From Hollywood power players to politicians, creatives, philanthropists, executives and entrepreneurs, these 28 fierce females are paving the way in Los Angeles.
Amy Homma
Director and President, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Academy Collection
Credit: Irvin Rivera
Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of? We just opened Jaws: The Exhibition. A few days before the exhibition opened to the public, [the film’s director] Steven Spielberg joined us for a preview. He expressed how much nostalgia and joy he felt seeing photographs and props from the film that he thought were lost to time. It was a highlight of my career.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? I consider myself incredibly lucky to know and be supported by Miky Lee, vice chairwoman of CJ Group and one of our museum trustees. She has this amazing ability to create community and is shaping the entertainment industry through her global vision and support of Korean cinema.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? The Academy Museum is preparing to open Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon on May 31. This exhibition will feature an extensive display of Monroe’s screen-worn costumes and personal items. And in September, we will be opening our next temporary exhibition, The Horror Show, which is sure to captivate horror and film fans alike.
Aisha Bowe
Aerospace Engineer and Entrepreneur
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Credit: Courtesy Aisha Bowe
Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of? I’m most proud of building things that endure beyond a single moment or headline. I’ve been intentional about turning visibility into infrastructure by creating pathways that offer young people real access to mentorship, education and opportunity, particularly in STEM and leadership spaces.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? I’ve been inspired by women in Los Angeles who lead with intellect and presence. Women who are unapologetically excellent. Valeisha Butterfield was honestly my first professional girl crush: whip-smart, impeccably dressed and iconic in how she shows up in all spaces with confidence and clarity.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? Right now, I’m focused on becoming a story worth telling through the work itself. In a city like Los Angeles where culture moves quickly and influences compound, I believe this is a season for stewardship.
Andra Day
Actress and Singer
Credit: Emilynn Rose
Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of? I am most proud of “Rise Up” — not necessarily because of the success, but because of the impact it’s had on people. How some people use it to encourage themselves through some of their darkest moments and [its] being adopted by the Black Lives Matter movement and being a protest song that represents faith, service and resistance.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? Singers, of course, like Etta James and Brandy, as well as women who use their voice and platform to honor God and serve their community, like one of my pastors, Erica Campbell, and the activists Patrisse Cullors and Alicia Garza.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? I am hyper-focused on finishing new music this year and creating a series of EPs with producers and artists I love. I want something that reflects love and worship. We also have new [Disney+ series] Percy Jackson things coming.
Carly Steel
Entertainment Tonight Host
Credit: Irvin Rivera
What are you most proud of? I’m most proud of winning two Emmy Awards for my on-air work at Entertainment Tonight. A career-defining moment was hosting the Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation premiere with Tom Cruise before tens of thousands of fans and shutting down Times Square.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations? I’m fortunate to count so many accomplished women among my friends. Two of my greatest inspirations are Laurie Feltheimer and Anastasia Soare — among the chicest, most impressive and hardworking women I know. Each has built an empire with grace and integrity and they lead with authenticity.
What’s next for you? I’ve just sold my first feature film screenplay to a major production company behind some of my favorite blockbuster films. It’s a milestone moment — and the realization of a long-held dream to tell stories on both sides of the camera.
Corinne Foxx
Actress
Credit: JSquared Photgraphy
What are you most proud of? I’m most proud of my work on Beat Shazam. I’ve been part of the show for seven years now. I’m proud of my advocacy work around mental health and women’s health. I’ve been an ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI] since 2017 and an ambassador for the Endometriosis Foundation of America [EndoFound] since 2021.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations? Kerry Washington has known me since I was little and she’s continued to show up for me in meaningful ways. She’s given me opportunities as both an actress and a writer.
What’s next for you? I’m developing film and TV projects through Foxxhole Productions and our deal with Fox Studios, which has been an exciting shift into building things from the ground up. I’m [also] launching my first company, Else, a women’s pain-relief brand.
Corinne Verdery
CEO of Caruso
Credit: Irvin Rivera
What are you most proud of? One of the projects I am most proud of is our work at Palisades Village and what it represents to the community. After the January 2025 fires, the goal has never been simply reopening. It is about restoring confidence, stability and a sense of normalcy for the families and businesses determined to return. We look forward to fully reopening in August.
