Power With Purpose

This year’s Marie Claire Verified power list pays tribute to the women using their platforms for positive change. Meet the influencers you need to be following now

In our complicated and messy modern world, a meaningless pout posted on social media no longer cuts it. We’re looking to influencers who have something to say, and who are prepared to take a stand. Style without substance is not enough when there’s so much at stake – from the future of our planet and our politics to the ongoing fight for equality and representation. That’s why Marie Claire Verified power list 2019 champions women who use Instagram to amplify a positive message, inspire others, build a community, start a movement or open a difficult conversation. We’re celebrating those who use their influence – today’s most sort-after commodity – to make things a bit better than they were yesterday.

Take film-maker Kat Hawkins (@amputee_kat; 10.2K followers), a self-described ‘film-maker, movement shaker, disabled babe’, who charts her life as an amputee and inspires us all to take life ‘one step at a time’, or Lauren Mahon (@iamlaurenmahon; 43.4K followers), who paints an honest and heartfelt portrayal of life with cancer. Immy Lucas (@sustainably_vegan; 59K followers) also stars on this year’s list. Lucas started the Low Impact Movement to help us all try to lead a more sustainable and responsible lifestyle, encouraging us to make small, achievable changes each day. Meanwhile, Grace Victory (@gracefvictory; 151K followers), podcaster, counselor and all-around inspiration, wants women to ‘step into their power’, and Candice Brathwaite (@candicebrathwaite; 38.7K followers) has started an online movement and podcast to challenge the images of motherhood online.