International Women's Day: 17 of the richest and most powerful women in Leeds including Mel B and Gabby Logan

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

By Abbey Maclure

Published 8th Mar 2023, 04:45 GMT

Updated 16th Mar 2023, 17:21 GMT

Inspirational women have shaped Leeds’ story and changed the course of history over the decades – and there are many phenomenal Leeds women making their mark in their field today.

We celebrate 17 of the richest and most powerful women who hail from or work in Leeds, from sports stars and politicians to our very own Spice Girl.

Here are 17 of the most influential women who hail from or work in Leeds

1. Powerful Leeds women

Here are 17 of the most influential women who hail from or work in Leeds Photo: Getty Images/National World

Melanie Brown MBE has an estimated net worth of £5million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Better known as Mel B, she became one of the biggest pop stars in history as ‘Girl Power’ swept the world. Mel B, who grew up in Hyde Park, was awarded a Member of the British Empire earlier this year for her work with domestic violence charity Women’s Aid, of which she is an ambassador.

2. Melanie Brown MBE

Melanie Brown MBE has an estimated net worth of £5million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Better known as Mel B, she became one of the biggest pop stars in history as ‘Girl Power’ swept the world. Mel B, who grew up in Hyde Park, was awarded a Member of the British Empire earlier this year for her work with domestic violence charity Women’s Aid, of which she is an ambassador. Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae was born in Leeds in 1979 and went on to study English language and literature at the University of Leeds.Best known for her 2006 single ‘Put Your Records On’, Bailey made history after becoming the fourth British female artist to have her first album debut at number one. She has an estimated net worth of £6.7million according to Celebrity Net Worth.

3. Corrine Bailey Rae

Singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae was born in Leeds in 1979 and went on to study English language and literature at the University of Leeds.Best known for her 2006 single ‘Put Your Records On’, Bailey made history after becoming the fourth British female artist to have her first album debut at number one. She has an estimated net worth of £6.7million according to Celebrity Net Worth. Photo: Steve Riding

Ellie and Izzi Warner broke onto our screens in 2015, quickly becoming fan favourites of the hit Channel 4 show Gogglebox. Research from upUgo in 2021 estimated that the pair could be making up to £607,017 a year by harnessing their huge Instagram followings and posting once a day.

4. Ellie and Izzi Warner

Ellie and Izzi Warner broke onto our screens in 2015, quickly becoming fan favourites of the hit Channel 4 show Gogglebox. Research from upUgo in 2021 estimated that the pair could be making up to £607,017 a year by harnessing their huge Instagram followings and posting once a day. Photo: Daniel Martino

A former international gymnast, Gabby Logan began her broadcasting career in radio in 1992 and has become one of the country’s most recognised sports presenters. Logan was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to sports broadcasting and the promotion of women in sport. She was also the chancellor of Leeds Trinity University from 2013-2018.

5. Gabby Logan MBE

A former international gymnast, Gabby Logan began her broadcasting career in radio in 1992 and has become one of the country’s most recognised sports presenters. Logan was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to sports broadcasting and the promotion of women in sport. She was also the chancellor of Leeds Trinity University from 2013-2018. Photo: Steve Riding

Baroness Judith Blake was elected as the first woman leader of Leeds City Council in 2015 and served the city until 2021. She now serves in the House of Lords as Baroness Blake of Leeds, after a nomination by Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, and she joined the opposition front bench in May 2021.

6. Judith Blake

Baroness Judith Blake was elected as the first woman leader of Leeds City Council in 2015 and served the city until 2021. She now serves in the House of Lords as Baroness Blake of Leeds, after a nomination by Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, and she joined the opposition front bench in May 2021. Photo: Simon Hulme