Three Indian-origin leaders have been honored in Time magazine’s 2026 Women of the Year list for their transformative contributions in biotechnology, education, and economic policy.
Time magazine has announced its 2026 Women of the Year list, featuring three prominent Indian-origin pioneers who are at the forefront of a global movement aimed at fostering equity and innovation.
Among the 16 honorees are two Indian Americans, Dr. Reshma Kewalramani and Reshma Saujani, along with Safeena Husain, who is based in India. These leaders have been recognized for their efforts in transforming systemic challenges into opportunities for progress.
Dr. Reshma Kewalramani has made significant strides as the first female CEO of a major U.S. biotech firm, Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Under her leadership, the company has pioneered CRISPR-based gene-editing therapies, providing life-changing treatments for diseases such as sickle cell anemia. Her inclusion in the list underscores a career dedicated to clinical excellence and the belief that scientific breakthroughs should be accessible to everyone.
Reshma Saujani, the founder of Moms First and Girls Who Code, is another key figure in this influential trio. She has shifted her focus to addressing the “care crisis,” advocating for federal policies that support working mothers and affordable childcare. Saujani emphasizes that economic equity cannot be achieved without a robust support system for the women who are the backbone of the workforce.
Safeena Husain, the founder of Educate Girls in Mumbai, has dedicated nearly two decades to closing the gender gap in India’s rural classrooms. By mobilizing community volunteers, her organization has successfully reintegrated over 1.5 million out-of-school girls into the education system. Husain’s commitment to grassroots empowerment is evident in her statement: “It’s about ensuring no girl is left behind because of where she was born.”
Time CEO Jessica Sibley remarked, “These women are not just identifying problems; they are building the infrastructure for a better future.” The selection of these three leaders highlights the significant impact the Indian diaspora continues to have on global health, social mobility, and economic policy.
The full 2026 cohort also includes cultural icons such as actor Teyana Taylor and Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. However, by featuring specialists in medicine and social advocacy, Time signals a shift toward celebrating “architects of change” who work behind the scenes to dismantle long-standing barriers.
The honorees will be officially recognized at a gala in Los Angeles in March. This event will serve as a platform for these leaders to share their strategies, ensuring that their individual successes contribute to a broader, more inclusive global agenda for the year ahead.
According to Time, the recognition of these trailblazers reflects a growing appreciation for those who are committed to creating lasting change in their communities and beyond.