Which women in L.A. have inspired you? Business owners like Elyse Walker, who tragically lost her original namesake store in the Palisades but became a powerful advocate for the community’s return; and acclaimed chef Nancy Silverton, who intentionally chose Palisades Village to be the home of her brand-new restaurant Spacca Tutto.
What’s next? At The Americana at Brand, we continue to evolve the luxury retail and residential experience. At Rosewood Miramar Beach, we are expanding the resort with new luxury residences, additional shops and a café, and new affordable housing.
Georgia Hawley
Midnight Mission Chief Communications Officer
Credit: Courtesy Georgia Hawley
Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of? I’m most proud of the work I’ve done to help strengthen trust, transparency and human dignity in the way Los Angeles talks about homelessness.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? I’m especially inspired by women doing the hard, often unseen work in service, recovery and advocacy. Women like Amy Turk of the Downtown Women’s Center, Estela Lopez of the Industrial District BID and Sieglinde Von Deffner of Housing for Health, who have worked in Skid Row for decades and have shown me what sustained commitment, courage and care look like over a lifetime of service.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? I’m working to tell stories that honor the full humanity of people experiencing homelessness — stories that hold pain and struggle, but also resilience, creativity, recovery and hope. I try to do this with great care, always protecting dignity and remembering that how we tell a story matters just as much as the story itself.
Helen Hoehne
President of Golden Globes LLC
Credit: Irvin Rivera
Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of? I’m most proud of helping guide the Golden Globes through a period of meaningful transformation and renewal. Over the past few years, we’ve worked to expand inclusion and reaffirm the Golden Globes as a global celebration of excellence in film and television.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? I’ve been inspired by women across entertainment, philanthropy and business — those who quietly build lasting impact as well as those who lead publicly.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? Right now, my focus is on continuing to strengthen the Golden Globes’ role as a global cultural touchstone. One exciting new initiative is the Golden Globes Tribute Gala in Brazil, which reflects our commitment to international audiences and celebrating creative excellence beyond Hollywood. Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding the organization’s year-round presence and impact, creating initiatives that support artists, journalists and the global creative community well beyond awards season.
Jennifer Naylor
Restaurateur, Chef and Caterer
Credit: Irvin Rivera
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger were the first women chefs I worked with at a time when there were virtually none. It was a thrill to cook for Julia Child. She said to me, “Your foie gras is like a poem, dear.” I was so tickled. When Wolfgang Puck first asked me to shop at the Santa Monica Farmers Market for our Granita menu, I was not sure exactly what to buy, so I followed around Nancy Silverton and asked each farmer what she had just bought.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? We have been working with the organization Build Back Pali, whose mission is to help rebuild, restore and revive our communities following the Palisades fire. I have also been working on a special little neighborhood gem called John Sparr Tavern in Montrose. I stumbled on this place created by two ex-Disney Imagineers with great steaks and martinis and Frank Sinatra playing.
Hilary Shor
Producer
Credit: Irvin Rivera
Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of? My greatest accomplishment, first and foremost, is my daughter, Taylor. But the project I am most proud of is the film Children of Men, which has gone down in history as a masterpiece of filmmaking thanks to the director, Alfonso Cuarón. I spent eight years working to bring it to fruition, having optioned the book on its publication. It foreshadowed so many of the issues we are facing today.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? When I arrived in L.A. in the ’80s, I was lucky enough to be introduced to Sherry Lansing. She ran a studio and was a legend, yet she always took the time to allow me to bend her ear. Jane Fonda is someone I greatly admire and had the pleasure of working with when she starred as Nancy Reagan in The Butler.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? I just finished a fabulous long-form TV project called The Artist. Next up is a tale about three generations of women and the effect they have on each other.
Jo Anne Worley
Comic Actress and President of Actors and Others for Animals
Credit: Joan Marcus
Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of? A focus on spay and neuter has been our main thing at Actors and Others for Animals. That is why the shelters are full. We raise funds to help pay veterinarian bills for people, and we’ll match you up with a good one who’s close so that you don’t have to drive out to the desert. The clients are not always people from showbiz. Some are from real life.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? Since comedy is my bag, I would see and admire Carol Burnett and certainly Lucille Ball, who paved the way. I started in theater and just kind of lucked my way into television. Not only were these ladies successful in their careers, but in their life’s purposes of giving back. It [was] hard not to be a friend of Betty White. She was one of the founders of the group back in the ’60s and her husband hosted game shows, which I did many times.
