A dynamic wave of brilliance, innovation, and cultural influence is expected to shape 2025. And at the helm will be visionaries who have made a profound impact over the past year and are set to reach even greater heights in the year ahead. Spanning technology, entertainment, activism, and business, these are the Black Women to Watch in 2025—leaders whose groundbreaking work inspires, empowers, and paves the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Martha Castex-Tatum – Houston Mayor Pro-Tem
Martha Castex-Tatum continues to break barriers as the first Black woman to serve as Houston’s Mayor Pro-Tem. Known for her dedication to community development and innovative policies, she’s one to watch as she advocates for affordable housing, economic empowerment, and equitable access to city services.
Kim Roxie – Founder of LAMIK Beauty
Kim Roxie, the founder of LAMIK Beauty, has been changing the beauty industry with her eco-conscious, inclusive makeup brand. Roxie’s line can be shopped online and at Macy’s locations in Texas, Louisiana and Georgia. She also made history by becoming the first Black woman beauty founder to have her products shelved in Ulta. With plans to expand her business further in 2025, including the opening a LAMIK Beauty storefront in Tulsa, OK’s historic Greenwood District, Roxie is an emerging force in beauty entrepreneurship.
Melvalean McLemore – Architect and President of AIA Houston
As the first Black woman president of the American Institute of Architects Houston chapter, Melvalean McLemore continues to make history in the architectural world. With her commitment to increasing diversity in architecture and designing spaces that uplift marginalized communities, her leadership is transformative for the city.
Marion Spann – Houston Fire Marshal
Breaking glass ceilings as the first Black woman to serve as Houston’s fire marshal, Marion Spann is leading critical conversations on safety and emergency response in the city. Her trailblazing career is an inspiration for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in her nearly three-decade-long career with the Houston Fire Department (HFD). Joining HFD in 1994, Spann quickly distinguished herself, becoming the department’s first Black female Engineer Operator in 2000. As 2025 approaches, Spann’s strategic vision and commitment to public safety position her as a transformative leader in Houston’s emergency services. Her trailblazing journey continues to inspire women and minorities in traditionally male-dominated professions, making her a key figure to watch in the coming year.
Amanda Gorman – Poet
The 26-year-old poet, activist, and writer gained widespread acclaim when she became the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history at President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021. Since then, she has continued to inspire with her powerful poetry and activism, focusing on social justice, racial equality, and the environment. In 2025, we can expect Amanda to make even more significant strides with her work, which includes a book of poetry, her continued advocacy for change, and potential new projects that will certainly impact the cultural and political landscape. Her ability to engage people of all ages and backgrounds with her words makes her an influential figure to watch as she continues to lead with her voice and vision.
Sha’Carri Richardson – Olympic sprinter
Sha’Carri Richardson displayed her lightning speed at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. She won a gold medal in the women’s 4×100 relay and silver medal in the 100-meters. The sky is the limit for the 24-year-old Dallas native, who recently posed for an Essence Magazine cover story. She also shared her definition of success – “…knowing you have put in the work, to receive what it is that you have invested in.”
Angelique Taylor – Tech innovator & AI pioneer
Angelique Taylor is revolutionizing artificial intelligence with her groundbreaking work in ethical AI systems. As a computer scientist and entrepreneur, she founded InclusionAI, a startup dedicated to reducing algorithmic biases. Her cutting-edge research earned her a prestigious grant in 2024, and her upcoming collaborations with global tech firms signal a transformative 2025.
Coco Guaff – Tennis star
Twenty-year-old Coco Guaff was the highest-paid female athlete in 2024, earning an amazing $30 million. She earned $9.4 million on the tennis court, and the rest of her money resulted from endorsements. Expect great things from Gauff in 2025. In addition to her athleticism, Gauff has been described as a marketer’s dream, and brands like Carol’s Daughter, Rolex and Wheaties recognize her appeal.
Rashida Jones – MSNBC president
Cable news pioneer Rashida Jones – not to be confused with the actress with the same name – has led MSNBC since 2021. She will have her work cut out for her in 2025, as Comcast spins off MSNBC and its other cable networks into a new company. The network also saw its ratings drop when Donald Trump defeated VP Kamala Harris. Jones, however, is a proven leader who can handle a challenge.
