Each winter, when considering the Women of the Year, Time magazine asks itself the same question: What are the most pressing issues affecting women and girls globally at the moment? This year, they did an outstanding job of recognizing a dynamic and diverse group of women for its prestigious Women of the Year list.
Among these influential honorees were five Black women whose work and advocacy have left a permanent mark on their respective fields and society. A’ja Wilson, Jordan Chiles, Raquel Willis, Fatou Baldeh, and Claire Babineaux-Fontenot stand as powerful symbols of excellence, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. These Black women represent more than just personal achievements — they reflect the ongoing struggles and triumphs in a politically charged and challenging global environment.
A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson, the 2025 WNBA MVP and star player for the Las Vegas Aces, is an undeniable force in professional women’s basketball. Her skills on the court have earned her accolades, but it is her advocacy for social justice and equality that has solidified her place as one of the most inspiring figures in sports today. Wilson has been outspoken on issues related to racial injustice, especially within the sports industry. Through her foundation, she works to serve children and their families who struggle with dyslexia, as well as change the culture of students to prevent bullying.
In the current political climate, where conversations about race and equity are front and center, Wilson’s presence on the Women of the Year list signifies more than athletic excellence — it highlights the importance of Black women’s voices in the sports industry and beyond. By leveraging her platform, Wilson challenges systemic barriers that Black athletes face, urging for a greater investment in women’s sports and Black representation. Her recognition underscores the need for women athletes, especially women of color, to receive the same level of respect and opportunity as their male counterparts.
Jordan Chiles
Jordan Chiles, an Olympic gymnast, is redefining what it means to be a resilient athlete, having triumphed through both personal and professional obstacles. Her journey has been one of mental and physical growth, as she overcame struggles with self-doubt and injury, rising to become one of the top gymnasts in the world. Chiles has also been a fierce advocate for mental health awareness, especially in sports, following the widely publicized struggles of her teammate Simone Biles.
In her new book, I’m That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams, Chiles’ reveals the details on the Paris Olympics medal controversy, as well as how abuse from a former coach led her to experience suicidal thoughts and develop an eating disorder. She helped inspired and destigmatize the conversation around mental health. Her journey is a reminder of the immense pressure placed on young Black women in competitive spaces and the need to create environments that support their well-being both on and off the field.
Raquel Willis
Raquel Willis is a writer, editor, and transgender rights activist. She is a former national organizer for the Transgender Law Center and the former executive editor of Out magazine. Her memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom, was published in November 2023. As a prominent advocate for trans visibility and inclusion, Willis has been a steadfast defender of the rights of transgender people, particularly Black transgender women who are disproportionately affected by violence, discrimination, and erasure. Her advocacy has amplified the voices of trans people and has shed a light on the intersectional challenges they face within both the LGBTQ+ and Black communities.
Willis’ inclusion on the Women of the Year list is especially important in light of the increasing attacks on transgender rights across the United States and globally. With laws restricting transgender youth access to healthcare, sports, and public accommodations being introduced in multiple states, Willis’ work has become one of resistance. She calls for solidarity in the fight against transphobia and reminds us of the resilience and beauty of Black transgender women whose contributions to society are often overlooked or silenced.
Fatou Baldeh
Fatou Baldeh is a Gambian women’s rights activist who campaigns to end female genital mutilation. She’s the founder and CEO of Women in Liberation & Leadership (WILL) and has extensive experience in the area of gender justice. Baldeh is a survivor of female genital mutilation and the catalyst for starting her organization in 2018. The goal is for communities to understand the harm that is done. Instead of individualizing the harm and making it just about women only, WILL strives for the whole society to understand how this practice harms everyone. They also use the opportunity to address any misconceptions that people may have around the practice. Baldeh’s organization educates girls because they’re not taught about how female genital mutilation harms them. They’re made to believe that if they do not have this practice, they are not a complete woman; they will not be married or people will not respect them.
Baldeh’s work is a testament to the need for better access to resources, protection from violence, and support for personal development, all in an effort to ensure Black girls have the opportunity to live a normal life and thrive. She provides a voice for those who are often overlooked or marginalized
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot
Claire Babineaux, the CEO of Feeding America, has dedicated her life to tackling hunger and economic inequality. Under her leadership, Feeding America has expanded its reach and impact, providing food assistance to millions of people across the country. This can almost seem like an impossible task; however, Babineaux’s work is rooted in a deep understanding of the systemic issues that contribute to food insecurity, including poverty, racial inequality, and economic disenfranchisement. With this driving force, her personal commitment has been unwavering.
With the United States dealing with rising economic disparity and food insecurity, Babineaux’s leadership is more critical than ever. Her work speaks directly to the challenges faced by low-income communities, especially Black and Brown communities. It also makes a powerful statement about the role of Black women in addressing one of the country’s most pressing social issues. Babineaux’s advocacy for equitable access to food and resources touches millions of underserved people.
These Black women, in my opinion, are a powerful reminder that our work is never done. We are steadfast, we are brilliant, and we have tremendous impact in the world. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s fitting to honor their achievements and contributions, which have often been overlooked or undervalued. We must continue to shine a light on the accomplishments of Black women, recognizing that our stories, struggles, and triumphs are integral to the broader movement for equality and justice.
