Serena Williams

US tennis player Serena Williams smiles during a book signing at Harrods department store in London, on November 2, 2009. (AFP)
Serena Williams was also chosen as a Woman of the Year. 2009 saw Serena releasing an autobiography, opening a secondary school in Kenya, and winning more prize money than any female athlete in the history of sports. (REUTERS)

Susan Rice

US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice participates in a briefing on Sudan with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the State Department on October 19, 2009 in Washington, DC. (AFP)
US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice, the first-ever African American female in her position, is leading a crusade at the United Nations to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on sexual violence. (REUTERS)

Maria Shriver

First Lady of California Maria Shriver continues to helm the California Women's Conference, a growing mecca for female empowerment. And lately she's pioneering a massive study designed to shed light on policies that will help women manage their muti-role lives. (REUTERS)

Amy Poehler

Actress Amy Poehler's role in reviving Saturday Night Live cemented her reputation as one of the most important female comedians at work today. Poehler views her work as a stealth mission to help empower young women. (REUTERS)

Marissa Mayer

R J Pittman, Director of Product Management at Google speaks, as Marissa Mayer, Vice President of Search Product and User Experience at Google watches, during the 'Discover Music!' event at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California October 28, 2009. (REUTERS)
Marissa Mayer, Vice President of Search Product and User Experience at Google, has played a pivotal role in developing all the company's offerings, from Gmail to Google Earth. Among her biggest goals is bringing more women into the technology workforce. (REUTERS)

Laura Ling & Euna Lee

American journalists Laura Ling (top) and Euna Lee travelled to Asia to investigate the plight of North Korean women crossing the border into China only to become victims of human trafficking. But after stepping into North Korean territory, the two were arrested and jailed for 140 days. They were freed in August 2009. (REUTERS)

Maya Angelou

US poet Maya Angelou continues to write and teach at the age of 81. The former confidante of Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X has written widely on her personal dealings with childhood rape, teenage motherhood and racism. (REUTERS)

Stella McCartney

British designer Stella McCartney reacts at the end of her Spring/Summer 2010 women's collection during Paris Fashion Week October 5, 2009. (REUTERS) British designer Stella McCartney, who came to prominence as the chief designer for Chloe at the startling age of 25 - before launching her own company, is pushing ahead with new lines for Adidas and GapKids. (REUTERS)

Michelle Obama

And US first lady Michelle Obama was picked by Glamour for special recognition. A devoted mother, and the great-great-granddaughter of a slave, the first lady has earned the respect of the world by staying disarmingly normal despite the challenges of her new role. (REUTERS)