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.

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.

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.