Watch Out: These Strong-Voiced Women Are Authors, Researchers, Mentors and Activists-The Kind of Women Who Will Shape America's New Century

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Tiffany Shlain, 30

When she created the "Webby" awards in 1996, Shlain launched the event of the digerati social season. Each year celebrity judges evaluate sites; winners can count on digital fame and fortune. "The nominees are heroes of intellect, computing and creativity, thrust from the fringe into the spotlight," says Shlain. "For consumers overwhelmed by the Internet, we shine a light on the very best for them." She wants the Webbys to reflect Internet pop culture, just like the Oscars. But Hollywood could learn from the Webheads: Shlain limits acceptance speeches to five words or less.

Jayshree Ullal, 39

As vice president and general manager at Cisco Systems, Ullal ran a $5 billion division of the Internet networking giant when she was only 36. But the recent death of her grandfather prompted her to step off the fast track at Cisco. She's now trying "an experiment in balance." In addition to spending more time with her family, Ullal coaches women- and minority-run tech start-ups: "I give them confidence."

Kim Smith, 33

She calls herself a "social entrepreneur." As president of the New Schools Venture Fund, Smith raises money …