Forbes Names 15 Black Women On ’30 Under 30’ Lists

LIKE HelloBeautiful On Facebook!

1. Uzoamaka Maduka, 26

Despite the growing trend of digital publications, this editor in chief followed her dreams of launching a print magazine called The American Reader. The monthly literary journal covers literature and criticism.

2. Zakiya Smith, 28

Smith serves as the strategy director for student financial success at the Lumina Foundation. Before her current position, she worked as the senior adviser for Education at the White House Domestic Policy Council.

3. Amanda Brown, 28

Brown serves as the national political director for Rock the Vote, where she works to bring young voters to the polls through social media and other digital outlets.

4. Aminatou Sow, 28

Sow co-founded Tech LadyMafia, a list-serv and membership group, to show the world that tech-savvy women exist. Here, female members share their accomplishments, new projects ideas and tips.

6. Issa Rae, 28

We first met this talented writer, producer and director in her popular web series “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.” Now, the 28-year-old Los Angeles native is penning her first book and working a new show for HBO, which she plans to star in.

7. Janelle Monae, 28

Prince named Monae’s sophomore album, The Electric Lady, “the best album released this year.” That’s hugh!

8. Jessica Matthews, 25

Matthews serves as the co-founder of Uncharted Play, a company that makes soccer balls with built-in batteries. The invention is ideal for towns without electricity. After a half-hour of play, the soccer ball absorbs enough energy to charge the battery and power a plugged-in LED light for five hours!

9. Katrina Craigwell, 28

Craigwell serves as the global manager of digital marketing at General Electric, where she leads content creation and distribution across GE.com, Txchnologist.com and GE’s corporate properties.

10. Mandela Schumacher-Hodge, 28

Schumacher-Hodge is a cofounder of Tioki, an online professional group that’s been dubbed “The LinkedIn for Teachers.” This year, the Ph.D. candidate also headed the UP Global with their worldwide initiative to help educators, parents, students, entrepreneurs, developers, and designers.

11. Quvenzhane Wallis, 10

This rising star stunned the world with her performance of Hush Puppy in 2012’s “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” Now at 10 years young, Wallis is taking on the iconic role of Annie. According to sources, she will earn a reported $1.5 million for the role.

12. Rihanna, 25

RiRi has been on top of her game since her 2005 debut. According to reports, she earned a whopping $43 million in 2013.