Seven Indian American leaders have been named to Forbes’ 2026 “50 Over 50” list, recognizing women whose work continues to reshape business, science, philanthropy, technology, finance and the arts after age 50.
The annual U.S. list includes 200 honorees divided among four categories: Impact, Innovation, Investment and Lifestyle. This year’s Indian American honorees are Maya Ajmera, Asha Jadeja Motwani, Yamini Rangan, Komal Shah, Ritu Narayan, Shubhi Rao and Savita Subramanian.
Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science and executive publisher of Science News, was recognized in Innovation. Her leadership has expanded access to science education and strengthened programs serving young researchers, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
Jadeja Motwani was selected in Impact for her work as a venture capitalist and founder of the Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation. She has supported technology entrepreneurs and educational initiatives while building connections between innovation communities in the United States and India.
Three technology entrepreneurs joined Ajmera in the Innovation category. Rangan has served as CEO of HubSpot since 2021, guiding the Massachusetts-based software company through continued expansion. Narayan is co-founder and CEO of Zum, a California company using technology and electric vehicles to modernize student transportation. Rao founded Uplevyl, an Austin-based platform applying artificial intelligence and data to workplace challenges affecting women.
Subramanian was recognized in Investment. As Bank of America’s head of U.S. equity and quantitative strategy, she is one of Wall Street’s closely followed market strategists and provides research used by institutional investors.
Shah, an art collector, philanthropist and former Silicon Valley technology executive, was honored in Lifestyle. Through the Making Their Mark Foundation and Shah Garg Collection, she has worked to increase the visibility of women artists in museums and the broader art market.
Together, the seven honorees represent different paths to leadership and influence. Their selection also challenges the idea that professional achievement peaks early, highlighting women whose experience is driving growth, opportunity and cultural change across major American institutions.
Key Takeaways About the Seven Indian American Honorees
- Seven Indian American women appear on Forbes’ 2026 list.
- Four were recognized in the Innovation category.
- Their work spans science, technology, finance, philanthropy and art.
- The group includes corporate executives, entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders.
- The list recognizes achievements by women over age 50.
