10 Women Changing the Way We See the World

Dr. Wendy Suzuki, 51, professor of neural science and psychology at New York University and author of Healthy Brain, Happy Life

"At 51, I have self-confidence, self-understanding and world wisdom. This is an exciting time for breakthroughs in technology, entrepreneurship, and the power of radical cross-disciplinary thinking. Using these tools and approaches we are going to be able to tackle the world's problems in powerful new ways — and I am a part of that." 

Wardrobe: Capucine T-Shirt, WILFRED, $55; Myriam Platform Wedge, ETIENNE AIGNER, $345

Frances E. Jensen, M.D., 60, Chair of the Neurology Department at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania.

"I'm a novelty seeker and my field of neuroscience continues to tumble forth with new advances. Gene therapy can reverse blindness in children! Injections into the spinal cord can help treat babies with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a disease similar to Lou Gehrig's disease, to help them have a normal childhood! We can reverse strokes if they are caught early! I have lots of accumulated knowledge, and at this age, I like to think outside the box." 

Crystal R. Emery, 56, producer and director of Black Women in Medicine, CEO and Founder of URU, The Right to Be, Inc.

"I'm celebrating the courage of not being defined by other people's perspective of who I should be and what I am capable of. Regardless of limited mobility, I am energy in motion. As for my film, only two percent of all U.S. doctors are black women and I'm ready to change the face of STEM. Women are natural healers and it's time for herstory to be celebrated."   

Wardrobe: Dress designed by Barbara Parker

Hair Stylist: Arisa Langston

 Lisa Miller, 50, founder of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute and author of The Spiritual Child; The New Science of Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving

"I couldn't wait to be this age. After 50, women develop a depth of wisdom — we are poised to ask questions that benefit society, and this can be seen through a scientific lens. It means we are better able to guide our families, lead at work, and offer something of true meaning to the world. In this part of my career, I'm helping to open up a more spiritual society based on science."  

Wardrobe: Rena Blouse, BABATON, $98; Esther Espadrille, L.K.BENNETT, $275; Eye Tailsman Necklace, RACHEL ROY, $24

Dr. Leslie Vosshall, 51, head of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior at The Rockefeller University 

"My lab's work on mosquitoes keeps me excited every minute. In my 50s, I have reached a level of scientific success that allows me to focus on helping young scientists, particularly women, realize their full potential." 

Wardrobe: Seamed Fit-and-Flare Dress, VINCE CAMUTO, $90

Laura L. Forese, M.D., 55, executive vice president and chief operating officer of New York-Presbyterian

"Through my career, I've been in spaces where there were not many women. I was an engineer, a med school student, and an orthopedic surgeon. Now, as a hospital executive, I see that changing. And at this age, I'm confident that I have things to share with the women who are coming after me. What a wonderful gift!" 

Randi Hutter Epstein, M.D., 54, author of Aroused: A History of Hormones

"I had ridiculous expectations for myself when I was younger. Now I'm no longer so self-critical and I've gained the confidence to realize that what I do with my medical degree — writing — is an important way to "provide" healthcare. I may not be operating on people, but communicating science and medicine accurately to the public is crucial, not only for consumers, but also for our policymakers so they can make decisions based on evidence (not hunches) that impacts our future."  

Nina Fedoroff, 75, molecular biologist and winner of the National Medal of Science for lifetime achievement in scientific research

"I'm celebrating a new freedom! At this age, I don't have to write grant applications or manage people. I can do whatever I want, and I enjoy serving as the science advisor to a law firm — they know the law, I know the science. I've also reconnected with an early love of dance — I practice Tango, and my next vacation to Argentina is coming up soon!" 

Sheila Hollender, 62, co-founder of Seventh Generation and Sustain Natural

"I started out focusing on removing toxic chemicals from cleaning products, and I moved into beauty products and feminine care. Tampons weren't getting the attention they needed — such a personal product with chemicals! My company was a pioneer of organic tampons and eco-friendly business practices, and at this age, in my 60s, I'm so happy to be able to incorporate everything I've learned into helping the industry, specifically women, move forward even more."  

Jennifer Howland, 53, executive leading IBM's Women in Technology efforts around the world 

"In this decade I can do more than I ever dreamed possible. I was inspired to start the IBM Tech Re-Entry internship program. We find technical women leaders who've taken a career break and want to return. I would not have had the experience or insight to launch this program in my earlier career.  

Wardrobe: Lacy Pleated Midi Dress, ANN TAYLOR, $179

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