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Forbes is out with its list of the 100 most powerful women in the world, and we must admit: We just love the way that headline makes us feel!
The top 10 picks are perhaps unsurprising, all women over 40, and largely political figures. Topping the list for the second year running is German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the major player in the eurozone economic mess that affects every region in the world. Next is our own Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. First Lady -- and iVillage guest editor this week! -- Michelle Obama makes the list at 7.
New York Times executive editor Jill Abramson comes in at No. 5, and rounding out the top 10 is 42-year-old Facebook C.O.O. Sheryl Sandberg, the youngest member of that group.
As for entertainers, Oprah Winfrey came in at 11. And Lady Gaga has a powerful presence at 14; at 26 years old, she's the youngest in the top 20 by two decades! Coming in not far behind is 30-year-old new mom Beyonce Knowles at No. 32.
The list includes many tech sector honchos too, including Yahoo's new 37-year-old C.E.O., Marissa Mayer, who sparked significant controversy for her discussion of her limited maternity leave plans.
Big names in business include fashion designer Diane von Furstenburg at No. 33 and NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment & Cable Studios chairman Bonnie Hammer at 73.
The list represents 100 diverse women, and 100 incredible stories. So what do you think: Who inspires you most? And who did Forbes miss?
Alesandra Dubin is a Los Angeles-based writer and iVillage's Chief Election News Blogger. Follow her on Twitter: @alicedubin.
