Senior leaders from Ulta Beauty, Gap, Victoria’s Secret, E.L.F. Beauty, Anthropologie, Sally Beauty, Mattel, and Michael Kors were among those named to the fifth annual list of 25 Most Inspirational Women Leaders. The executives were selected by former honorees as well as Berns & Co.’s three prominent business networks: the Retail Influencer Network, The DealmakeHers, and The Z Suite – in partnership with Women in Retail Leadership Circle.

This prestigious list recognizes an elite group of visionaries across retail, fashion, beauty, sports and entertainment. These women are being honored not only for their professional achievements but for their profound commitment to driving innovation, leading with purpose, and fostering a culture of mentorship for the next generation of female executives.

“Five years ago, we launched this list because we believed the industry needed a mirror — a place to reflect back the kind of leadership that doesn't just perform, but transforms,” said Stacy Berns, President of Berns & Co. and founder of the Retail Influencer Network, The DealmakeHers, and The Z Suite. “What we've built is something far bigger than an awards list. It's a living network of women who are rewriting the rules of what it means to lead. The 2026 honorees aren't waiting for the future of their industries — they're building it, deal by deal, decision by decision, and opening doors for the next generation as they go.”

The 2026 Honorees

The 25 leaders selected represent a diverse cross-section of the business world, from iconic founders to C-suite executives at global powerhouses (listed alphabetically by company name):

• Barbra Sainsurin, Global CMO, Anthropologie

• Aliya Sahai, Principal, Bernstein/Alliance Capital

• Marisa Thalberg, EVP, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, Catalyst Brands (JCPenney, Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, etc.)

• Ekta Chopra, Chief Digital Officer, E.L.F. Beauty

• Jeremi Gorman, Chief Revenue Officer, Fanatics

• Faby Torres, CMO, Gap

• Michelle Cordeiro Grant, Founder & CEO, Gorgie

• Maureen Polo, CEO, Hello Sunshine

• Mary Ellen Coyne, CEO, J.Jill

• Lizanne Kindler, Executive Chair & CEO, KnitWell Group

• Jennifer Prince, Chief Commercial Officer, Los Angeles Rams (NFL)

• Mary Fox, President, LoveSac

• Stacy Lilien, President, LoveShackFancy

• Jamie Cygielman, Global Head of Dolls & President of American Girl, Mattel

• Anne Walsh, President, North America Retail, Michael Kors

• Kristin Juszczyk, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Off Season

• Chelsea Parke Goles, Founder, Creative Director & CEO, PARKE

• Brieane Olson, CEO, Pacsun

• Denise Paulonis, President & CEO, Sally Beauty

• Lee Sterling, CMO, Simon Property Group

• Sara Blakely, Founder, Spanx

• Tiffany Dufu, President, Tory Burch Foundation

• Kelly Mahoney, CMO, Ulta Beauty

• Anne Stephenson, President, Victoria’s Secret

• Zarna Garg, Comedian, Screenwriter, and Influencer

"We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible group of women shaping the future of retail, fashion, and beauty," said Melissa Campanelli, co-founder of Women in Retail Leadership Circle. "These honorees exemplify what it means to lead with purpose, drive innovation, and lift others as they rise. Their achievements inspire the next generation of female leaders and set a new standard for excellence across industries."

A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

Now in its fifth year, the Most Inspirational Women Leaders initiative highlights the positive ripple effect of female leadership. This year's honorees have set new benchmarks for excellence, proving that business success and social impact go hand-in-hand.

Prior honorees include Hillary Super, CEO, Victoria's Secret; Kristen D'Arcy, CMO, True Religion; Carol Hamilton, President – Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Development & West Coast Headquarters, L'Oréal USA; Latriece Watkins, Executive Vice President – Chief Merchandising Officer, Walmart U.S.; and Nicola Mendelsohn, Head of Global Business Group, Meta.

About Berns & Co.

Berns & Co. is a strategic communications and advisory firm and community-focused platform connecting the most influential voices in the retail, technology and consumer spaces through its ecosystem of business networks and bespoke events. Through its flagship communities—the Retail Influencer Network, The Z Suite and The DealmakeHers—and its Berns Communications Group services division, Berns & Co. shapes conversations, builds partnerships, and accelerates growth and innovation. Founded in 2002, the company is headquartered in New York City, with satellite offices in San Francisco and Lisbon.

For more information, visit BernsandCo.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter here.

About Women in Retail Leadership Circle

Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) is a membership-based organization of women executives at leading retailers and brands. WIRLC’s mission is to advance leadership development through a mix of events, content, and high-level professional connections. Its community includes accomplished, motivated women across the retail and brand ecosystem who believe that investing in themselves—and in other women—is smart business. Learn more at www.womeninretail.com.

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