It’s 2026, and while the “future is female” mantra has been pinned to our mood boards for years, the climb to the C-suite still feels like doing a HIIT workout in quicksand.

Let’s be real, sis: the data is a mixed bag. While we are seeing more seats at the table, a 2025 McKinsey & LeanIn report found that for every 100 men promoted to manager, only 60 Black women made the leap. We’re still dealing with that “broken rung” on the corporate ladder.

But here’s the good news: when we do get there, we don’t just lead, we transform. For the HerSuiteSpot community, leadership isn’t just about the title; it’s about the impact. This year, three powerhouses are proving that you can disrupt entire industries while keeping your soul (and your community) intact.

Here are the 3 women you need to watch in 2026.

Jasmine Crowe-Houston: The Logistics Queen of Dignity

Founder & CEO, Goodr

If you think food waste is just an environmental issue, Jasmine is here to tell you it’s a logistics problem. Jasmine has spent the last few years turning Goodr into a powerhouse B-Corp that uses tech to bridge the gap between surplus food and the people who need it.

Why she’s a 2026 standout:

Jasmine isn’t just “doing charity”; she’s building infrastructure. In early 2025, she expanded Goodr’s footprint by opening more Goodr Grocery Stores—dignified, in-school markets where families can “shop” for free without the stigma of a bread line. She is proof that “making money while making a difference” isn’t a myth; it’s a business model.

• The Receipt: Check out her 2025 feature in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on her journey from a cupcake truck to a tech mogul.

Kathryn Finney: The “Build the Damn Thing” Architect

Founder & CEO, Genius Guild

Kathryn has been the “Big Sister of Venture Capital” for over a decade. As the brain behind Genius Guild, she’s not just asking for a seat at the table, she’s building the whole room. She’s famous for her “come with receipts” energy, using data to prove that Black brilliance is the best investment on the market.

Why she’s a 2026 standout:

After supporting over 2,500 Black women entrepreneurs and moving over $100 million in funding, Kathryn is doubling down on sustainable leadership. In a 2026 trend report, she highlighted that founder well-being is no longer optional. She’s teaching us that you can’t scale a business if you’re scaling a burnout.

• The Receipt: Revisit her “career playbook” and her impact on the Black Enterprise 2025 summit.

Keia Clarke: The MVP of the Front Office

CEO, New York Liberty

While the players are winning championships on the court (hello, 2024 historic win!), Keia Clarke is the one winning in the boardroom. As CEO of the New York Liberty, Keia has shattered the glass ceiling in the sports world, a space that, let’s be honest, has been a “boys’ club” since forever.

Why she’s a 2026 standout:

Keia’s 2025 was legendary. She was named Essence CEO of the Year and secured a massive 60% year-over-year growth in sponsorship revenue. She’s also a pioneer in digital accessibility, having launched Liberty Live, one of the first direct-to-consumer streaming platforms in the WNBA. She’s showing us how to take a legacy brand and make it tech-forward and culturally relevant.

• The Receipt: Read about her CEO of the Year honors and her “Trailblazer” recognition in the 2025 Leaders Sports Awards.

Why This Matters for Us

Having women like Jasmine, Kathryn, and Keia at the top isn’t just about optics. When women lead, the culture shifts. We prioritize empathy, we solve for “the many” instead of “the few,” and we pull others up as we climb.

The “broken rung” is real, but these three are showing us how to build a whole new ladder.