Marcia Ann Gillespie

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