Justine Lupe
Actress
Credit: Shayan Asgharnia
Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of? I’m most proud of myself for doing seasons 1 and 2 ofNobody Wants This while navigating the challenges that come with acting pregnant and postpartum. I took on more responsibility as an actor than I ever had prior, while also really embracing this new responsibility in my personal life.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? One of my dear friends, Eleonore Toulin, is a chef and makes incredible food. When I was on hiatus from work for a few years, I asked her to help me learn to cook and she took me under her wing. I also am inspired by the creative brain of Leslee Feldman at Amblin; Ashley Wells who runs All Time; and my friend, director Lorene Scafaria, who is immensely talented.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? I’m currently working on the movie Sponsor for Apple with Jason Segel, John C. Reilly and Amy Madigan and directed by James Ponsoldt. After that, I’ll be going into season 3 of Nobody Wants This.
Karey Burke
President of 20th Television
Credit: Irvin Rivera
What are you most proud of? I’m most proud of having raised thoughtful, brave children who are actively seeking joy and meaning in their lives. Then, the single best part of my job is watching a creator’s vision truly connect with an audience. There’s nothing better than seeing something deeply personal become widely loved.
Which women in L.A. have inspired you? [President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company] Dana Walden is an extraordinary leader who continues to raise the bar, not just for women, but for everyone in this business. I’m endlessly grateful for and inspired by my sisters: Julie, a CEO, and Erin, a career project manager.
What’s next for you? My current obsessions are Ryan Murphy’s extraordinaryLove Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, as well as a new romantic comedy from Erin and Sara Foster for Hulu.
Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt
Author and Entrepreneur
Credit: Cindy Gold
What are you most proud of? I’m most proud of having three kids and being a mother over everything
Which women in L.A. have inspired you? My mom [Maria Shriver] is my greatest inspiration in all she does and balances. I am always inspired by her ability to be such a hands-on mother, wife, friend, sister and all-around boss woman!
What’s next for you? I’m loving doing interviews with different people for my podcast, BDA Baby (Before During and After Baby). We cover everything from fertility to relationships and sex after baby. I also love being able to work with amazing brands like Biologica — they’re really aligned with pushing women’s health and hormone wellness forward through conversations and support for every phase of a woman’s life.
Karla Welch
Stylist and Entrepreneur
Credit: Max Gerber
What are you most proud of? I’m truly proud of all my work. I’m proud that I’ve been able to have a long styling career of almost 20 years. I’m proud that I’ve been able to work in so many different arenas of fashion. But right now, I’m really deeply proud of the work we are doing at The Period Company to look at changing the way we period and the way the world even thinks about periods.
Which women in L.A. have inspired you? The women who are out there in their own communities making a difference in people’s lives. Not the fanfare but the ones who know that when women and girls thrive, everyone thrives.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? Changing the way the world periods [through absorbent, sustainable underwear that can be used in place of tampons or pads]. Oh, and awards season, of course!
Laura Dave
New York Times Bestselling Author
Credit: Katherine Eskovitz
What are you most proud of? I’m proud of The Last Thing He Told Me and its sequel, The First Time I Saw Him. I spent more than a decade with these characters and they have a special place in my heart.
Which women in L.A. have inspired you? I’m inspired by the mom friends. We’re raising our children as a community. Also, how can I not mention Jennifer Garner? In addition to bringing Hannah Hall to life in an incredible way [in Apple TV’s The Last Thing He Told Me], her charity work and work for children is a guiding light to so many.
What’s next? I’m adapting The Night We Lost Him as a film for Netflix. I’m also writing a new novel, which takes place in Aspen and Big Sur.
Laura Friedman
Congresswoman
Credit: Office of Congresswoman Laura Friedman
What are you most proud of? Even when everyone said it was impossible, I fought the Trump administration’s attempts to end funding from Covered California and helped get ACA tax credit relief passed in the House. So far, we returned $5.5 million directly to constituents’ pockets. I led the fight to successfully unfreeze nearly $20 million in HIV prevention grants for our community.
Which women in L.A. have inspired you? It hasn’t been the politicians that have been my inspiration, but the local residents who volunteer their time on city commissions, doing political activism, on non-profit boards, at schools, libraries, community gardens and hospitals, for no reward or fanfare but out of a desire to make their communities better.
