Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin

Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin are the co-founders and co-CEOs of theSkimm, a digital media company that has influenced how a generation of women consumes news. Identifying a gap in traditional news media for young women, Weisberg and Zakin launched theSkimm from their shared living room. Before founding theSkimm, Weisberg graduated from Tufts University and began her career in broadcast and digital media at NBC News DC Bureau, Nightly News, TODAY, and MSNBC. Zakin attended the University of Pennsylvania, and the two reconnected after graduation while working for NBC News in Washington, D.C. They later became roommates in New York City, both pursuing careers in the media industry.

The idea for theSkimm emerged from their observation that their friends, busy professionals, lacked the time to keep up with current events and were not being served by traditional news outlets. They launched theSkimm's flagship newsletter, "Daily Skimm," which delivers key news stories in a concise, accessible format. Weisberg and Zakin have built a community that reaches more than 16 million women. The company has expanded its offerings to include podcasts such as "Skimm'd from the Couch," "Skimm This," and the career-focused "9 to 5ish," establishing theSkimm as a multi-platform media brand.

Weisberg and Zakin have used their platform to promote civic engagement. theSkimm has interviewed major U.S. presidential candidates and registered hundreds of thousands of people to vote through initiatives like "No Excuses." Their "#ShowUsYourLeave" campaign advocates for paid family leave policies and increased transparency around workplace benefits, supporting working women and families.

theSkimm extended its brand into publishing with the book "How to Skimm Your Life," which became a New York Times bestseller. The book addresses topics such as personal finance, career development, stress management, global politics, and civic engagement, reflecting theSkimm's approach to news and lifestyle content. theSkimm has raised significant funding from investors and was acquired by Everyday Health Group, part of Ziff Davis. Zakin and Weisberg continue to guide the company's strategic direction, focusing on health and wellness content that resonates with their audience.

Weisberg and Zakin have been recognized for their contributions to media, entrepreneurship, and women's empowerment. Their accolades include features in Forbes 30 Under 30 in Media, Vanity Fair's The Next Establishment, Fortune's 40 Under 40, Adweek's Young Influentials, TIME's Most Influential People, Marie Claire's New Guard, and inclusion among the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs by the Goldman Sachs Builders and Innovators Summit. Their experience as former TV producers who built a media company from the ground up positions them as authoritative voices on entrepreneurship, women in business, media innovation, and audience engagement.