Neil Richard Gaiman was born on November 10, 1960, in Portchester, England. He originated from a family of Eastern European Jewish descent. His father, David Bernard Gaiman, worked at their family chain of stores, while his mother, Sheila Gaiman, was a pharmacist. In 1965 the family moved to East Grinstead, West Sussex, where Neil grew up with a profound love for reading, beginning as early as age 4.&nbsp;
Some of his favorite childhood books include J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Batman, and other comics. Gaiman received early education at various church schools, including Fonthill School in East Grinstead, Ardingly College, and Whitgift School in Croydon.
When Gaiman began to outgrow comic books in his teenage years, he realized the lack of comic books for an older mature audience. He, therefore, decided to fill the gap himself. Although he wanted to write comic books, Gaiman had little idea how to go about it. Following his graduation from high school in 1977, Gaiman became a journalist writing articles for a number of renowned publications such as the Sunday Times, the Observer, Knave, and Time Out.&nbsp;
In March 1985, Gaiman married McGrath after the birth of their son Michael in 1983. The couple had two more children, Holly and Madeleine. In 1984, Gaiman wrote his first book, a biography of the band Duran Duran. He continued writing articles and interviews in magazines under pseudonyms. However, in 1987, Gaiman waved goodbye to journalism, stating, “British newspapers can make up anything they want and publish it as fact.”&nbsp;
Also, in the late 1980s, Gaiman published Don’t Panic: The Official Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Companion. Gaiman started writing comic books, continuing the series of Marvelman after its original creator and Gaiman’s friend Alan Moore abandoned it. After his impressive work on Marvelman, Gaiman was offered to write the limited series of Black Orchard and also to re-write an old character, The Sandman. From December 1988 to March 1966, Gaiman produced work on The Sandman, which was later collected in 12 volumes.&nbsp;
More significant comic works by Neil Gaiman include The Books of Magic (1989), Lady Justice, and Mr. Hero. The Newmatic Man, Teknophage, Tales of the White Wolf, Whatever happened to the Caper Crusader, as well as contributions to Wednesday Comics.

Neil

Emily Ratajkowski is an American model and actress known for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and her role in the music video for Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines." She has been featured in magazines such as Vogue, GQ, and Elle, as well as in campaigns for brands such as DKNY and Balmain. In addition to modeling and acting, Ratajkowski is also an advocate for women's rights and has been involved in the Me Too movement.
Ratajkowski was born in London and raised in California. She began her modeling career at the age of 14 and has since appeared in numerous magazines and campaigns. She has become known for her curvaceous figure and for her willingness to embrace her sexuality. Ratajkowski has stated that she loves being a "sexy, curvy woman" and that she enjoys being able to express her femininity through her work.
Ratajkowski made her acting debut in the film Gone Girl and has since appeared in several other films, including Entourage and We Are Your Friends. In 2017, she starred in the film In Darkness, as well as a lead role in the television series Easy. She made her Broadway debut in 2019, playing the lead role in the musical adaptation of The Spoils.
Ratajkowski is also an outspoken feminist and advocates for women's rights. She has been involved in the Me Too movement and has spoken out against the objectification of women in the media. She has also been vocal about her support for the Women's March and the Black Lives Matter movement and has spoken out in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Ratajkowski is a multi-faceted and ambitious individual who has used her platform to speak out on a range of social issues. She is an inspiration to many, and her success and advocacy have made her an icon of modern feminism.

Emily

Antonio García Martínez is an entrepreneur, investor, writer, and tech industry veteran. He has had a long and varied career, beginning in the early days of the dot-com boom and continuing today. Early in his career, Antonio worked in a variety of roles at companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs.
At Apple, Antonio held a variety of positions, including working on the retail side of the business, developing software, and helping to launch the Apple Store. At Microsoft, Antonio was involved in the development of a number of products, including Windows 95 and Windows 98. After leaving Microsoft, Antonio founded Adify, a venture-backed ad network that WPP eventually acquired.
More recently, Antonio has become an investor, author, and thought leader in the technology and venture capital industries. He has invested in a variety of startups, including Twitter, Uber, and Stripe. He is also the author of the book Chaos Monkeys: Obscene Fortune and Random Failure in Silicon Valley, which chronicles his experiences in the tech industry.
In addition to his work as an investor and author, Antonio is a sought-after speaker and thought leader. He has appeared on the TED stage, as well as at conferences including SXSW, DLD, and TechCrunch Disrupt. Antonio is often called upon to provide his expertise and insight into the tech industry, as well as his views on the current state of venture capital and startups.
Overall, Antonio García Martínez is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, author, and thought leader. His wealth of experience and knowledge from working in and around the tech industry, combined with his excellent communication skills, make him a highly sought-after individual in the industry.

