South Carolina boasts two of the Nation’s most inspiring female leaders.

In the last twenty years, the face of corporate leadership has begun to change—and many of those new faces are women. From boardrooms to balance sheets, female CEOs are making a powerful impact, reshaping industries once dominated by men. Their rise marks real progress, but it’s not yet the finish line. Women are still vastly underrepresented in top executive roles, particularly in the country’s most influential companies.

To spotlight the women changing that narrative, MarketBeat.com, a financial media company, surveyed 3,021 people to uncover the most inspirational female leaders in the country. The aim? To celebrate both household names and hidden heroes – leaders whose stories deserve a wider audience.

Two female leaders based in South Carolina were included among the most inspirational nationwide:

#45 Lou Kennedy – CEO; Nephron Pharmaceuticals

Lou Kennedy is one of South Carolina’s most recognized business figures – and for good reason. She’s the owner and powerhouse CEO behind Nephron Pharmaceuticals, a company that not only manufactures life-saving respiratory medications but also stands out for its commitment to innovation and community. Under her leadership, the company expanded rapidly, bringing hundreds of jobs to West Columbia. Lou’s also a fierce advocate for manufacturing in America, and you’ll often find her speaking out on workforce development, women in STEM, and how to keep business local.

#49 Barbara Melvin – CEO; South Carolina Ports Authority

Barbara Melvin isn’t just breaking glass ceilings – she’s steering one of the busiest container ports in the country. In 2022, she became the first woman to ever lead a top 10 U.S. port, and she’s been with SC Ports for more than 25 years. Colleagues know her as a hands-on leader who’s as comfortable in a hard hat at the terminal as she is in the boardroom. She’s played a key role in reshaping the port’s future, especially with the opening of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal – a major infrastructure win for South Carolina’s economy.

#1 Madeline Bell – President & CEO; Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)

Madeline Bell began her career at CHOP as a pediatric night nurse in 1983. Over the years, she ascended through various leadership roles, ultimately becoming President and CEO in 2015. Under her guidance, CHOP has expanded its reach and services, solidifying its reputation as one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals. Bell’s leadership extends beyond healthcare; she serves on the boards of Comcast and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, reflecting her broad influence in both the medical and business communities.

#2 Beth Ford – CEO; Land O’Lakes (Minnesota)

Beth Ford is a powerhouse with a farmer’s heart, leading Land O’Lakes as CEO since 2018. Raised in Iowa, she brought her supply chain expertise to this agricultural cooperative, pushing sustainability and tech-driven farming. Colleagues admire her candid style and ability to connect, whether with farmers or boardrooms. A marathon runner and mom, Beth finds balance in family hikes, channeling that energy into making Land O’Lakes a leader in equitable food systems.

#3 Christine Ehrich – CEO; Axis for Autism (Arizona)

Christine Ehrich leads Axis for Autism, an Arizona-based healthcare organization working to shorten the long and often frustrating wait for autism diagnoses. With a background in healthcare operations and a deep understanding of the challenges families face, she founded the company to make early assessments more accessible. Thanks to her leadership, Axis for Autism has become a trusted partner for parents seeking answers and support during a critical time in their child’s development.

#4 Gina Boswell – CEO; Bath & Body Works, Inc. (Ohio)

Gina Boswell assumed the role of CEO at Bath & Body Works in December 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience in consumer goods and retail. Under her leadership, the company, known for its extensive range of fragrances and personal care products, continues to thrive as a significant player in the retail industry. Boswell’s strategic vision focuses on innovation and customer engagement, ensuring that Bath & Body Works remains a beloved brand among consumers. Her appointment marks a significant milestone, as she leads one of Ohio’s most recognizable companies into its next chapter.

#5 Lynsi Snyder – Owner & President; In-N-Out Burger (California)

Lynsi Snyder has quietly become one of the most recognizable figures in American fast food — without ever seeking the spotlight. As the owner and president of In-N-Out Burger, she leads a brand beloved for its simplicity, consistency, and deeply loyal following. Raised in the family that founded the chain, Snyder took on the leadership role in her early thirties and has since guided the company through carefully measured expansion while fiercely protecting its values. She’s known for keeping In-N-Out private and purpose-driven, with a deep emphasis on employee care, quality control, and staying true to the company’s roots.

#6 Carol Tomé – CEO; UPS (Georgia)

Carol Tomé became the CEO of UPS in June 2020, marking a significant milestone as the first woman to lead the company. With a background as the former CFO of The Home Depot, Tomé brought extensive financial and operational expertise to UPS. Under her leadership, the company has focused on strategic growth and innovation in the logistics sector.

#7 Amy Luttrell – President & CEO; Goodwill Industries of Kentucky (Kentucky)

Amy Luttrell serves as the President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing job training and employment services to individuals facing barriers to employment. Under her leadership, Goodwill Kentucky has expanded its programs and services, positively impacting countless lives across the state. Luttrell’s commitment to community development and workforce empowerment earned her recognition as one of Louisville Business First’s Most Admired CEOs.

#8 Joanna Geraghty – President & CEO; JetBlue Airways (New York)

Joanna Geraghty became the CEO of JetBlue Airways in 2024, making her the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline. With a background in law and a long tenure at JetBlue, she has been instrumental in shaping the company’s customer-focused approach and operational strategies. Geraghty’s leadership continues to drive innovation and growth in the competitive airline industry.

#9 Mary Barra – CEO; General Motors (Michigan)

Mary Barra is a trailblazer with a spark that’s pure Detroit. As CEO of General Motors since 2014, she’s the first woman to lead a major U.S. automaker, steering the company toward an all-electric future by 2035. Starting at GM in 1980 while still in college, Mary’s climb was fueled by grit and a knack for problem-solving. Colleagues say she’s approachable yet razor-sharp, often sketching out ideas over coffee. A mom and advocate for gender equity, she unwinds with family time, keeping her rooted while driving GM’s bold vision.

#10 Christine Duffy – President; Carnival Cruise Line (Florida)

Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line since 2015, leads the flagship brand of Carnival Corporation, a Miami-based Fortune 500 cruise giant (No. 156, 2024) with ~$21 billion in revenue. With 30+ years in travel, she drove post-pandemic recovery, launched Excel-class ships, and boosted bookings to record levels. Duffy’s focus on sustainability and guest experience strengthens Carnival’s global dominance, earning her widespread recognition in Florida’s tourism industry.