By Kimberly Wilson
Illustrations by Uli Knörzer
The doers. The disruptors. The dreamers.
That’s what all of these individuals have in common.
While many are good, very good even, these power players operate at greatness — in each of their respective zones of genius — every single day. For our inaugural POWER 40 list, ESSENCE is showcasing the people who are moving our culture forward, all while making, local, national and even global impact.
This is more than a list, it’s a love letter. We thank them for their determination, their courageousness and their grit, because we know it’s not easy. But their careers are a testament that it is oh so worth it.
Introducing… the 2023 POWER 40.