Antonio García

Valerie Jarrett is the President of the Barack Obama Foundation and a Senior Distinguished Fellow at The University of Chicago Law School. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling book Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward, published in April 2019. She serves as Board Chairman of Civic Nation, Co-Chair of The United State of Women, and senior advisor to Attn. Jarrett also serves on the boards of Walgreens Boot Alliance, Inc., Ralph Lauren Corporation, Lyft, Inc., 2U, Inc., Ariel Investments, Time’s Up, The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, The Innocence Project, Sesame Street Workshop and the Economic Club of Chicago.
Jarrett was the Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama from 2009-2017, making her the longest-serving senior advisor to a president in history. She oversaw the Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs and Chaired the White House Council on Women and Girls.
Jarrett has a background in both the public and private sectors. She served as the Chief Executive Officer of The Habitat Company in Chicago, the Commissioner of Planning and Development for the city of Chicago, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. She practiced law for 10 years in the private and public sectors. Jarrett also served as the director of numerous corporate and not-for-profit boards including leadership roles as Chairman of the Board of the Chicago Stock Exchange, Chairman of the University of Chicago Medical Center Board of Trustees, Vice Chairman of the University of Chicago Board of Trustees, Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Chair of Chicago Transit Board. Ms. Jarrett has also received numerous awards and honorary degrees, including TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” Award.
Jarrett received her B.A. from Stanford University in 1978 and her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1981.

Valerie

Benjamin J. Rhodes is an American writer, political commentator, and former Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting under President Barack Obama. Jake Sullivan is the co-chair of National Security Action, a political NGO. He contributes to NBC News and MSNBC regularly as a political commentator. He is also a Crooked Media contributor and co-host of the foreign policy podcast Pod Save the World.
Rhodes was born on November 14, 1977, in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. He is the son of an Episcopal father from Texas and a Jewish mother from New York. He attended the Collegiate School, graduating in 1996. Rhodes then attended Rice University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 2000 with majors in English and political science. He then moved back to New York, attending New York University and graduating in 2002 with an MFA in creative writing. His brother, David Rhodes, is a former President of CBS News.
In the summer of 1997, Rhodes volunteered with the Rudy Giuliani mayoral campaign. In the summer of 2001, he worked on the New York City Council campaign of Diana Reyna. In 2002, James Gibney, editor of Foreign Policy, introduced Rhodes to Lee Hamilton, a former member of the House of Representatives and director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, who was looking for a speechwriter. Rhodes then spent five years as an assistant to Hamilton, helping to draft the Iraq Study Group Report and the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.
Ben Rhodes and Aung San Suu Kyi discussed U.S. support for the NLD-led government in Myanmar in July 2016. In 2007, Rhodes began working as a speechwriter for the 2008 Obama presidential campaign. Rhodes wrote Obama's 2009 Cairo speech "A New Beginning." Rhodes was the adviser who counseled Obama to withdraw support from Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak, becoming a key adviser during the 2011 Arab Spring. Rhodes supported Israel in the 2012 Israel–Gaza conflict.
Rhodes was instrumental in the conversations that led to Obama reestablishing the United States' diplomatic relations with Cuba, which had been cut off since 1961. The New York Times reported that Rhodes spent "more than a year sneaking off to secret negotiations in Canada and finally at the Vatican" in advance of the official announcement in December 2014.
After leaving the Obama administration, Rhodes began working as a commentator. He began contributing to Crooked Media, NBC News, and MSNBC. In 2018, he co-founded National Security Action. In 2015-16, Rhodes defended U.S. political and military backing of Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen. He later criticized the Trump administration's involvement in the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen.&nbsp;
He wrote of the war in Yemen, "Looking back, I wonder what we might have done differently, particularly if we'd somehow known that Obama was going to be succeeded by President Trump." Rhodes said Obama's administration was too worried about offending Turkey. He said Obama should have recognized the Armenian genocide.
In 2018, Random House published Rhodes's memoir, The World as It Is, a behind-the-scenes account of Barack Obama's presidency. Rhodes has written opinion articles for newspapers and magazines, including the New York Times and The Atlantic. Rhodes was featured in the HBO documentary The Final Year, along with John Kerry, Samantha Power, and Susan Rice. The documentary portrays the events of Obama's final year in office, with a focus on his foreign policy team.

