Every year, Forbes creates its top 100 list of ‘The World’s Most Powerful Women’, an incredible accolade for women who have made their mark on the world.
According to Forbes this list is determined by four main criteria: money, media, impact and spheres of influence. This results in a list of 100 women across finance, technology, media, and beyond.
Ursula von der Leven tops the list of Forbes ‘Most Powerful Women’ 2024
Top of the list for 2024 is Ursula von der Leyen, who holds the esteemed title of President of the European Commission, European Union. Born in 1958 in Brussels, Belgium, von der Leyen is a prominent German politician and physician with a distinguished career in public service.
Throughout her political career, she has held multiple positions within the German government which has led to more than 14 years of experience as a Federal Minister.
Ursula von der Leven boasts an impressive academic record in medicine
This includes the role of Germany’s Federal Minister of Defence which she held between 2013 and 2019. This is significant because it made her the first woman to hold this position, where she was responsible for overseeing Germany’s military and its strategic direction through various global challenges.
Aside from politics, Ursula von der Leyen also boasts an impressive academic record in medicine. After obtaining her medical licence in 1987, she went on to obtain a doctorate in 1991, followed by a Master of Public Health in 2001.
