Forbes 30 Under 30: Meet the Inspiring Black Women Shattering Glass + Making Change

The Forbes 30 Under 30 list consistently highlights young innovators and change-makers, and this year is no exception. We're so inspired by the remarkable Black women who have earned a spot, demonstrating confidence, creativity, and a drive to excel. These women are not just achieving goals; they're redefining what's possible.

This post is dedicated to highlighting these exceptional women, recognizing their backgrounds, achievements, and the challenges they've overcome. Like the creative journey itself, their paths are marked by resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment.

A Spotlight on Excellence:

• Golloria George: A beauty influencer focused on promoting makeup inclusivity and representation. Originally a refugee from South Sudan, she has gained a massive following on TikTok with her makeup reviews and has consulted for major beauty brands. Her personal story of resilience and her dedication to representation in the beauty industry make her a powerful voice.
  
  

  

  Image: Gabby Thomas

• Gabby Thomas: An accomplished track and field athlete who competed in both the Tokyo Olympics and the Paris Games. Beyond her athletic achievements, she has also ventured into the business world, helping launch Athlos, a company focused on athlete development and empowerment. Her dedication to both athletic excellence and entrepreneurial pursuits is truly inspiring.
  
  

  

  Image: Flau’Jae Johnson

• Flau’Jae Johnson: A rising star in women's basketball who helped lead LSU to a national championship in 2023. Her skills on the court and her contribution to such a significant victory highlight her talent and dedication to her sport.
  
  

  

  Image: Hannah Thomas

• Hannah Thomas: Founded in 2020, Hannah created, Brown Girl Hands, a content studio that provides a platform and resources for dark-skinned hand models, directly addressing the lack of diversity and opportunities for representation. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creating a more inclusive industry have lead to her working with companies like Rare Beauty, L’Oréal, and more.
  
  

  

  Image: Toni Bravo

• Toni Bravo: A beauty influencer who not only shares makeup tips and tutorials but also uses her platform to call out brands for their lack of inclusivity. Her advocacy for greater representation in the beauty industry is important and impactful. She’s using her influence to push for positive change.
  
  

  

  Image: Angeline Dukes

• Angeline Dukes: A neuroscience researcher and advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. She is passionate about increasing representation of Black scholars in neuroscience and has founded organizations to support this goal. Her work has been crucial in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for future generations of Black scientists.
  
  

  

  Image: Laila Edwards

• Laila Edwards: A rising star in women's ice hockey. She has made history as the first Black woman to score a goal for Team USA at the IIHF Women's World Championship. This achievement is a significant milestone for representation in the sport.
  
  

  

  Image: Coco Jones

• Coco Jones: A multi-talented entertainer who transitioned from her Disney Channel days to a successful music career. She's a singer-songwriter and actress who has gained recognition for her music and acting roles. Her ability to successfully navigate different areas of the entertainment industry prove her versatility and talent.
  
  

  

  Image: Krystal McLeod

• Krystal McLeod: Working at New York University's Center for Violence and Recovery, Krystal is dedicated to supporting survivors and working to prevent violence. Her work in this critical area stems from her commitment to social justice and making a positive impact on her community.
  
  

  

  Image: Brandy Merriweather

• Brandy Merriweather: The founder of BStarPR, a public relations and marketing firm specializing in the entertainment and lifestyle industries. She has worked with notable brands and has become a prominent figure in the public relations world. Her success as an entrepreneur in such a competitive field shows she’s not your average marketer.
  
  

Breaking Barriers Across the Board:

These women, like many Black women in creative and innovative fields, understand the importance of “working differently.” They embody the spirit of reevaluation and self-reflection, constantly adapting to the ever-changing landscape of their respective industries. From athletes turned entrepreneurs to influencers advocating for change, from researchers dedicated to social justice to entertainment stars forging their own paths, their inclusion on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list is a testament to their dedication, resilience, and ability to break barriers.

Stories Worth Sharing:

Just as we encourage self-reflection and goal reevaluation, learning about other’s journeys can provide motivation for all of us when the journey feels too challenging. We encourage you to research these individuals further and share their stories.

By continuing to learn about their stories, we can fully honor their contributions and inspire future generations.

And, as always, we’re rooting for everybody Black.




You can read more about the full Forbes 30 under 30 2025 Class here.