Colin Luther Powell (April 5, 1937 – October 18, 2021) was a statesman, diplomat, and retired four-star general in the United States Army. He earned numerous military, civilian, and foreign honors. He also served four presidential administrations in a variety of roles, most recently as Secretary of State (under President George W. Bush) from 2001 to 2005.
Powell was born in New York City in 1937 and was raised in the South Bronx. His parents, Luther and Maud Powell immigrated to the United States from Jamaica. He was educated in the New York City public schools and received a bachelor’s degree in geology from the City College of New York (CCNY). He also participated in ROTC at CCNY and received a commission as an Army second lieutenant upon graduation in June 1958.&nbsp;
He was a professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he held many command and staff positions and rose to the rank of four-star general. He was Commander of the US Army Forces Command in 1989. Powell’s last military assignment, from October 1989 to September 1993, was as Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, the highest military position in the Department of Defense.&nbsp;
During this time, he oversaw 28 crises, including the invasion of Panama in 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf War against Iraq in 1990–1991. He formulated the Powell Doctrine, which limits American military action unless it satisfies criteria regarding American national security interests, overwhelming force, and widespread public support. He lived in Virginia, where he died from complications of COVID-19 on October 18, 2021.

Colin

Jacqueline Novogratz is a social entrepreneur, author, and speaker. She is the founder and CEO of Acumen. This global nonprofit organization uses patient capital to build businesses that serve low-income communities in Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and the United States.
Before founding Acumen, Novogratz worked as a Wall Street analyst and consultant at McKinsey &amp; Company. She also worked as a development worker and social entrepreneur for several years in West Africa.
In her book "The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World," Novogratz tells the story of her journey to understand poverty and her experiences working in Africa and with social entrepreneurs. She got her Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations from the University of Virginia. She also holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Novogratz has been recognized as a leader in impact investing and social entrepreneurship. She was included in the Time 100 list in the year 2011. The Time 100 is an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, as selected by Time magazine. The Time 100 list is divided into categories such as leaders, artists, and icons, and Novogratz was listed in the "Leaders" category. Being part of this list is an excellent recognition of the impact and influence of the organization's work and her contributions to the field of impact investing and social entrepreneurship.

Jacqueline

Lena Dunham is an American writer, director, actress, and producer. She is known as the creator, writer, and star of the HBO television series Girls (2012–2017), for which she received several Emmy Award nominations and two Golden Globe Awards. Dunham also directed several episodes of Girls and became the first woman to win the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Comedy Series.&nbsp;
Prior to Girls, Dunham wrote, directed, and starred in the semi-autobiographical independent film Tiny Furniture (2010), for which she won an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay. Her second feature film, Sharp Stick, written and directed by Dunham, was released in 2022. Her third film, Catherine Called Birdy, had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, 2022.&nbsp;
It was released in a limited release on September 23, 2022, by Amazon Studios, prior to streaming on Prime Video on October 7, 2022. In 2013, Dunham was included in the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world. In 2014, Dunham released her first book, Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's "Learned."&nbsp;
In 2015, along with Girls showrunner Jenni Konner, Dunham created the publication Lenny Letter, a feminist online newsletter. The publication ran for three years before folding in late 2018. Dunham briefly appeared in films such as Supporting Characters and This Is 40 (both 2012) and Happy Christmas (2014).&nbsp;
She voiced Mary in the 2016 film My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. On television, aside from Girls, she has played guest roles in Scandal and The Simpsons (both 2015). In 2017, she portrayed Valerie Solanas in American Horror Story: Cult. Dunham's work, as well as her outspoken presence on social media and in interviews, have attracted significant controversy, praise, criticism, and media scrutiny throughout her career.

