Real-World Alpha Females

Women are outearning, outpacing, and outshining men like never before. Here, some alpha females from our Women on Top special.

Name: Lorraine Parrish

Age: 30

Location: Baltimore

Job: Real-estate investor

Hours at work per week: 60

Proudest alpha moment: I was one of only two women pursuing an industrial-engineering degree in college when I volunteered as a teaching assistant. The first class I taught was unruly and rude. The next morning, I didn't ask for the men's attention, I just started teaching. My confidence was evident, and I gained their respect.

Alpha mission statement: Aggressively pursuing financial and career objectives offers a major return on my investment of time. I make $1 million a year. I do not understand the helpless, c'est la vie attitude toward life.

The best part of being me: In a word, control. I've gained control over my life, my finances, and my destiny.

The downside: Envy harbored by others.

Plugged in: I always have my laptop, Treo 700, USB storage stick, pocket GPS for driving directions, and iPod with me.

My posse: The friends I have are mostly alphas. Whereas we feel comfortable talking about money and success, those are not enjoyable topics when talking with my less ambitious friends.

My relationship: I prefer alpha men, like my husband. We motivate and challenge each other to reach new heights.

The real me: I am usually the person to break the doldrums of indecision.

Theme song: "Ama Credi E Vai" ("Because We Believe") by Andrea Bocelli