Answer: doyenne

AnswerCrossword Clue
DOYENNEMatriarch
DOYENNESenior woman
DOYENNESenior member
DOYENNEDAR President General, e.g.
DOYENNEHelen Thomas in the White House press corps, e.g.
DOYENNELeading lady
doyennea woman who is the senior member of a group, class, or profession.
doyennea female doyen (the senior member of a group)
doyennewoman who is the senior member, as in age or rank, of a group, class, profession, etc.