Nonprofits/Philanthropy: STACEY D. STEWART

Great leaders inspire others to be their best, says Stewart, and young women especially benefit from managers who value their input and opinions and encourage them to express both.

“Believing in yourself, knowing your self-worth and leaning on those who have succeeded before you can be so vital,” says Stewart, recalling a conversation she had with a supervisor several years ago at Fannie Mae that instilled in her the confidence she needed to feel part of the team.

It was a turning point in her career, says Stewart, who eventually became president and CEO of three major national and global organizations, including the March of Dimes, a role she’s filled since 2017 as the organization’s first Black leader.

This year, Stewart was recognized among Forbes’ Top 10 CEOs Transforming Healthcare in America.

Stewart has an MBA from the University of Michigan. She serves on the boards of PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust and Women’s Congressional Policy Institute, among others, and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and Jack and Jill of America Inc.’s Washington, D.C., chapter.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Stick with your passion!

FAVORITE APP: TikTok

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Kiawah Island, South Carolina