Lena

Barack Obama is a former American politician who served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017. He is the first African American to have held office and the first to have been elected to two consecutive terms. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 4, 1961, to a Kenyan father and an American mother.
Barack Obama attended Harvard Law School, where he graduated with honors in 1991. He then practiced law in Chicago and taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School from 1992 to 2004. Obama was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1996 and to the U.S. Senate in 2004. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for President of the United States in the 2008 election and won the election with over 52% of the popular vote.
As President, Obama was known for his progressive policies and his ability to bring people together to tackle difficult issues. He passed the Affordable Care Act, providing health care to millions of Americans and expanding access to preventative care. He also signed the Paris Climate Agreement, which committed the U.S. to reduce carbon emissions.
Obama's foreign policy focused on counter-terrorism, the use of drones, and the promotion of democracy and human rights. He was instrumental in the US-led campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria and in the US-led nuclear deal with Iran. He was also a strong advocate for LGBT rights, and his administration supported marriage equality.
Barack Obama left office with a high approval rating, seen by many as a successful two-term President. He is now a public speaker, author, and philanthropist. In 2019, Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote nuclear disarmament and world peace.
Barack Obama is also a strong supporter of education and has been vocal about the importance of education reform. He increased funding for Pell Grants and supported the expansion of college access and affordability. He also championed the expansion of Head Start, a program that helps children from low-income families prepare for school.
In addition to his work in politics and government, Obama is a bestselling author. His books include Dreams From My Father, The Audacity of Hope, and A Promised Land. He also founded the Obama Foundation, which works to inspire and empower citizens to create change in their own communities.

Barack

Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson, commonly known as Richard Branson, is a British business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is the founder and chairman of the Virgin Group, which comprises more than 400 companies.
Branson was born in 1950 in Surrey, England, and began his career as a young entrepreneur, starting a student magazine called Student at the age of 16. He then went on to launch a record store, Virgin Records, which eventually became a record label and grew into the Virgin Group. The Virgin brand now encompasses a diverse range of industries, including aviation, hospitality, health, and renewable energy.
Branson is well-known for his adventurous and ambitious spirit, having made several attempts to break world records and make ambitious technological advancements. In 1986, he made an unsuccessful attempt to circumnavigate the globe in a hot air balloon. He later succeeded in this goal in 1991 and also set a new record for the fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing in a powerboat.
In addition to his business ventures, Branson is also actively involved in philanthropy and social causes. He is a strong advocate for environmental sustainability and has invested in a number of renewable energy projects through the Virgin Group. He also established the Virgin Unite foundation, which aims to make a positive impact on people and the planet by bringing together individuals, businesses, and non-profits to tackle social and environmental issues.
Branson is also known for his charismatic and flamboyant personality. He has been featured in numerous media outlets and is considered one of the most recognizable and respected entrepreneurs in the world. He has also been awarded several honors, including a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 for "services to entrepreneurship."
In summary, Richard Branson is a highly successful and influential British entrepreneur, philanthropist, and adventurer. He is the founder and chairman of the Virgin Group, a conglomerate of over 400 companies, and is well-known for his ambitious spirit, philanthropy, and environmental advocacy. His charismatic personality and media presence has made him one of the most recognizable business figures in the world.

Richard

Katharine Graham, who had worked in the editorial and circulation departments of the Washington Post, became the owner of the newspaper upon the death of her husband, Philip Graham, in 1963. She served as publisher from 1969 until 1979 and from 1973 until 1991 as Board Chair and CEO. In 1965, she hired Benjamin Bradlee as editor of the Washington Post, and together they developed a staff of reporters and editors that moved the paper into the top ranks of American newspapers. Graham remained Chair of the Board until her death in 2001.
“To love what you do and feel that it matters ‚ how could anything be more fun?” said Katharine Graham when she led the Washington Post. Considered to have been one of the most influential women in the United States, Graham’s courageous decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret government study of U.S. military involvement in Vietnam – after the New York Times had been court-ordered not to do so, and to proceed with the Watergate investigation earned her a reputation as a courageous, fair and thorough journalist. She was committed to giving readers full access to important information.
As a businesswoman, Graham led the Washington Post Company into a conglomerate of newspaper, broadcast, cable, and magazine properties. She believed that editorial excellence and profitability were interrelated. She served on numerous philanthropic boards and received countless awards in recognition of her accomplishments as a journalist, publisher, woman, and entrepreneur.
In 1998, Katharine Graham won the Pulitzer Prize for biography with her reminiscence, Personal History. Her story and actions stand as an example for all women that anything is possible. Describing herself as originally a shy, insecure woman, unprepared for the responsibilities she inherited, she became successful and one of the most powerful women of the century.

