Forbes Honors America’s Top Self‑Made Leaders at Philadelphia Celebration

Forbes hosted its Self‑Made 250 Celebration in Philadelphia on June 17, 2026, at the Museum of the American Revolution and the First Bank of the United States. The event honored the 250 individuals on the Forbes Self‑Made 250 list—entrepreneurs, innovators and cultural icons whose achievements embody the American ideal of building opportunity from adversity.

Marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, the gathering highlighted stories of perseverance, innovation and the belief that one’s origin does not determine one’s destiny. “This year we celebrate a core American idea: where you begin does not determine where you can go,” said Randall Lane, Forbes Chief Content Officer. “The Self‑Made 250 showcases those who have turned challenges into opportunities and reshaped what is possible for future generations.”

Oprah Winfrey, ranked No. 1 on the list, joined Lane for a keynote conversation. Winfrey reflected on the honor of being recognized and emphasized how being underestimated fueled her drive. “The best thing for me as a Black woman has been being underestimated. Those who doubted me would never have imagined I’d achieve what I have today,” she said.

The day began with a luncheon and a private archive tour at the American Philosophical Society, where guests viewed Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten draft of the Declaration of Independence and Benjamin Franklin’s writings.

Afternoon programming at the Museum of the American Revolution featured tours and panels discussing how to preserve the spirit of upward mobility for the next 250 years—including themes such as lifelong resilience, entrepreneurial capitalism and democratizing capital.

Speakers included:

• John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Operation HOPE
• Chris Gardner, CEO, HappYness
• Martyna Majok, Playwright
• Anastasia Sun, Founder & CEO, Anastasia Beverly Hills
• Phaedra Ellis‑Lamkins, Founder & CEO, Promise
• Jamie Kern Lima, Founder, IT Cosmetics
• Bill Cummings, Founder, Cummings Properties
• Joseph Neubauer, Philanthropist and former CEO, Aramark
• Marcia G. Taylor, CEO, Bennett Family of Companies
• Gary D. Tharaldson, Founder & CEO, Tharaldson Hospitality
• Paul Judge, Managing Partner, Open Opportunity Fund
• R. Scott Stephenson, President & CEO, Museum of the American Revolution
• Lauren Leichtman, Owner, San Diego Wave FC
• Harold Hamm, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Continental Resources
• Steven D. Sims, Superintendent, National Parks of Philadelphia

The evening concluded with a dinner at the First Bank of the United States, celebrating the list makers’ diverse achievements in business, arts, literature and beyond. The venue’s reopening after a 50‑year closure highlighted the historic connection between America’s first financial institution and today’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Lane noted that the historic Old City sites underscore the nation’s founding role as the original “startup” ecosystem—where ideas, capital and the pursuit of a better future have always intersected.

Bob Parsons, founder of GoDaddy, and Kathy Ireland joined Forbes editors for additional keynote conversations, reinforcing the message that the American Dream remains attainable for anyone willing to seize it.

The event also served as the 14th‑annual Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy, focusing this year on upward mobility and the grit of the self‑made leaders who exemplify it.

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