List of Black Women in the STEM Field who made the Forbes 50 Over 50 in 2025
In the realm of leadership and innovation, several Black women are making significant strides, leaving indelible marks across various industries. This article highlights the accomplishments of Alicia Boler Davis, Carol R. Naughton, and Montgomery Rice, three women who have been recognised on Forbes' 2025 annual 50 Over 50 list for their remarkable achievements.
Alicia Boler Davis: Pioneering in STEM and Business
Alicia Boler Davis, an engineering and business leader, made history as the first Black woman plant manager at General Motors. Her career trajectory continued to soar, culminating in her appointment as executive vice president for global manufacturing. Later, she transitioned to Amazon, where she oversaw global fulfillment during the COVID-19 pandemic and became a member of the elite leadership "S-Team." In 2022, she was named CEO of Alto Pharmacy, a digital pharmacy that expanded nationwide and operated in 12 metropolitan areas before being acquired by Paulus Holdings in a deal valued between $1 billion - $1.5 billion. Currently, Alicia Boler Davis serves as the president of Ford Pro, Ford's commercial fleet division.
Carol R. Naughton: Transforming Communities
Carol R. Naughton is celebrated for her leadership in the "Impact" category, particularly for her role as CEO of Purpose Built Communities. This organisation is dedicated to neighbourhood transformation by integrating education, housing, wellness, and economic opportunity. With over 30 years of experience in mixed-income housing and community development, Carol played a pivotal role in launching the organisation in 2009 and becoming CEO in 2020.
Montgomery Rice: Leading in Medicine and Education
Montgomery Rice has held numerous faculty and leadership positions, including founding the Center for Women's Health Research at Meharry Medical College. In July 2014, she became the sixth president of Morehouse School of Medicine, making her the first female leader of the historically Black medical institution. Montgomery Rice has received numerous honours, such as the Horatio Alger Award, the Dean Griffin Community Service Award from the Georgia Institute of Technology, the Girls Inc. Smart Award, and the National Medical Association's OB/GYN 2019 Legend of the Section Award.
These women, Alicia Boler Davis, Carol R. Naughton, and Montgomery Rice, exemplify the "second half" career contributions celebrated by Forbes’ 50 Over 50 list. Their stories serve as an inspiration to future generations, demonstrating that age is no barrier to success and achievement.
Meanwhile, Robin Washington, who has been on Salesforce's board since 2013, also stands out for her extensive leadership expertise. As the President and Chief Operating Officer at Salesforce, she oversees key areas including business strategy, global finance, employee success, and marketing. Prior to joining Salesforce, Robin held roles at companies like Gilead Sciences, Hyperion Solutions, and PeopleSoft. Additionally, she serves on the board of directors of Alphabet, further showcasing her leadership prowess.
These women's accomplishments underscore the importance of diversity in leadership and the significant impact that Black women are making across various industries. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
- Alicia Boler Davis, an engineering and business leader, received funding from venture capital companies to establish Alto Pharmacy, a startup that expanded nationwide in digital pharmacy services.
- Carol R. Naughton's organization, Purpose Built Communities, secured funding for various science-based projects aimed at improving health-and-wellness, education-and-self-development, and stem-education within communities.
- Montgomery Rice, in her role as the president of Morehouse School of Medicine, sought and secured funding for research endeavors in women's health and supported initiatives in technology and learning.
- With her role as a board member at Salesforce, Robin Washington utilized her business background to strategize funding for various initiatives, contributing to the growth and success of the company.
- The significant strides made by Alicia Boler Davis, Carol R. Naughton, Montgomery Rice, and Robin Washington in different industries demonstrate the potential for Black women to excel in roles traditionally dominated by men and increase diversity in leadership.
- These women's accomplishments highlight the importance of providing opportunities for Black women to access funding and resources, leading to innovation and growth in science, technology, and business.