The life story of one of the most powerful women in the world is a textbook example of The American Dream. Oprah Winfrey (Mississippi, 1954) overcame poverty, racism, sexual abuse and neglect to become one of the wealthiest and most influential women in the world. During 25 years of The Oprah Winfrey Show, she hosted over 20,000 guests. In 2013 President Obama awarded her the highest American distinction. Obama’s tribute: “Oprah’s greatest strength has always been her ability to help us discover the best in ourselves.”