art and fashion, and women blazing new trails in politics, philanthropy, and sports. You'll meet vanguards breaking records, building companies and still chasing their dreams—some well into their 80s or 90s!
There are also many women on this year's list proving that it's never too late to pivot. Take 52‑year‑old activist Monica Lewinsky, who launched her own production company and a new podcast, Reclaiming , to candidly share her own—and others'—stories of resilience. Or actress Halle Berry, who has emerged as both an advocate and an entrepreneur for women navigating menopause. And they're far from alone.
And make no mistake: these lists are not celebrations—they are blueprints. Beacons for younger women standing on the sidelines, worried their time is running out. To them I say: there is no deadline on your dreams. You can start over. Start late. Start scared. And still make history.
The class of 2025 is here. They are bold. They are brilliant. They are necessary. And they will challenge you, inspire you, and light the way forward.
More from Forbes Forbes 50 Over 50 Global: 2025 By Maggie McGrath Forbes Meet The Judges For The 2024 50 Over 50 List By Maggie McGrath Forbes The Age Of Disruption: Meet The 50 Over 50 2023 By Maggie McGrath
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150-Lb. Boulder Strikes Teen After Falling Off Rock Face. Then, an 'Angel' Stranger Came to the Rescue

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Personal Space And Alone Time Arguments about personal space often boil down to a need for independence and autonomy within the relationship. When one partner feels suffocated or the other feels neglected, it can lead to tension and conflict. It's important to discuss how much alone time each of you needs and respect those boundaries. Finding a balance between togetherness and independence is crucial for a healthy relationship. Personal space issues can also highlight differences in personality and social needs. Some people recharge through solitude, while others need social interaction to feel fulfilled. Understanding these differences and respecting each other's needs can help minimize conflict. It's important to communicate openly about how you can both feel supported without sacrificing your individuality. By respecting each other's need for space, you can create a more harmonious and understanding relationship. 9. Decision Making Arguments about decision-making often stem from power dynamics and feeling undervalued in the relationship. When one partner feels their input isn't considered, it can lead to resentment and feelings of inequality. It's crucial to ensure both partners feel they have an equal say in decisions that affect the relationship. Open communication and mutual respect are key to navigating these conflicts. Decision-making conflicts can also reflect differences in priorities and values. Each partner might have a different approach to what they consider important, which can lead to disagreements. By discussing each other's perspectives and finding common ground, you can make decisions together more effectively. It's important to ensure that both partners feel heard and respected in the decision-making process. This can lead to a more balanced and harmonious relationship over time. 10. Pet Peeves And Annoyances Pet peeves might seem trivial, but they often symbolize deeper issues around respect and compromise. When one partner feels their boundaries aren't being respected, it can lead to resentment and frustration. It's important to address these annoyances before they escalate into larger conflicts. Discussing how to respect each other's boundaries can help mitigate these issues. Pet peeves can also bring up differences in habits and routines that need to be openly discussed. What one partner finds annoying might be completely normal for the other, which can lead to misunderstandings. By understanding each other's perspectives and finding a compromise, you can reduce tension in the relationship. It's important to be patient and respectful in addressing these annoyances. This can lead to a more harmonious and understanding relationship over time. 11. Future Plans And Goals Arguments about future plans often highlight differences in priorities and values around long-term goals. When one partner feels their dreams and aspirations aren't supported, it can create tension and resentment. It's crucial to discuss your individual and joint goals and find common ground. Open communication about the future can strengthen your connection and ensure both partners feel valued. Future plans can also bring up fears and insecurities about the relationship's direction. It's important to address these concerns and support each other's dreams and ambitions. By discussing your hopes for the future and finding a balance that satisfies both partners, you can create a shared vision for your relationship. It's crucial to prioritize each other's growth and support each other's aspirations. This can lead to a more fulfilling and supportive relationship over time. 12. Communication Styles Differences in communication styles often lead to misunderstandings and conflict in relationships. When one partner feels their communication needs aren't being met, it can create tension and frustration. It's important to discuss how you both communicate and find ways to improve understanding. Open communication and empathy are key to navigating these conflicts. Communication style differences can also highlight underlying issues like insecurity or fear of conflict. It's crucial to address these concerns and ensure both partners feel comfortable expressing themselves. By understanding each other's communication styles and finding ways to bridge the gap, you can reduce misunderstandings and improve your connection. It's important to prioritize empathy and active listening in your conversations. This can lead to a more harmonious and understanding relationship over time. 13. Lifestyle Choices Arguments about lifestyle choices often revolve around differences in values and priorities. When one partner feels their lifestyle isn't respected or supported, it can create tension and resentment. It's important to discuss how your lifestyles align and find common ground. Open communication about lifestyle choices can strengthen your connection and ensure both partners feel valued. Lifestyle conflicts can also highlight differences in upbringing and personal values. It's crucial to address these differences and find ways to support each other's choices. By discussing how your lifestyles can blend and finding a compromise, you can reduce tension in the relationship. It's important to respect each other's choices and prioritize understanding in addressing these conflicts. This can lead to a more harmonious and supportive relationship over time. 14. Jealousy And Trust Issues Jealousy and trust issues often mask deeper insecurities and fears within the relationship. When one partner feels insecure or threatened, it can lead to conflict and tension. It's crucial to address these insecurities and work on building trust and confidence. Open communication and reassurance can help alleviate these issues. Trust issues can also highlight past experiences and fears that need to be addressed. It's important to discuss how these experiences influence your relationship and find ways to build trust and security. By understanding each other's perspectives and finding ways to support each other, you can reduce jealousy and trust issues. It's crucial to prioritize honesty and transparency in your relationship. This can lead to a more fulfilling and trusting relationship over time. 15. Health And Wellness Arguments about health and wellness often revolve around differences in priorities and values. When one partner feels their health needs aren't respected or supported, it can create tension and resentment. It's important to discuss how your health and wellness goals align and find common ground. Open communication about health and wellness can strengthen your connection and ensure both partners feel valued. Health and wellness conflicts can also highlight differences in lifestyle choices and personal values. It's crucial to address these differences and find ways to support each other's health and wellness goals. By discussing how your health and wellness choices can coexist and finding a compromise, you can reduce tension in the relationship. It's important to respect each other's choices and prioritize understanding in addressing these conflicts. This can lead to a more harmonious and supportive relationship over time. Solve the daily Crossword

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