7 Famous Jewish Women in Business
Ever wonder who’s behind some of the products and services you love? You might be surprised to learn that some of the world’s most iconic brands were created by Jewish women. These trailblazers have paved the way for future generations, leaving a lasting impact in industries like cosmetics, fashion, and entertainment.
From groundbreaking innovations to global influence, these women have reshaped their fields.
Estee Lauder
Josephine Esther Mentzer, better known as Estée Lauder, was the visionary behind one of the world’s largest cosmetics empires. Born in Queens, New York, in 1906 to a Hungarian-Jewish family, she earned the nickname “Esty,” which eventually became Estée. Lauder’s big break came in 1953 when she developed “Youth Dew,” a bath oil that also served as perfume. By 1984, this iconic product had sold 150 million bottles, cementing Estée Lauder as a global brand.
Lauder’s influence extended far beyond her products. She was the only woman on Time Magazine’s 1998 list of the 20 most influential business geniuses of the 20th century. Her accomplishments earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a place in the U.S. Business Hall of Fame. As of December 2024, The Estée Lauder Companies has a market capitalization of approximately $26.69 billion.
Diane Von Furstenberg
Belgian Jewish fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg rose to fame in the 1970s with her first foray into fashion. It was then that she unveiled the famous “wrap dress.” She stepped out of fashion after marrying German Prince Egon of Furstenberg; their divorce, however, resulted in her losing her title as princess. In 1997, Von Furstenberg re-launched her fashion career with her now-famous wrap dress concept. The “DvF” brand is now an international luxury fashion mainstay, with four complete collections released every year.
Von Furstenberg has received countless awards for her contributions to fashion. The Council of Fashion Designers of America awarded her a lifetime achievement award, and she has served as the group’s president since 2006. Forbes listed Von Furstenberg as the 68th most powerful woman in the world in 2014.
Doris F. Fisher
In 1969, Doris F. Fisher and her husband, Donald, opened the first Gap store on Ocean Avenue in San Francisco. With an initial investment of just $63,000, their store generated $2 million in sales within its first year. By 1973, Gap had expanded to 25 locations across the United States, setting the stage for its rise as a global fashion powerhouse.
Although the Fishers’ three sons took over the business in the 1990s and continue to manage it today, Doris’s influence remains significant. As of December 2024, Forbes estimates Fisher’s net worth at $1.5 billion, ranking her among America’s self-made women.
Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg, a Jewish-American trailblazer, has left a lasting mark on the tech and business worlds. As Facebook’s (now Meta) Chief Operating Officer from 2008 to 2022, she helped transform the company into a global powerhouse. A Harvard Business School graduate, Sandberg also served as chief of staff for the U.S. secretary of the treasury and as Google’s vice president of online sales. She continues to influence change through her work on the boards of the Walt Disney Company, Women for Women International, and the Center for Global Development.
With a net worth of over $2 billion, thanks to her investments in Meta and other ventures, Sandberg stands as a symbol of succes and empowerment. Fortune named her the fifth most powerful woman in business in 2013 and called her the “face of corporate gender equality.” Her book Lean In remains a key resource for women striving for workplace empowerment. Even after leaving Meta, Sandberg continues to inspire as a leader and advocate for women in business.
Mindy Grossman
Mindy Grossman, a Jewish-American trailblazer in retail, has made a significant impact throughout her career. As the former president and CEO of the Home Shopping Network (HSN) from 2006 to 2017, she helped expand the company’s online presence and strengthened its position as a leader in television shopping. Her leadership also includes high-profile roles at Nike and Polo, where she shaped global branding and innovation strategies.
Grossman’s accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades. In 2012, she received the Ernst & Young Corporate Innovator of the Year award. The Financial Times has consistently ranked her among the top 50 women in world business, and Forbes has named her one of the 100 most powerful women in the world. Grossman continues to influence the business world through her visionary leadership and industry expertise.
Tory Burch
Fashion mogul Tory Burch, born to a Jewish mother with ties to Hollywood icons Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando, has built a global fashion empire. After gaining experience with Zoran, Vera Wang, and Ralph Lauren, Burch launched her own label in 2004. Today, her brand has grown to over 370 locations worldwide. The brand is also featured in major retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom.
Burch’s achievements include being named Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2008. She continues to rank among Forbes’ most powerful women and is listed as one of America’s richest self-made women. As of 2024, her net worth is estimated at $1.1 billion, and her company generates over $1.75 billion in annual sales. With a focus on expanding in Asia, Burch remains a major force in the fashion industry.
Bonnie Hammer
The daughter of a Russian immigrant, Hammer turned a career in television into a role as chairwoman of NBCUniversal Cable. Hammer is at the head of massive cable brands including: USA, Syfy, E!, Bravo and Oxygen. Among the few female executives in television, Hammer is constantly on the forefront of groundbreaking and unique social initiatives on her networks.
The Hollywood Reporter consistently names Hammer to its annual list of the most influential women in Hollywood. She also earned induction into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. Forbes and Vanity Fair have named her one of the world’s most powerful women. Hammer’s influence extends beyond television. Her works in social campaigns have earned her a variety of accolades from various nonprofit groups.
Are You Next?
At Touro University Worldwide, we offer online business degrees that provide the tools and knowledge to succeed in today’s competitive business world. Just like the influential Jewish businesswomen who have shaped industries, our programs prepare you to make your own mark. With flexible, online learning, you can balance your education with work and personal life, studying on your own schedule, from anywhere.
Explore how our online MBA or online BSBA programs can help you achieve the career success seen in the stories above and take the next step toward reaching your full potential.
