Women in Retail Leadership Circle is proud to once again partner with Berns & Co. to celebrate the release of its fifth annual list of the 25 Most Inspirational Women Leaders. Timed to coincide with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8), the list honors trailblazing women leaders who are making a significant impact in industries such as retail, fashion, beauty, sports and entertainment. It honors women whose influence extends beyond their companies, setting new benchmarks for excellence and fostering a culture of mentorship and empowerment.

The executives featured this year 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 the WIRLC. This year’s honorees include:

  • Sara Blakely, Founder and Inventor, Spanx and Sneex
  • Ekta Chopra, Chief Digital Officer, e.l.f. Beauty (Women in Retail Leadership Circle Advisory Board member)
  • Mary Ellen Coyne, CEO and President, J.Jill (Women in Retail Leadership Circle member)
  • Jamie Cygielman, Global Head of Dolls, Mattel (Women in Retail Leadership Circle Advisory Board member)
  • Tiffany Dufu, President, Tory Burch Foundation
  • Mary Fox, President, Lovesac (Women in Retail Leadership Circle Advisory Board member)
  • Zarna Garg, Author and Comedian, Zarna Garg Productions
  • Chelsea Parke Goles, Founder and CEO, PARKE
  • Jeremi Gorman, Chief Revenue Officer, Fanatics Advertising
  • Michelle Cordeiro Grant, Founder and CEO, GORGIE
  • Kristin Juszczyk, Co-Founder, Off Season
  • Lizanne Kindler, Executive Chair and CEO, KnitWell Group
  • Stacy Lilien, President, LoveShackFancy
  • Kelly Mahoney, Chief Marketing Officer, Ulta Beauty
  • Brieane Olson, CEO, Pacsun (Women in Retail Leadership Circle member)
  • Denise Paulonis, President and CEO, Sally Beauty Holdings
  • Maureen Polo, CEO, Hello Sunshine
  • Jennifer Prince, Chief Commercial Officer, Los Angeles Rams
  • Aliya Sahai, Principal, Bernstein Private Wealth Management
  • Barbra Sainsurin, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Anthropologie
  • Anne Stephenson, President, Victoria’s Secret
  • Lee Sterling, Chief Marketing Officer, Simon
  • Marisa Thalberg, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, Catalyst Brands
  • Fabiola Torres, Chief Marketing Officer, Gap
  • Anne Walsh, President, North America Retail, Michael Kors (Women in Retail Leadership Circle member)

This year’s honorees all have a shared passion for driving innovation, leading with purpose, and supporting other female leaders. Their influence extends beyond their organizations, shaping the broader retail and business landscapes and setting new benchmarks for excellence. Honorees were asked to submit their proudest business accomplishment, deal or achievement from 2025. What follows is a selection of answers:

Sara Blakely, Founder and Inventor, Spanx and Sneex
“My proudest moment in business was celebrating 25 years (of great rears!) with Spanx and one year of my new shoe brand, Sneex. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to advocate for women everywhere through product.”

Tiffany Dufu, President, Tory Burch Foundation
“I’m most proud of the women entrepreneurs in the Tory Burch Foundation community who are growing, hiring and strengthening local economies through their businesses. Their momentum inspired an audacious five-year goal: To help unlock $1 billion in economic impact — fueling their vision, expanding their reach, and matching their ambition with meaningful support.”

Lizanne Kindler, Executive Chair and CEO, KnitWell Group
“My proudest accomplishment from last year was how our teams led through unprecedented change while staying grounded in our purpose, inspiring and caring for our customers and each other. We remained resilient, innovative, and continued building our brands for long-term growth and success.”

Barbra Sainsurin, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Anthropologie
“My proudest accomplishment was strengthening an integrated marketing, creative, and merchandising system resilient enough to navigate nonstop disruption. From shifting tariffs to AI acceleration and rising media costs, seeing our teams stay aligned, adapt quickly, and still deliver meaningful results filled me with deep pride and gratitude.”

Fabiola Torres, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Gap
“Last year, I was incredibly proud to help launch Gap’s Better in Denim campaign with Katseye, which evolved into a viral sensation. It became our most-viewed, most-liked, and most-shared content ever. What made it truly special was the Gap team who brought it to life.”

WIRLC is proud to celebrate these trailblazing leaders!