1. Viola 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.
Dear... — Season 2
2. Sandra 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.
3. Kareem 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.
4. Billy 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.
5. Jane 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.
6. Ava DuVernay
Inspired by the award-winning director's work, four Black female judges create a nonprofit to educate kids about the criminal justice system.
7. Malala Yousafzai
The Nobel Peace Prize winner meets a young Syrian refugee and inspires her to fight for girls' education and freedom from child marriage.
8. Laird Hamilton
Hamilton's surfing innovations give a triple amputee encouragement to adapt the sport to his body.
9. André Leon Talley
The late fashion editor and style icon who broke long-standing racial barriers mentored an up-and-coming Black designer.
10. Selena Gomez
Selena's honesty about her mental health gives two people the courage to speak out about their own challenges.