Lauren Parrish
Fashion Entrepreneur
Credit: Irvin Rivera
What are you most proud of? There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone wearing a piece I helped create. I’m especially proud of the companies I’ve founded and grown, notably Brochu Walker, as well as the bands I’ve helped build.
Which women in L.A. have inspired you? I’m inspired by remarkable women such as Cristina Ehrlich, Elizabeth Stewart and Olivia Spralja — accomplished, entrepreneurial leaders.
What’s next for you? Last year, I soft-launched a recycled cashmere sweater collection called Betty & George, named after my grandparents, and temporarily paused due to tariff challenges. I’m happy to share that we are relaunching the brand.
Madison Poulter
Mad Collective Founder
Credit: Irvin Rivera
Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of? In just one year, we’ve built a city-wide network rooted in care and action — a community that shows up when our systems don’t. Feeding neighbors impacted by ICE, responding when SNAP was suspended and stepping in during moments of real need have been some of our most meaningful efforts. What matters most is how this work brings people together. It shows that care is accessible, collective action works and that everyone has a role to play.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? I’m focused on building sustainable funding so this work can grow. The goal is simple: get people fed. But the vision is bigger than any one program. Too many of us are one stroke of bad luck away from needing help, and I want a future where feeding one another is normal, dignified and rooted in generosity — not crisis. Mutual care shouldn’t be the exception; it should be the standard.
Marianna Gatto
Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles
Credit: Irvin Rivera
Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of? I began working on the museum project in 2005, spearheading the campaign to renovate the historic building and develop the museum. I documented the largely unknown history of Italian Americans in the region. I helped negotiate a landmark agreement with the City of Los Angeles, led the capital campaign, authored the museum’s permanent exhibition and oversaw the museum’s opening.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? What’s next for me is continuing my work in history, culture, public engagement and preservation. In June, the IAMLA will debut its newest original temporary exhibition, Mangia! The Evolution of Italian Food in the U.S., which examines the process by which Italian cuisine evolved from the largely unknown foodways belonging to a marginalized group of immigrants — a foreign “exotic” cuisine — to a deeply integrated if not inextricable part of American life.
Michelle Pesce
DJ + CEO/Founder Of Nona Entertainment
Credit: Irvin Rivera
What are you most proud of? Thriving as a full-time DJ in L.A. for over 20 years! In a city that has historically supported the next and newest, it’s been a huge feat to consistently spin at this level.
Which women in L.A. have inspired you? I’m fiercely inspired by entrepreneurs, activists and those raising the spiritual vibe in our city. Especially the women who are elevating the Hollywood entertainment or DJ worlds and those using their platforms to make the world a better place — the true believers in what L.A. is and can be!
What’s next for you? My gigs include events around the Super Bowl, The Actor Awards, the Oscars, Europe and a few premieres. I’ll continue elevating my artist booking firm of 10+ years, Nona Entertainment, by working with the most talented DJs and non-DJ musicians in the city. This is a time to see our city shine again with major events after a rough five years.
Patti Röckenwagner
Restaurateur and Philanthropist
Credit: Irvin Rivera
Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of? Working with my husband Hans Röckenwagner on the majority sale of our bakery to private equity. It was a 30-year overnight success and a rare exit in the hospitality industry.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? My besties Jamie Lee Curtis, Jodie Foster and Alex Hedison (all born-and-raised native Angelenos, by the way) are superlative artists, philanthropists, advocates and humans. How lucky for L.A. (and me) that we get to claim them.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? I’m currently helping World Without Exploitation, the nation’s largest coalition working to end human trafficking and sexual exploitation, in their noble effort to get all the Epstein files properly released.
Quenlin Blackwell
Actress and Content Creator
Credit: Max Montgomery
Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of? Some of the moments I’m most proud of include walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, continuing to grow my cooking series Feeding Starving Celebrities and appearing on HBO’s I Love LA.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? I’m especially grateful to Rachel Sennott for believing in me and bringing me intoI Love LA, and of course, my mother, who has always been my biggest inspiration and grounding force.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? Right now, I’m focused on continuing to build Feeding Starving Celebrities and developing new projects across television and film. I’ve been working on a project near and dear to my heart for the past few years that I can’t share details for yet, but I can’t wait to put it out into the world hopefully later this year.
