Marcia Ann Gillespie has been the editor in chief of Ms. Since 1993. Gillespie, whose priority at Ms. Is to “move the discussion of feminism forward,” is known as a trailblazer in the magazine industry. As editor in chief of Essence from 1971-1980, she transformed a fledgling publication into one of the fastest-growing women’s magazines in the United States. During her tenure, Essence won a National Magazine Award, the industry’s highest honor. Time has also named her one of the “Fifty Faces for America’s Future.”

Updated: July 13, 2012