1Viola Davis
The Oscar® winner's advocacy for women of color inspires a Nigerian woman to start an organization to help women and young girls in her country.
2Sandra Oh
Emboldened by Oh's “it's an honor just to be Asian” proclamation at the Emmys®, a journalist starts an Asian American pride movement.
3Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
An op-ed written by the NBA legend leads a Latino activist to create an organization devoted to uniting communities of color in L.A.
4Billy Porter
Porter's tireless efforts to break barriers in show business help a fellow stage performer create a platform to celebrate Black actors on Broadway.
5Jane Fonda
The outspoken activist's TED Talk on life's third act encourages a woman on the verge of 60 to forge ahead in a new career instead of retiring.
6Ava DuVernay
Inspired by the award-winning director's work, four Black female judges create a nonprofit to educate kids about the criminal justice system.
7Malala Yousafzai
The Nobel Peace Prize winner meets a young Syrian refugee and inspires her to fight for girls' education and freedom from child marriage.
8Laird Hamilton
Hamilton's surfing innovations give a triple amputee encouragement to adapt the sport to his body.
9André Leon Talley
The late fashion editor and style icon who broke long-standing racial barriers mentored an up-and-coming Black designer.
10Selena Gomez
Selena's honesty about her mental health gives two people the courage to speak out about their own challenges.