TIME 100 List: The 15 'Most Influential' Women That We Love

TIME Magazine released its list of 100 Most Influential People today -- and quite a few of those 100 are women. Women made up about 40 percent of TIME's list this year, and their range of accomplishments is nothing short of remarkable. The TIME 100 features actresses, activists, politicians and businesswomen. (Side note: It was bit confusing to see Claire Danes on there, even though "Homeland" is a great show and we'll always love Angela Chase.)

We rounded up 15 women that we were most excited to see featured. Did we miss anyone you admire?

LOOK: 15 Women From TIME's 100 Most Influential People

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• Adele

  Oh, <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2111950,00.html" target="_hplink">Adele</a>, there aren't enough superlatives. Her songs make you want to smile, cry and possibly engage in some ill-advised karaoke. The fact that she possesses incredible body confidence and that her wildly successful albums were inspired by a wayward ex-boyfriend are just icing on the cake.

• Viola Davis

  Even though <em>New York Magazine</em> put <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112127,00.html" target="_hplink">Viola Davis</a> on its list of <a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/04/time-100-influential-people.html" target="_hplink">least influential</a> people from <em>TIME</em>'s 100, we think she did much more than "nearly win an Oscar." While white author Kathryn Stockett faced criticism for writing in a black woman's voice in her bestselling novel "The Help," no one disputed the power or authenticity of Davis' performance in the movie, giving voice to a character who fifty years ago in real life might not have had one. She also showed that women in their 40s can take on roles far meatier than the main character's mother.

• Samira Ibrahim

  After 25-year-old <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2111959,00.html" target="_hplink">Samira Ibrahim</a> was detained with her peers and subjected to "virginity testing" against her will, she sued the Egyptian military. In December, she won her case, and the practice was ruled illegal.

• Cecile Richards

  It's been a challenging year for <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2111998,00.html" target="_hplink">Cecile Richards</a>, who's been the President of Planned Parenthood since 2006. Through it all, Richards has been a tireless advocate for women and their right to accessible health care. (And kudos to<em> TIME </em>for asking Sandra Fluke to write Richards' blurb in the 100 list -- we just wonder why Fluke herself wasn't included.)

• Hillary Clinton

  This year, <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2111951,00.html" target="_hplink">Hillary Clinton</a> got hip. She dances! She drinks beer! She texts! She understands Tumblr! Oh yeah, and she's the current Secretary of State and a former New York Senator ... and former First Lady. NBD.

• Virginia Rometty

  <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2111962,00.html" target="_hplink">Virginia Rometty</a>, or "Ginni," became the first female CEO of IBM this year. The 54-year-old Northwestern graduate is an inspiration to women looking to break into the Tech sector. She also indirectly forced <a href="http://espn.go.com/golf/masters12/story/_/id/7790749/2012-masters-ibm-chief-virginia-rometty-augusta-minus-green-jacket" target="_hplink">Augusta National to defend its no-girls-allowed policy</a> all over again.

• Kristen Wiig

  We can't say we're at all surprised to see 38-year-old <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112109,00.html" target="_hplink">Kristen Wiig</a>, the comedic genius behind "Bridesmaids," on <em>TIME</em>'s list. She's been making us laugh on <em>SNL</em> since 2005, but her hilarious, often graphic blockbuster about female friendship made her an icon "She never thought she was making a statement about women in comedy. Of course women in comedy have always been brilliant," <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112109,00.html" target="_hplink">Judd Apatow</a> wrote in <em>TIME</em>. Yes they have, Judd, but we'll always love Wiig for driving that point home.

• Sara Blakely

  When she invented SPANX, <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112100,00.html" target="_hplink">Sara Blakely</a> managed to make shape wear sophisticated and easy to wear, and with the silly name, poke fun at the entire, often-hilarious project of girding yourself. Now a household name, SPANX sells 200 products in over 40 countries, and Blakely has become a self-made billionaire.

• Sheryl Sandberg

  42-year-old <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112093,00.html" target="_hplink">Sheryl Sandberg</a> is the COO of Facebook -- and a vocal advocate for women. She's spoken extensively about work-life balance, motherhood and women in the tech industry.

• E.L. James

  Whether you love, hate or wouldn't deign to read "Fifty Shades of Grey," there's no denying the popularity of <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112140,00.html" target="_hplink">E.L. James</a> book or the really fascinating discussion it has prompted about women's sexuality. She put a not at all shocking but still often hidden truth out in the open: women really like sex.

