International Women’s Day 2025: Celebrating Powerful Expat Women Who Inspire the World

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate resilience, courage, and impact. This year, we’re spotlighting powerful expat women who have shaped industries, broken barriers, and inspired people worldwide. From media moguls to human rights activists, these women prove that no matter where you are, your voice and actions matter.

Maayan & Gal Founders of Smoozitive

Wednesday, March 05, 2025

International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a powerful reminder of resilience, courage, and the undeniable impact women have on shaping the world. And while many incredible women are making waves globally, today, we’re shining the spotlight on a special kind of powerhouse: expat women.

Living abroad comes with its own unique challenges—navigating cultural shifts, building careers in foreign lands, redefining identity, and sometimes, starting completely from scratch. But the women on this list didn’t just adapt; they thrived. Their journeys inspire, their stories empower, and their contributions are shaping industries, communities, and conversations worldwide.

Now, we know some people today claim that International Women’s Day has lost its relevance, that there’s no need to highlight women’s progress, or that we’ve already “made it.”

But let’s be clear—yes, this day still matters!

Because representation matters.
Because women’s voices deserve to be heard.
Because progress isn’t something we take for granted.

So, today, we celebrate the incredible expat women who prove that no matter where you are in the world, your voice, your dreams, and your actions matter.

8 Expat Women Who Inspire on a Global Scale

Now, let’s get one thing straight—this list could have been a mile long. There are countless expat women out there doing incredible things, from shaking up industries to rewriting the rules of what’s possible. But since we don’t have all day (and you probably don’t either), we’ve handpicked a few standout names who embody the resilience, ambition, and impact of women thriving across borders. Consider this just a taste—because trust us, expat women are everywhere, making magic happen.

1. Priyanka Chopra Jonas (India → U.S.)

Actress, Producer, Entrepreneur, UNICEF Ambassador

From Bollywood superstar to Hollywood powerhouse, Priyanka Chopra Jonas has built a global career on her own terms. After winning Miss World in 2000, she transitioned from Indian cinema to Hollywood, breaking stereotypes about South Asian representation. But beyond acting, she’s a fierce advocate for gender equality, education for girls, and UNICEF’s humanitarian efforts worldwide.

She proves that being an expat isn’t just about adapting to a new place—it’s about making an impact wherever you go.

2. Arianna Huffington (Greece → U.K. & U.S.)

Media Mogul, Founder of The Huffington Post & Thrive Global

Arianna Huffington was born in Greece, studied in the U.K., and built her career in the U.S., becoming one of the most influential women in media. She co-founded The Huffington Post, revolutionizing digital journalism, and later founded Thrive Global, promoting well-being and work-life balance.

She’s proof that you don’t need to choose just one home—you can thrive anywhere.

3. Lee Miller (U.S. → France, U.K.)

Photographer, War Correspondent, Model, Surrealist Muse

Lee Miller’s life was nothing short of extraordinary. Born in the U.S., she started as a high-fashion model before moving to Paris, where she became a muse and collaborator of the legendary surrealist Man Ray.

But Miller wasn’t just a muse—she was a groundbreaking photojournalist and one of the few female war correspondents during WWII. She captured history-defining images, including the liberation of concentration camps, proving that women belong on the frontlines of storytelling.

If you haven’t seen the latest Lee Movie, played by Kate Winslet we highly recommend it.

(Photo by Chelsi Peter on Pexels)

4. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria → U.K. & U.S.)

Award-Winning Author, Feminist Icon

Few voices have shaped modern feminism and literature quite like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Originally from Nigeria, she moved to the U.S. for university and became one of the most influential authors of our time.

Her books, such as Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists, explore identity, race, migration, and gender equality with depth and wit. Her TED Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” remains one of the most-watched talks ever, bridging cultures through storytelling.

5. Gal Gadot (Israel → U.S.)

Actress, Producer, Former Miss Israel, Advocate for Women’s Empowerment

Born and raised in Israel, Gal Gadot first made headlines as Miss Israel. But it was her role as Wonder Woman that catapulted her to international fame, redefining what it means to be a strong female lead in Hollywood.

More than just an actress, Gadot has used her platform to promote female empowerment, advocate for gender equality in the entertainment industry, and support humanitarian causes. Now based in the U.S., she continues to inspire women worldwide with her blend of strength, grace, and resilience.

6. Nadia Caterina Munno (Italy → U.S.)

Entrepreneur, TV Personality, Digital Creator, "The Pasta Queen"

Born and raised in Italy, Nadia Caterina Munno—widely known as The Pasta Queen—brought the rich traditions of Italian cuisine to a global audience. After moving to the U.S., she turned her passion for Italian food into an international brand, blending heritage, humor, and authenticity.

Through her storytelling and culinary expertise, she inspires people to embrace tradition while making it their own—one delicious dish at a time.

7. Marie Kondo (Japan → U.S.)

Decluttering Guru, Author, Businesswoman

Marie Kondo has done more than just teach people how to fold clothes—she’s sparked a global movement around mindfulness and intentionality. Originally from Japan, she brought her KonMari Method to the world, encouraging people to declutter not just their homes, but their lives.

Her bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and her Netflix series proved that one simple idea can transcend borders and cultures.

8. Amal Clooney (Lebanon → U.K. → U.S. → France)

Human Rights Lawyer, Activist, Author

Born in Lebanon and raised in the U.K., Amal Clooney is a world-renowned human rights lawyer, who has dedicated her career to defending freedom of speech, victims of war crimes, and displaced communities.

While she has lived between the U.K. and the U.S., she, her husband, George Clooney, and kids, have now settled in France. As an expat, she continues to use her legal expertise to fight for justice on a global scale, proving that true influence transcends borders.

(Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels)

Celebrating the Women of Smoozitive

And while we love celebrating famous expat women, we can’t end this article without mentioning the incredible expat women we’ve worked with.

Over the past few years, we’ve had the honor of guiding, collaborating with, and being inspired by women from all around the world—from those who took bold steps in their relocation journey, to those who built businesses, created communities, and led incredible initiatives abroad.

From the coaches and experts who have partnered with us, to the women we’ve helped build a positive life abroad—this space exists because of you.

Oh, and let’s not forget to mention ourselves after all we (Maayan and Gal) are expat women too! 😉

To all the expat women carving out new paths, breaking barriers, and making the world their home—we celebrate you!

No matter where you are in the world, you belong, you matter, and you are capable of extraordinary things.

Happy International Women’s Day! 💜

Maayan & Gal Founders of Smoozitive

Among other things they are dreamers, doers, sisters and of course living abroad. They strongly believe that moving and living abroad can and should be the experience we dream of rather than the one we fear. They dedicated their business (and their time and energy) to make sure that happens for as many people as possible. Smoozitive is where you start creating a life you actually enjoy living, no matter where you are.

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