Donna Svennevik/ABC

"Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts has been named to Essence magazine's Women of the Year list.

The magazine's December issue names Roberts, along with several other prominent black women, including author and inspirational speaker Iyanla Vanzant, first lady Michelle Obama, Sybrina Fulton - the mother of slain Florida teen Trayvon Martin - Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller and Malawi's President Joyce Banda.

U.S. Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Gabrielle Douglas is on the list, and she graces the cover of next month's issue.

Send 'GMA' Your Team Robin Photo

Roberts, who turns 52 years old Friday, is on medical leave from "GMA." She received a bone marrow transplant in September to treat MDS, a rare blood disorder.

Many people have become more aware about MDS since Roberts' diagnosis, and she has urged people to register to become bone marrow donors.

Roberts received donor stem cells from her sister, Sally-Ann Roberts.

WATCH: Robin Roberts' Candid Interview With Sister, Sally-Ann Roberts

Earlier this month Roberts was named on Ebony magazine's Power 100 African-Americans of 2012. That list included influential names in media, business, politics and other fields.