Joan Payden has defied age limits as she is not just among America’s wealthiest self-made women but also one of the oldest at 92 years old.
She boasts of an estimated net worth of $700 million, as reported by Forbes.
Payden is the CEO of Payden & Rygel, a Los Angeles-based firm that manages more than $161 billion in assets.
Hailing from Derby, Connecticut in 1931, Payden grew up in Indonesia.
Upon her return to the US, Payden pursued a dual degree in mathematics and physics at Trinity College, graduating in 1953, a remarkable accomplishment for women during that era.
During the 1950s, she was among the few women in engineering at a New Jersey firm focused on constructing oil refineries.
Despite being laid off, this event marked a pivotal moment in her professional journey.
She later became the first woman partner at Scudder, Stevens & Clark, an investment counselling firm.
Later on, she co-founded Payden & Rygel with Sandra Rygel in 1983.
Joan’s success story serves as a strong proof that age is merely a number, showcasing that with determination, women can reach remarkable heights.

Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
When she’s not writing, Olekanma enjoys immersing herself in a good book, exploring new cuisines, and discovering new cultures.