- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Top 10 Self-Made Richest Women In The World In 2025: The list of the wealthiest self-made women in the world in 2025 shows how strong, intelligent, and driven women can create enormous business empires on their own. These women worked hard, took calculated risks, and made brave choices over the years to earn their wealth; they did not inherit it. They come from a variety of nations and sectors, including online gaming, electronics, food, shipping, healthcare, and technology.
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, a Swiss woman who made billions in the shipping industry, is at the top. Others, such as Diane Hendricks, established themselves in the building supply industry, while Judy Faulkner and Zhong Huijuan made their names in the medical field. Denise Coates made online gambling a billion-dollar industry and women like Zhou Qunfei, Wang Laichun and Ling Tang are leaders in technology and electronics.
Top 10 Self-Made Richest Women On Earth
These women serve as powerful examples of what is possible when one has a clear goal and is committed to it. Around the world, they have led businesses, broken down barriers, and produced thousands of jobs. Their motivational tales demonstrate that anyone, regardless of gender or background, can achieve success with drive and perseverance.
Rank | Name | Net Worth | Country | Company (Industry) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Rafaela Aponte-Diamant | $38.8B | Switzerland | Mediterranean Shipping Company (Shipping) |
2 | Diane Hendricks | $22.3B | United States | ABC Supply (Building Supplies) |
3 | Zhong Huijuan | $15.6B | China | Hansoh Pharmaceutical (Pharmaceuticals) |
4 | Zhou Qunfei | $10B | Hong Kong | Lens Technology (Smartphone Screens) |
5 | Denise Coates | $8.5B | United Kingdom | Bet365 (Online Gambling) |
6 | Judy Faulkner | $7.8B | United States | Epic Systems (Healthcare Software) |
7 | Wang Laichun | $7.2B | Hong Kong | Luxshare-ICT (Electronics Components) |
8 | Marian Ilitch & Family | $6.9B | United States | Ilitch Holdings (Food Service & Sports) |
9 | Ling Tang | $6.6B | Canada | AppLovin (Marketing Software & Mobile Games) |
10 | Lynda Resnick | $6.3B | United States | The Wonderful Company (Agriculture) |
Source: Forbes' List of 50 richest self-made women in the world 2025
1. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant (Switzerland)
In 2025, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is the wealthiest self-made woman on the planet. The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the biggest shipping company in the world today, was co-founded by her. With its headquarters in Switzerland, MSC is a major player in international trade. Years of astute business choices and consistent expansion in the shipping sector have contributed to her wealth.
Self-Made Richest Women In The World (Image: Forbes)
2. Diane Hendricks (United States)
One of the biggest wholesale distributors of building and roofing supplies in the United States, ABC Supply, is chaired by Diane Hendricks. She started from zero and used her extensive industry knowledge and strong leadership to build her fortune. She is a well-known figure in the American supply and construction industry.
3. Zhong Huijuan (China)
In China, Zhong Huijuan is a well-known brand in the pharmaceutical sector. She established Hansoh Pharmaceutical, a company that produces medications for infections, cancer, and the central nervous system. Her self-made and incredibly inspirational journey from chemistry teacher to billionaire businesswoman is truly remarkable.
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4. Zhou Qunfei (Hong Kong)
After working in a factory, Zhou Qunfei founded Lens Technology, which provides glass screens to leading smartphone manufacturers. She is a Hong Kong-based role model for women in manufacturing and technology. Her success is a result of her diligence and creative thinking.
Self-Made Richest Women In The World (Image: Forbes)
5. Denise Coates (United Kingdom)
One of the largest online gambling sites in the world, Bet365, was founded and is run by Denise Coates. She started the business from the ground up in the UK and turned it into a worldwide success. She became one of the wealthiest women in the world thanks to her astute use of technology and online gaming.
6. Judy Faulkner (United States)
Judy Faulkner is the founder of Epic Systems, a leading healthcare software company in the U.S. Her business assists physicians and hospitals with the digital management of patient records. She built a billion-dollar company thanks to her foresight and early foray into the tech-healthcare industry.
7. Wang Laichun (Hong Kong)
Self-Made Richest Women In The World (Image: Forbes)
The chairwoman of Luxshare Precision Industry, which produces electronic parts for multinational tech firms like Apple, is Wang Laichun. She began her career as a factory worker and rose to become a prosperous business executive. Today, her business plays a significant role in the global supply chain for electronics.
8. Marian Ilitch & Family (United States)
Marian Ilitch and her husband co-founded Little Caesars Pizza, which they later grew into a well-known fast-food chain. The Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers are among the sports teams owned by her company, Ilitch Holdings. She is among the most prosperous women in the United States' food and sports industries.
9. Ling Tang (Canada)
Using mobile gaming and marketing software, Canadian self-made billionaire Ling Tang amassed her fortune. She has connections to businesses like AppLovin, which creates games and apps for mobile devices. She is one of the leading female entrepreneurs in North America thanks to her creative work in technology.
10. Lynda Resnick (United States)
Self-Made Richest Women In The World (Image: Forbes)
The Wonderful Company, which Lynda Resnick co-owns, is well-known for its nutritious food and drinks, which include pistachios, almonds, and POM juice. She is among the wealthiest women in the United States thanks to her achievements in the agricultural and health-conscious food industries. She also works on sustainability and philanthropic projects.