Katharine

Sarah Smarsh is an author, speaker, and journalist who focuses on socioeconomic class and rural America. Her book Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth, an instant New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award, examines economic inequality through her upbringing among the working poor on a Kansas farm.
Sarah has reported on socioeconomic class for The Guardian, the New York Times, The New Yorker, Harper’s, and many other publications. Heartland was named a “best of 2018” by NPR, Fresh Air, the Boston Globe, Amazon, Buzzfeed, Barnes and Noble, and Publishers Weekly. In addition to being short-listed for the National Book Award, Heartland was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, the Lukas Prize, the Indie Choice Award, and an Audie Award for Smarsh’s reading of audiobooks. Actor-producer Sarah Jessica Parker selected the title for the American Library Association’s Book Club Central.
Sarah is a regular political commentator in national media and has spoken internationally on poverty, rural issues, and cultural divides at venues ranging from small-town libraries to the Sydney Opera House. Sarah was recently a Fellow at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy and will soon launch a much-anticipated podcast about class and rural America.
By ninth grade, Sarah attended eight southern-Kansas schools, ranging from a 2,000-student high school to a two-room prairie schoolhouse. Now, she holds an MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia University, as well as degrees in journalism and English from the University of Kansas. A former English professor and grant writer for social service agencies, Sarah aims for all of her work to have a backbone of civic responsibility.

Sarah

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama is a lawyer, writer, and the former First Lady of the United States. She is the wife of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. Born on January 17, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, Michelle was raised in a working-class family on the city's South Side. She attended Princeton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, and then went on to Harvard Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor.
After graduating from Harvard, Michelle returned to Chicago and worked as a lawyer and community organizer. She met Barack Obama while working at a law firm, and the couple married in 1992. They have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.
As First Lady, Michelle focused on education, health, and wellness issues and supporting military families. She also worked to promote international education for girls and women and helped to launch the Let Girls Learn initiative, which aims to promote education for girls in developing countries.
In addition to her work as First Lady, Michelle has also been an advocate for healthy living and has launched several initiatives to promote healthy eating and exercise, including the "Let's Move!" campaign. She is also a best-selling author, with her memoir "Becoming" selling millions of copies worldwide.
After leaving the White House, Michelle and Barack Obama founded the Obama Foundation, an organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders. She also continues to speak and write on a variety of issues, including education, women's rights, and promoting civic engagement.
Michelle Obama is widely respected for her intelligence, grace, and dedication to public service. She is known for her ability to connect with people from all backgrounds and has been a powerful role model for women and girls around the world.
In addition to her work on education and health, Michelle Obama has also been a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. She has spoken out on issues such as racial inequality and gender discrimination and has worked to promote greater understanding and acceptance of diversity.
During her time as First Lady, Michelle also worked to promote the arts and humanities. She strongly supported the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. She helped to launch several initiatives to promote arts education and creativity.
As a public figure, Michelle Obama has also been a fashion icon known for her sophisticated and stylish wardrobe. She has been recognized for her ability to mix high-end designer pieces with more affordable items and has been credited with helping to boost the careers of several young designers.
In 2020, Michelle Obama launched a podcast called “The Michelle Obama Podcast,” where she "hares her life experiences and has conversations with various people, including her family, friends, and people in the public eye. The podcast is hosted on Spotify, is highly popular among listeners, and has received positive reviews.
Michelle Obama's impact on AmeriObama'sture and society has been significant. She has been a powerful voice for change and progress, and her influence will continue to be felt for years to come.