• Christine Lagarde

  We can all agree that having a woman become the managing director of the International Monetary Fund is pretty awesome. 56-year-old <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2111994,00.html" target="_hplink">Christine Lagarde</a> has also served as France's Finance Minister, and as <em>TIME</em> pointed out, could run for President in a few years.

• Portia Simpson Miller

  <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2111996,00.html" target="_hplink">Portia Simpson Miller</a> became Jamaica's first female Prime Minister in 2006. However, she's been involved with Jamaican politics since 1976 when she was elected to Parliament.

• Maria das Gracas Silva Foster

  <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2111991,00.html" target="_hplink">Maria das Gracas Silva Foster</a> grew up in the favelas of Brazil. Today, at 58, she's the CEO of Petrobras, one of Brazil's largest oil and gas companies.

• Angela Merkel

  German Chancellor <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112098,00.html" target="_hplink">Angela Merkel</a> is one of the most powerful women in Europe. The 57-year-old has been a huge power player when it comes to European economic decisions -- for better or worse.

• Maryam Durani

  <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112120,00.html" target="_hplink">Maryam Durani</a> was presented with an International Women of Courage Award this year by Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama -- and for good reason. The Afghani woman owns and operates a radio station in Kandahar that focuses on women's issues, which has made her the target of several assassination attempts.

Comments

[Jan Shoemate]

09:38 PM on 04/22/2012

adele? oh please, I still don't see why ppl make such a big deal about her!

[goodmarina]

04:18 AM on 04/21/2012

I gotta hand it to Maryam Durani -- she has courage and she lives up to her convictions -- at the risk of putting her life on the line.


I admire all the other women ... but this woman is something else.


She inspires me ... and makes me wonder why we are so complacent in the face of such great opportunity and possibilities (compared to hers).

[Ty2010]

12:09 AM on 04/21/2012

I see the misguided leanings, Merkel was dissed and Lagarde praised. The IMF crashes currencies and banking systems in places that merely have down markets while Merkel is the only reason there hasn't been a severe bond auction failure causing the EU to implode. Hope the writers get their history and priorities straight.

[MORAL SOLUTION]

06:02 PM on 04/20/2012

Many OLD girls freeze their eggs so they can party like rock stars, be girls for as LONG as possible, and then have kids after 45.

[libr045]

04:55 PM on 04/20/2012

Yeah what's with the bait and switch?

[gbar879]

04:27 PM on 04/20/2012

A self-made billionaire and the CEO of an oil company??? Are you sure they are on the correct list??

[Acorn Tree]

05:32 PM on 04/20/2012

yes it says influential do you see affordable solar cars anywhere?

[gbar879]

08:15 PM on 04/20/2012

lol Sorry I forgot to switch to my sarcasm font!

[InventPeace]

10:56 AM on 04/20/2012

I thought this article was supposed to be about women freezing something??

[Kathleen CrouseBradley]

09:45 AM on 04/20/2012

For some reason I don't feel a woman who gets beaten by her BF, calls police on him, and then starts seeing him AGAIN a role model for anyone! Clearly not speaking about Adele....

[Acorn Tree]

05:36 PM on 04/20/2012

this list is about money power and followers on twitter

[Kathleen CrouseBradley]

10:28 AM on 04/21/2012

My reply was to someone that thinks Rhianna is a role model, I was just exercising my right to free speech. I don't believe she fits the "criteria" for that honor. I sure as heck wouldn't refer to her when trying to make a point to ANY child.

[Xanadutu]

11:33 PM on 04/20/2012

I'm wondering if Adele really IS a WOMAN???
She looks like a man!!!

[Veluriel]

11:00 PM on 04/19/2012

Adele is also an avid smoker and heavy drinker. And when she was told to give up cigarettes she said she was upset because it was her favorite thing in the world. Yup. Admire away.

[berrygal66]

12:23 PM on 04/20/2012

She did quit both in 2011. Do you ever read past an intital story?

[lobsterhead2]

04:21 PM on 04/20/2012

oh no- she smokes and drinks?
good heavens. i bet she swears from time to time too!
don't be so wimpy. people who smoke and drink are tough!

[Hanta Thomas]

01:57 AM on 04/19/2012

You forgot Rihanna. Smiley face.

[jamaicagirl]

09:21 PM on 04/18/2012

Women Power, all the time.

HuffPost - Portia Simpson Miller became Jamaica's first female Prime Minister in 2006. She was re-elected in December 2011.