elle women of impact 2024

Our 2024 Women of Impact honorees are freedom fighters and rule breakers. These activists, leaders, and visionaries are pushing their fields to new heights, charting their own paths, shaping trends, and saying, “you thought that was my pinnacle? Think again, I’m only getting started.”

Vice President Kamala Harris is making history as the first member of the executive branch to speak boldly about abortion rights. Glossier founder Emily Weiss continues to reinvent her groundbreaking beauty company that she hopes will be a 100-year brand. Tory Burch is empowering women entrepreneurs. Amanda Gorman uses her words to create social change, while Hillary Clinton, Malala, and Shaina Taub are bringing the story of women’s suffrage to Broadway. Senator Tammy Duckworth is helping to ensure people with disabilities are seen and heard, while Congresswoman Veronica Escobar speaks for border communities. Rosario Hevia is working to make the fashion business more sustainable while Cameron Russell works to make it more equitable. CNN’s Abby Phillip is bringing empathy to cable news; Quinta Brunson uses her art to champion public schools; and Jenny Han’s stories make space for herself and others.

The 14 women here prove there’s no one way to make a difference—you can start right where you are. Below, they share their goals, their mantras, how they define success, and what they hope their lasting marks on the world will be.

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vice president kamala harris smiling with her hand on her chin
Vice President Kamala Harris

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Inez & Vinoodh
a brunette woman with her arms crossed
Emily Weiss
Tina Tyrell
adam lippes 10th anniversary dinner
Tory Burch
Nina Westervelt//Getty Images
amanda gorman
Amanda Gorman
Djeneba Aduayom
veronica escobar
Rep. Veronica Escobar
MJ Calixtro
tammy duckworth
Senator Tammy Duckworth
Renee Bouchard
abby phillip
Abby Phillip
Alexander Saladrigas
jenny han
Jenny Han
Courtesy of Taylor Miller/Jenny Han
hillary clinton, malala yousafzai, and shaina taub
Hillary Clinton, Malala Yousafzai, and Shaina Taub
TRUNK ARCHIVE, GETTY IMAGES ,EMILIO MADRID/CONTOUR/GETTY IMAGES
quinta brunson
Quinta Brunson
Rosaline Shahnavaz
cameron russell
Cameron Russell
Will Davidson/Trunk Archive
rosario hevia
Rosario Hevia
Courtesy of Rosario Hevia