From tech innovators to pizza moguls, the landscape of American business is being reshaped by powerful women who built empires from the ground up. The 2025 list of the top 15 richest self-made women in the U.S. is more than just a net worth tally — it’s a celebration of determination, resilience, and groundbreaking success.
#1 Diane Hendricks – $22.3 Billion (Wisconsin)
Diane Hendricks tops the list with a staggering $22.3 billion net worth. As the co-founder and chair of ABC Supply, a major distributor of roofing and building materials, Hendricks has maintained her place as a titan in construction supply.
Her journey began in Beloit, Wisconsin, where she and her late husband Ken Hendricks built ABC Supply from scratch in 1982. Today, the company has over 800 locations across the country. Diane’s relentless focus on growth and customer service has made her the wealthiest self-made woman in America.
#2 Judy Faulkner – $7.8 Billion (Wisconsin)
Judy Faulkner founded Epic Systems in 1979 — a healthcare software company that now powers the medical records of over 250 million patients worldwide.
Despite staying out of the media spotlight, her influence is massive in the healthcare IT industry. Faulkner, now 81, built her company without outside funding and still owns the majority stake. She has committed to donating 99% of her wealth to philanthropic causes through The Giving Pledge.
#3 Marian Ilitch & Family – $6.9 Billion (Michigan)
Marian Ilitch co-founded the globally recognized Little Caesars Pizza chain with her husband Mike in 1959. Today, at 92, she oversees Ilitch Holdings — a group that also includes the Detroit Red Wings, MotorCity Casino Hotel, and Olympia Entertainment.
Marian has been a major force in both the food and entertainment industries. Her resilience in continuing the business after her husband’s passing reflects her leadership strength and business acumen.
#4 Lynda Resnick – $6.3 Billion (California)
Lynda Resnick is the marketing genius behind household names like POM Wonderful, Fiji Water, and Wonderful Pistachios. She and her husband Stewart built The Wonderful Company into a $5 billion agricultural empire.
Based in California, Lynda’s approach to branding and sustainability has reshaped the food and beverage industry. Her philanthropic efforts in education and climate change also define her as a well-rounded leader.
#5 Thai Lee – $6.1 Billion (Texas)
Thai Lee, born in Thailand and educated at Harvard, is the CEO of SHI International — a multibillion-dollar IT provider. Under her leadership, SHI grew from a modest startup into one of the largest woman-owned businesses in the U.S.
Lee’s story is one of global ambition and smart execution, with her company now serving Fortune 500 clients across various sectors. Her success reflects the growing prominence of women in the tech industry.
#6 Elizabeth Uihlein – $5.6 Billion (Illinois)
Elizabeth Uihlein, along with her husband Richard, co-founded Uline — a leading distributor of packaging and shipping materials. Based in Illinois, Uline now employs thousands and services a massive North American clientele.
Elizabeth plays a critical role in operations and corporate culture, and her focus on customer satisfaction has fueled consistent growth. She is also known for her philanthropic support in education and health care.
#7 Gail Miller & Family – $4.6 Billion (Utah)
Gail Miller is the matriarch behind the Larry H. Miller Group — a sprawling network of car dealerships and businesses. After her husband’s death, she took full control of the business, making strategic decisions that propelled the group’s expansion.
Gail’s leadership and commitment to community service have earned her accolades across Utah and beyond. She remains an active philanthropist, supporting causes related to education and healthcare.
#8 Eren Ozmen – $4.4 Billion (Nevada)
As chairwoman and co-owner of Sierra Nevada Corporation, Eren Ozmen has made her mark in aerospace and defense. She purchased the company with her husband in 1994 and transformed it into a leading innovator in aviation and space technology.
Ozmen is a proud immigrant success story and a champion for women in STEM. Her commitment to innovation and mentoring has made her one of the most influential figures in American aerospace.
#9 Jayshree Ullal – $4.4 Billion (California)
Jayshree Ullal is the CEO of Arista Networks, a top-tier computer networking firm. Originally from India, Ullal moved to the U.S. and made waves in Silicon Valley through her sharp leadership and vision.
She holds a substantial stake in Arista, whose clients include Amazon and Microsoft. Her role in reshaping network infrastructure has earned her a spot among tech’s elite leaders.
#10 Johnelle Hunt – $3.8 Billion (Arkansas)
Johnelle Hunt co-founded J.B. Hunt Transport Services, now one of the largest trucking companies in the U.S. Though she started by managing dispatch and finances, her efforts laid the groundwork for the company’s future success.
At 93, she remains a respected figure in the logistics industry and continues to be involved in philanthropic work, particularly in education and the arts.
#11 Peggy Cherng – $3.6 Billion (Nevada)
Peggy Cherng, co-founder of Panda Express, transformed the fast-food industry with her emphasis on quality, innovation, and corporate culture. A former engineer, she brought operational excellence to the restaurant chain.
Today, Panda Express is a staple across American malls and airports, employing tens of thousands. Cherng is also deeply involved in philanthropy and education initiatives.
#12 Meg Whitman – $3.6 Billion (California)
Meg Whitman made her fortune leading eBay as CEO, growing it from a small online auction site to a global e-commerce powerhouse. She has also held leadership roles at Hewlett-Packard and served as U.S. Ambassador to Kenya.
Known for her strategic mind and political involvement, Whitman remains an influential business and policy figure.
#13 Oprah Winfrey – $3.1 Billion (Illinois)
No list of self-made women is complete without Oprah Winfrey. Rising from poverty in Mississippi, Oprah built a media empire from her talk show, later expanding into publishing, acting, and producing.
Her philanthropic work, particularly in education for girls, and her ongoing influence in culture and politics, make her one of the most admired figures in the world.
#14 Weili Dai – $2.9 Billion (Nevada)
Weili Dai is the co-founder of Marvell Technology, a leading semiconductor company. Her work in chip design helped power everything from smartphones to smart cars.
Dai is recognized for breaking barriers in the male-dominated tech space and continues to advocate for women in engineering and business.
#15 Safra Catz – $2.6 Billion (Florida)
Safra Catz, CEO of Oracle Corporation, is one of the highest-paid female executives in the world. She joined Oracle in 1999 and rose through the ranks to lead one of the biggest software companies globally.
Her influence in cloud computing and enterprise software continues to shape the future of tech innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who Is the Richest Self-Made Woman in America?
Diane Hendricks holds the top spot with a net worth of $22.3 billion in 2025, thanks to her company ABC Supply.
What Is the Common Industry Among These Women?
The list spans industries like tech, food, logistics, and aerospace — with a strong representation from technology and retail sectors.
Are These Women All Entrepreneurs?
Most of them are entrepreneurs who built their companies from scratch, although a few inherited roles and scaled the businesses dramatically.
Is Oprah Still One Of The Top Self-Made Women?
Yes, Oprah Winfrey remains a significant figure with a net worth of $3.1 billion, continuing to influence through media and philanthropy.
Do These Women Still Manage Their Companies?
Many, like Diane Hendricks, Eren Ozmen, and Safra Catz, are still actively involved in leadership roles.
Where Do Most of These Women Reside?
California, Nevada, and Wisconsin have the highest representation, reflecting diverse economic hubs across the U.S.
