The 2017 Fortune List of the 50 Most Powerful Women

The 2017 Fortune List of the 50 Most Powerful Women reflects the progress, albeit very slow, of women cracking the proverbial corporate glass ceiling. The number of female CEOs leading Fortune 500 companies hit a record number of 32 in 2017, but that only represents 6% of the total. Still, progress is progress. The Fortune List considers consider four criteria: the size and importance of the woman's business in the global economy, the health and direction of the business, the arc of the woman's career (résumé and runway ahead), and social and cultural influence. Included on the 2017 list are 26 CEOs, led by Mary Barra of GM, newcomer Reese Witherspoon, and Geisha Williams, the first Latina to lead a Fortune 500 company. For the complete list of the Fortune Most Powerful Women List, go to MPW.