Wealthiest American Self-made Female Billionaire (Year 2025)
In the realm of America's most successful entrepreneurs, Diane Hendricks continues to shine as the wealthiest self-made woman for several consecutive years. According to Forbes, Hendricks' net worth stood impressively at $21.9 billion in 2025.
Hendricks, co-founder and chairman of ABC Supply, one of America's largest wholesale distributors of roofing, siding, and windows, has seen her fortune soar from $2.6 billion to over $20 billion under her leadership. This remarkable growth has catapulted her to the top of the Forbes list.
The Forbes list, which includes 22 listees, showcases the increasing presence of women in top corporate roles, with 22 listees holding positions as chief or co-chief executives. The listees' fortunes were quantified using a scoring system developed by Forbes, ranging from 1 to 10, with scores of 6 to 10 reserved for those who built their fortunes more independently.
Joining Hendricks on the list is Judy Faulkner, founder of Epic Systems, with a net worth of $7.6 billion from her healthcare software company. Marian Ilitch, co-founder of Little Caesars Pizza, boasts a fortune of $4.6 billion. Thai Lee, successful in the IT industry, has a net worth of $6.8 billion, while Elizabeth Uihlein has amassed $6.7 billion through her packaging materials business.
The resilience of these self-made women is evident in their ability to navigate economic uncertainties and continue growing their wealth. Many of them, such as Hendricks, have diversified their interests or pivoted their businesses to adapt to changing market conditions.
The combined net worth of the women on the Forbes list reached a record $154 billion in 2024, marking a significant increase from previous years. Nearly three-quarters of the women on the list started or co-founded their own companies, further highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of these remarkable women.
However, information about some self-made women on the list, such as Judy Love, was not provided in the given text. Love, a self-made woman on the Forbes list, has grown her family's net worth to $11.6 billion, primarily from a successful chain of gas stations and convenience stores.
To be considered for the Forbes list, individuals must meet specific criteria, with a minimum net worth of $300 million as of 2024. This threshold ensures that only the most successful self-made women are recognised for their achievements.
In addition to her status as the wealthiest self-made woman in the United States, Hendricks also held the 90th position among the world's richest people in 2025. This impressive feat underscores her significant impact on the global business landscape.
The Forbes list of America's Richest Self-Made Women serves as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the indomitable spirit of self-made women in America. These women continue to break barriers and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.
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