10 Power Players Blazing New Trails Beyond the Boardroom

Cheryl Houser, 56, co-director of Generation Startup and founder Creative Breed

"In my 50s, I finally mustered the courage to launch my own company, Creative Breed — I wanted to make only content that inspired. Now I wonder why it took me so long! I feel increasingly empowered every day."

Erika Repola, 51, founder of Ernst Reiko

"I'm entering this decade having just gone through a divorce and seeing my youngest child off to college. In my 50s, as a single woman again, I feel fearless. But when I searched for cool clothing to match my mood, I couldn't find any. So I re-launched my parents' haute couture dress line in a more accessible way to help women in their 50s and beyond feel sexy and comfortable, too."

Wardrobe: Gold & Brown 'Jessica' Dress, ERNST REIKO, $525

Martha Hoover, 62, founder of Patachou, Inc, a female-led restaurant group

"My plan for this decade is to not so quietly use my position as a business leader to be an outspoken member of the community on issues that negatively impact women, children and people who are otherwise marginalized. It's no secret that you lose your filter as you age — but you also gain incredible insight and strength."  

Joann S. Lublin, 68, management news editor for The Wall Street Journal and author of Earning It: Hard-Won Lessons from Trailblazing Women at the Top of the Business World

"I'm celebrating being a first-time author in my 60s! Over the years I've learned lessons from my professional and personal setbacks — and I explore those in the book. In my 20s, I rejected a chance to become a Wall Street Journal bureau chief in another city. We were considering parenthood, WSJ had never had a female bureau chief, and I didn't know any contemporary manager moms to serve as role models. Nearly a decade later, I was the mother of two young kids when I became news editor of our London bureau."  

Judy Vredenburgh, 67, President & CEO of Girls Inc. 

"I have the opportunity to lead an organization which combines my two lifelong passions: Advancing the rights of girls and women, and providing support for underserved youth to thrive. At this age, I have the confidence to accomplish more with less stress. Having learned from my mistakes, I can focus on innovation and growth." 

Kathleen Warner, 53, strategist for Inspire Ventures

"In the past, I tempered my confidence and ambition because they can be viewed as unseemly in a woman — but now I wonder, Why would I hide that light under any bushel? I own it. I am pursuing my passions around inclusivity and community, civic and social engagement. I connect, celebrate and amplify people who don't have a voice."  

Wardrobe: Top by J.Crew

Ruth Ann Harnisch, 66, journalist and founder of  The Harnisch Foundation, advancing gender and racial equality  

"In this decade, I'm aware that there is a reason for joy and gratitude in every single moment. I was the first woman in Nashville to appear on an evening news set, followed shortly by Oprah Winfrey, and I am old enough to be fearless. What can be done to me that hasn't already happened? I've survived major crises in every decade. I know that I have the capacity and willingness to lead, that leaders are always needed and that I was born for this moment (so were you)."  

Fran Arazi, 65, President and CEO of Pippa & Julie children's clothing

"In my 60s, I don't need to impress anybody. My ability to listen has increased every year — I appreciate each person's unique contribution more and more. I also strive to create a diverse and empowering work environment; I have 45 employees from 14 countries, and that's important to me."

Susan McPherson, 52, Founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies

"The biggest gift of being this age is the depth and breadth of the relationships I've developed. I've always been interested in talking to people and hearing their stories — that was true when I was a waitress in my teens and it's true now that I'm the CEO of my own business. I'm proud to facilitate connections that pave the way for entrepreneurs, corporations, nonprofits and others to drive progress."  

Wardrobe: Olcay Short-Sleeve Asymmetric Ponte Dress, BLACK HALO, $375

Stacia Pierce, 50, founder of Life Coach 2 Women, and author of 21 books

"At 50, I have unwavering confidence and I know my worth. Journaling is a huge part of my self-discovery. If I could hand everyone a journal, I would. I'd say 'This blank book right here is how you'll find your voice, learn to trust your gut and figure out what you want.'" 

Photographer: Taea Thale; Wardrobe Stylist: Jennifer Hitzges; Makeup: Mark Edio, Rommy Najor; Hair: John Ruidant, Charles McNair