Rachel S. Moore
President and CEO of the Music Center
Credit: Courtesy Rachel S. Moore
What are you most proud of? One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is reimagining The Music Center as a 21st century performing arts institution and one grounded in equity, relevance and service to community.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? I’m honored to be part of a legacy of incredible female leaders at The Music Center, including former board chairs Cindy Miscikowski, Lisa Specht and Andrea Van de Kamp and our founder Dorothy Buffum Chandler.
Rebecca Corry
Stand Up for Pits Executive Director
Credit: Irvin Rivera
What are you most proud of? What I’m most proud of is the Stand Up For Pits Foundation and the countless pit bull lives this desperately needed charity continues to save.
Which women in L.A. have inspired you? The greatest teacher, friend and inspiration I’ve ever known is Angel. She has four legs and never spoke a word, but she changed the trajectory of my life [and] inspired a movement.
What’s next? I am working on ending the suffering and killing of dogs in Los Angeles, which has been allowed to happen for decades. I’m writing and directing my third documentary film, which supports the Stand Up For Pits Foundation mission and will expose the societal state of emergency America’s animals are in.
Ruth Carter
Costume Designer
Credit: Irvin Rivera
What are you most proud of? Projects like Black Panther asked for more than design — they required cultural responsibility, imagination and a deep respect for history. I’m equally proud of the quieter victories: building a department rooted in trust, mentoring the next generation and sustaining a career that has allowed me to grow, take risks and remain true to my voice over decades. Longevity itself is an accomplishment.
Which women in L.A. have inspired you? Los Angeles means the Angels, and two women I consider angels are Angela Bassett and Zinzi Coogler.
What’s next for you? My traveling exhibition, Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design, currently in residence at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, invites audiences to experience costume design as a language of culture, history and imagination. On the film side, I have The Thomas Crown Affair coming up with the extraordinary Michael B. Jordan, and I’ll soon begin a new project with the endlessly creative Eddie Murphy.
Dr. Sharona R. Nazarian
Beverly Hills Mayor
Credit: Irvin Rivera
What are you most proud of? Public safety has always been my North Star. A city can only thrive when people feel safe, seen and protected. Throughout my term, we have worked in close partnership with our Beverly Hills Police and Fire Departments to implement forward-thinking, technology-driven solutions that keep our community protected 24 hours a day.
Which women in L.A. have inspired you? My mother was my mentor. She taught me that education is not simply an achievement, but a responsibility.
What’s next for you? I am always thinking about how to make things better. Meaningful progress requires both vision and action, and I am proud of the innovative initiatives we are launching across our city that reflect both. Looking ahead, I am honored and excited to announce my reelection campaign for Beverly Hills City Council.
Tara Rudes Dann
L’agence Fashion Director
Credit: Ron Mey
Which projects or accomplishments are you most proud of? My career — starting with Barneys and then J Brand, evolving into L’Agence. I’m inspired by creating community, and I’m proud that we make women feel beautiful and seen. I’m proud to support a diverse group of charities. Also, my beautiful children and my husband — always and forever.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? My best friend, Brittny [Gastineau], and her mother, my aunty, Lisa Gastineau. My style icon aunties: Carol and Arianne Rudes. Shelli Azoff, who is class personified. Kris Jenner has been so supportive of the brand and me. My momager and fellow featured L.A. Woman, Hilary Shor, who is a mentor to me in business and life.
What are you currently working on, and what’s next for you? We’re going from our Fall New York Fashion Week show straight into designing Spring ’27. I have some outrageous launches coming soon for L’Agence that I’m very proud of. I’m always pushing for more. Kids, husband, sports, events, repeat.
Yasmine-Imani Mcmorrin
Culver City Council Member and Former Mayor
Credit: Irvin Rivera
Which are you most proud of? I am most proud of our Mobile Crisis Team, launched in 2024, that provides non-emergency mental health care and support to members of the Culver City community (housed and unhoused) by responding to mental health crises and providing necessary support.
Which women in L.A. have served as inspirations to you? Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Mayor Karen Bass, Pasadena Unified School Board Member Patrice Marshall McKenzie, former Culver City Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells, my mom, Delores McMorrin and my daughter, Madison Yvonne McMorrin.
What’s next? I’m excited to start the Culver City Women and Girls Committee. It will be a time-limited, five-member body with significant community engagement to ensure the city promotes equality, justice and empowerment by advocating for policies, educating the public and providing recommendations that will address systemic issues.