Conversations' 25 Women Changing the World in 2026

by Cyrus Webb

There is no doubt about it: Women around the world are changing the way we look at what is possible, and they are doing it in ways that may have gone unnoticed before. .

Since 2007, Conversations Magazine has worked to spotlight women who are making a difference as well as those who are showing by example what others can do if they are willing to put forth the work and not give up. This year we are recognizing amazing women who are showing us all what it takes to rise and thrive.

It is with great pleasure that we introduce our 25 Women Changing the World in 2026.

25 Women Changing the World in 2026 (listed in no particular order)

...through Music

1. Taylor Swift
2. Ariana Grande
3. Cynthia Erivo
4. Brandy
5. Jamie Fine

... through Books

1. Oprah Winfrey
2. Dr. Velma Bagby
3. Victoria Christopher Murray*
4. Tess Gerritsen
5. Sharon G. Flake

... through Media/Television/Entertainment

1. 
   Emma Grede
2. Stacy Ike*
3. Tambra Cherie
4. Dr. Teresa A. Smith
5. Ohavia Phillips-Reed

...through Business

1.  Coral Santoro

2. Dr. Sonja Stribling
3. Kris Jenner
4. Martha Stewart
5. April Showers

...through their Missions

1. Mel Robbins
2. Melissa Banks
3. Tina Siemens*
4. Dr. Anissa Short
5. Pauline Rogers

[To You, From Me] Celebrating the Women Who Rock

 Over the last 19 years it has been my pleasure to share amazing stories of individuals who are really shaking things up in their respective fields. In 2025, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the contributions that amazing women have made, and I am excited to use this publication to highlight some of them---and remind us all of what is possible. 

Our cover features include Melissa Banks, Chanelle Coleman Wesley, Melanie D. Phillips and Ally Dalsimer: all of which are using their platforms and their voices to touch people around the world. 

We also have my conversation with Tina Siemens, someone I have seen expand on her platform and bridge communities through her words. 

For those looking at the job market and wondering how they can stand out, you'll hear from Laura Browne discussing her book INTERVIEW SPEAK and how it can help you really put your best self forward. 

And in the world of music you'll read about songs by the talented Cynthia Erivo and Jamie Fine that really showcase not just talent but real messages that you can resonate with in your life. 

This issue is a love letter to the women who may feel unseen or unappreciated. I am hoping that we allow you to realize that we see you, we appreciate you and we're cheering you on. 

Happy Reading!

Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief

Conversations Magazine

[BOOK REVIEW] With Heart of a Warrior author Pele Hunkin shares her pain, her courage and resilience

 

by Cyrus Webb

Life can have many challenges. What matters is what we do when they come our way. Will they cause us to give up or will we find the strength to keep going?

In HEART OF A WARRIOR author Pele Hunkin shares her journey, full of highs and lows---and what has helped her to not just survive but thrive. 

She talks about the loss of loved ones, the loss of relationships and the rediscovering of her faith. Through her challenges she is able to learn lessons that also speak to us, giving us exactly what we need when the chips are down.

Pele writes this in the book: "Know that you are more than enough and more than a conqueror. I want to encourage anyone going through any life challenges to be grateful for the experience. Understand that the choice is yours to be better and not bitter with what life is throwing at you. When you look for the positive in any situation, God will offer it to you in abundance."

HEART OF A WARRIOR is the kind of book that will motivate you during the down times and allow you to see that regardless of what comes your way or what others think, you can achieve things that might appear impossible.

Get your copy on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] The Bulls of Bashan by Jodi Lea Stewart

 It's been a lot of fun to see how author Jodi Lea Stewart takes her love of storytelling, history and adventure and wrap them into each book. That is definitely the case with her latest offering called THE BULLS OF BASHAN. 

In typical Jodi Lea fashion, we get characters that are dealing with the consequences of their choices and the decisions about life and what matters---along with doing something that can make a difference in the world. I love how the character Savannah and others come together not just to do what they believe is right, but get to understand each other even with their many differences. 

There is also the meatier part of the book that really mirrors much of what we see in the world today. In the face of uncertainty, fear and chaos, who will be willing to stand up for others---knowing what it can cost? That is a question the characters have to grapple with as do we, the reader, as we think of the strength and courage needed to stand up for what you know is right. 

A book that showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of strength in numbers, THE BULLS OF BASHAN reminds us of the strength we all have to tackle whatever may come our way. 

Get your copy of THE BULLS OF BASHAN on Amazon. 

[MUSIC REVIEW] I Forgive You by Cynthia Erivo

 

by Cyrus Webb

For those looking to move on from past hurts, either from others or ourselves, Cynthia Erivo's I FORGIVE YOU will definitely resonate with you. 

The album is a collection of mantras and reminders of not just what we should expect from others. It speaks to what we should recognize and demand from ourselves FOR ourselves. With songs like REPLAY and I CHOOSE LOVE, we're able to understand exactly what we want and deserve. Other songs like BRICK BY BRICK and PUSH AND PULL gives us words to speak when it comes to demanding our own respect and boundaries with others. 

Laced with Erivo's ability to make every song almost its own genre and centerpiece, I FORGIVE YOU is one of those projects you can put on and just enjoy from beginning to end. The melodic tones of each song gives you not just hope but embolden you to search for that which serves you well. Knowing that is exactly what you are deserving of everyday. 

Get I FORGIVE YOU on Amazon. 

[MUSIC REVIEW] Wait for Forever by Jamie Fine

by Cyrus Webb

Jamie Fine is one of those artist that is able to breathe life into every word she sings, making you feel each emotion and take the ride with her from verse to verse. WAIT FOR FOREVER is no different.

The song captures what it's like when you separate from those you love and the feelings you're left with not knowing what the future might hold. WAIT FOR FOREVER shows that no matter how far you go, no matter how much time passes we're forever connected through our bond. 

What is genius about this song is that it apply in so many different ways. If the one we care about is looking for themselves in "a thousand places", they can know that we're forever there, waiting on them to find themselves back to you and what you had. 

WAIT FOR FOREVER gives the promise that "I will wait".  The bond is just that strong that whenever the connection is made again, our lives together will continue. 

Get WAIT FOR FOREVER on Amazon. 

BOOK REVIEW: Let It Go (The Journal) by Lakeasha Williams

All of us know what it's like to be weighed down by the challenges and trauma of life. We also know that in order to become who we were meant to be, we have to CHOOSE to move forward. That is what the 30 day journal LET IT GO by Lakeasha Williams helps you achieve. 

Giving you prompts that allow you to see where you are, what actions need to be taken and gives you steps leading you in that direction, the book is sure to help you not just reach your goals but remind you that you are worthy of doing so.

With questions like 'What do you want your life to feel like?', 'When was the last time you gave yourself permission to be still?' and 'How does holding on to the past block your growth?' we're able to be honest with ourselves and take the necessary steps to not just rise but THRIVE.

Ready to excel in your life and reclaim your power? LET IT GO gives you the tools to do it. 

Get your copy of LET IT GO (The Journal) on Amazon.