Success Has No Timeline: Inside Mika Brzezinski and Forbes’ ’50 Over 50′ 2024 List
Celebrating Women Who Redefine Success Beyond 50
Forbes recently revealed its “Forbes 50 over 50 Women 2024” ” List. The “50 Over 50” initiative, co-created by Mika Brzezinski and Forbes, highlights remarkable women over 50 who redefine success by breaking barriers in fields like entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and innovation.
The list features remarkable women who have achieved extraordinary success, from launching billion-dollar startups to leading major philanthropic movements. The platform showcases accomplished women while inspiring others to see each life stage as an opportunity for growth and impact.
Understanding the Forbes 50 over 50 Initiative
I’ve always believed that age should be seen as a badge of honour, a testament to resilience and strength. And that’s exactly what the “50 Over 50” Initiative is about.
What is the “50 Over 50” Initiative?
In 2021, in partnership with Forbes, Mika Brzezinski launched the first 50 Over 50 list. This transformative list published by Forbes honours women redefining what it means to succeed after turning 50. Each honoree exemplifies resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to their passions, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to achieving one’s dreams.
The 50 Over 50 initiative challenges our culture’s age bias in defining success. Research shows that significant professional achievements often happen after decades of experience. Many industry leaders launch transformative ventures in their fifties, sixties, and beyond.
Forbes 50 Over 50 program validates what data has long suggested:
Innovation and leadership excellence aren’t bound by age but are often enriched by the deep expertise that comes with time.
Who’s on the Forbes 50 Over 50 List?
The 50 Over 50 list features a diverse group of women who are accelerating their careers or launching new ventures. These are women like entrepreneurs, investors, inventors, and artists who are making significant impacts across various fields.
What’s Included in the Forbes 50 Over 50 List?
The list encompasses a wide range of talents and achievements. The women recognized in this list are exceptional leaders in their industries and inspiring influencers within their communities. They are making waves in their respective sectors, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Mika Brzezinski’s Role in Starting the 50 Over 50 Initiative
The heart behind this initiative is none other than Mika Brzezinski. She is a dedicated journalist, author, and co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe. In 2015, Brzezinski launched the “Know Your Value movement” to unite working women across the country and empower them. Over her career, Mika has continually championed gender equality and empowered women to own their professional journeys.
But this particular mission to celebrate women over 50 stems from a deeply personal place for her. Mika Brzezinski’s personal experience as a veteran in the broadcast journalism industry shaped her vision for this platform. Having navigated the challenges of the male-dominated media landscape for decades, she recognized a critical gap:
Successful women were often sidelined based on age rather than ability. This insight drove her to create a platform that showcases accomplished women whose impact grows stronger with experience.
Judges Panel of Forbes 50 over 50 2024
The panel of judges who selected the “50 Over 50” honorees included:
- Cynthia Chavez Lamar – Director, National Museum of the American Indian
- Theresia Gouw – Venture Capitalist and Founding Partner, Acrew Capital
- Brenda Darden Wilkerson – President and CEO, AnitaB.org
- Laura Geller – Makeup Artist and Entrepreneur, Laura Geller Beauty
- Suze Orman – Personal Finance Expert and Cofounder, SecureSave
- Hali Lee – Philanthropist and Founder, Asian Women Giving Circle
- Elizabeth Vazquez – Founder, WEConnect International
How “50 Over 50” Inspires Women of All Ages
By spotlighting women who have made significant strides in their careers post-50, the initiative sends a powerful message to society:
Life’s most meaningful achievements can come at any age, and barriers based on age are meant to be broken.
Some Remarkable Women From List of Forbes 50 over 50 (2024)
Forbes 50 Over 50 2024 list highlights extraordinary women who continue to shape their industries. From media icons to philanthropists and entrepreneurs, these women are changing the narrative around age and success.
Here are a few of the remarkable women featured:
- Brooke Shields: Actress and advocate for women over 50.
- Ava DuVernay: Visionary filmmaker creating groundbreaking narratives.
- Anna Wintour: Vogue editor-in-chief, a defining force in the fashion industry.
- Dawn Staley: Acclaimed basketball coach shaping the next generation of athletes.
- Deborah Szekely (102): Activist and philanthropist, our oldest honoree, proving that it’s never too late to make an impact.
Another favorites:
- June Squibb (94) – Hollywood star still performing stunts, most recently in “Thelma.”
- Valerie Jarrett (67) – Former senior advisor to President Obama, now CEO of the Obama Foundation.
- Gayle King (69) – Journalist featured in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition, following Martha Stewart’s cover appearance at 81.
- Martha Stewart (81) – Featured in Sports Illustrated, continues to break age stereotypes.
- Christie Brinkley (70), Molly Sims (51), Roshumba Williams (55), and Paulina Porizkova (59) – Showcased in this year’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.
The 50 Over 50 honorees shatter traditional career milestones by proving success has no expiration date. Their achievements demonstrate that experience enhances potential, making age an accelerator rather than a barrier to professional growth.
Creating a Community of Empowered Women
The “50 Over 50” platform has evolved into a vibrant professional network where accomplished women share insights and forge meaningful connections. This growing network of accomplished women serves as a support system, fostering mentorship and collaboration across generations.
This community provides a powerful roadmap for women of all ages, showcasing diverse paths to success. It becomes clear that this initiative is more than a collection of profiles—it’s a movement toward a more inclusive understanding of Empowering Women at Every Age.
How to Get Involved in the “50 Over 50” Community
If you’re a woman over 50, or know someone who exemplifies resilience, ambition, and leadership, the 50 Over 50 Global list for 2024 is currently seeking nominations from across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South and Central America. The initiative will recognize 50 women who have achieved excellence across entrepreneurship, public service, STEM, arts, and finance.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Age: 50+ years by January 1, 2024
- Location: Based outside the United States
- Achievement: Demonstrated career advancement or reinvention after 50
- Impact: Notable contributions in professional field or society
Achievement Categories:
- Business leadership and entrepreneurship
- Policy development
- Nonprofit and advocacy work
- Scientific innovation
- Artistic accomplishment
Nomination Process:
- Complete the official nomination form
- Document career evolution and key achievements
- Highlight specific impact in chosen field
- Submit by December 1, 2024 (11:59 PM EST)
Here is the link To Official Forbes 50 Over 50 Nomination Form. Selected semifinalists may be contacted by Forbes editors for additional information.
For me, seeing the remarkable stories of these women is a reminder of the limitless potential that exists at every stage of life. It’s a powerful call to rethink what’s possible, embrace change with confidence, and uplift one another across generations.