Michelle

Kofi A. Annan of Ghana, the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, is the first to be elected from the ranks of UN staff. His first five-year term began on 1 January 1997, and following his subsequent re-appointment by the UN Member States, he will begin a second five-year term on 1 January 2002.&nbsp;
As Secretary-General, Mr. Annan has given priority to revitalizing the UN through a comprehensive program of reform; strengthening the Organization’s traditional work in the areas of development and the maintenance of international peace and security; advocating human rights, the rule of law and the universal values of equality, tolerance and human dignity; restoring public confidence in the Organization by reaching out to new partners and, in his words, by “bringing the United Nations closer to the people.”&nbsp;
The Secretary-General has also taken a leading role in mobilizing the international community in the battle against HIV/AIDS and, more recently, against the global terrorist threat. Born in Kumasi, Ghana, on 8 April 1938, Mr. Annan studied at the University of Science and Technology in Kumasi. He completed his undergraduate work in economics at Macalester College in the United States in 1961. From 1961 to 1962, he undertook graduate studies in economics at the Institut Universitaire des Hautes études Internationales in Geneva.&nbsp;
As a 1971- 1972 Sloan Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mr. Annan received a Master of Science degree in management. Mr. Annan joined the UN in 1962, working for the World Health Organization in Geneva, where he later also served with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. At UN Headquarters in New York, Mr. Annan held senior positions in a diverse range of areas, including human resources management (1987-1990), budget and finance (1990-1992), and peacekeeping (March 1992-December 1996).&nbsp;
He was Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping at a time when nearly 70,000 military and civilian personnel were deployed in UN operations around the world. Before becoming Secretary-General, Mr. Annan received a number of special assignments. In 1990, he facilitated the repatriation of international staff and citizens of Western countries from Iraq after it invaded Kuwait.&nbsp;
He subsequently led initial negotiations with Baghdad on the sale of oil to fund humanitarian relief. From November 1995 to March 1996, Mr. Annan served as the Secretary-General’s Special Representative to the former Yugoslavia. As Secretary-General, Mr. Annan has used his good offices in several delicate political situations, including an attempt in 1998 to gain Iraq’s compliance with Security Council resolutions, as well as a mission that year to promote the transition to civilian rule in Nigeria.&nbsp;
In 1999, he helped to resolve the stalemate between Libya and the Security Council and to forge an international response to violence in East Timor. In 2000, he certified Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon. Since the renewed outbreak of violence in the Middle East in September 2000, he has worked to encourage Israelis and Palestinians to resolve their differences through negotiations based on Security Council resolutions and the principle of “land for peace.”
The Secretary-General has strengthened partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and others outside of government whose strengths complement those of the UN. He has called for a “Global Compact” to encourage businesses to respect standards relating to the environment, employment laws, and human rights.&nbsp;
In April 2000, he issued a report on the UN’s role in the 21st century, outlining actions needed to end poverty and inequality, improve education, cut HIV/AIDS, safeguard the environment and protect people from violence. The report formed the basis of the Millennium Declarations adopted by national leaders attending the UN Millennium Summit that September.
Calling the HIV/AIDS epidemic his “personal priority,” the Secretary-General issued a “Call to Action” in April 2001, proposing the establishment of a Global AIDS and Health Fund, which has since received some $ 1.5 billion in pledges and contributions.
Since the terrorist attacks hit the United States on 11 September 2001, the Secretary-General has played a leading role in galvanizing global action through the General Assembly and the Security Council to combat terrorism. The Secretary-General has received honorary degrees from universities in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, as well as a number of other prizes and awards for his contributions to the aims and purposes of the United Nations.
The Secretary-General is fluent in English, French, and several African languages. He is married to Nane Annan of Sweden, a lawyer and painter who has a great interest in understanding the work of the United Nations in the field. Two issues of particular concern to her are HIV/AIDS and education for women. She has also written a book for children about the United Nations. The Annan's have three children.

Kofi

Josh Waitzkin is an American chess prodigy, international martial arts champion, and author. He was the basis for the book and film “Searching for Bobby Fischer”, which portrayed his childhood rise to the top of the competitive chess world. Waitzkin has since become a successful author, public speaker, and entrepreneur.
Waitzkin was born in New York City and began playing chess at the age of six. He quickly rose to prominence, becoming the youngest U.S. Chess Federation master in history at the age of nine. He went on to become the National Chess Champion three years in a row, and at the age of twelve he achieved the rank of International Master.
In addition to his success in the competitive chess world, Waitzkin also trained and competed in martial arts. After becoming the National Tai Chi Push Hands Champion and the National Tai Chi Chuan Champion, he went on to win the World Championship of Tai Chi Push Hands in 1997.
Waitzkin retired from competitive chess at the age of sixteen to pursue other interests. He attended Columbia University, where he majored in English and studied philosophy and psychology. After college, Waitzkin immersed himself in the world of poker. He became a professional poker player and won the 2006 World Series of Poker.&nbsp;
In addition to his professional successes, Waitzkin is an accomplished author. He wrote the book “The Art of Learning”, which explores his journey to mastery in both chess and martial arts. He also wrote “The Art of Learning: A Journey in the Pursuit of Excellence” and “The Art of Learning Journal”. Waitzkin has been featured in numerous publications, including The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.&nbsp;
Today, Waitzkin is a sought-after public speaker and consultant, as well as a business coach. He has spoken at a variety of conferences and events, including TEDx and the World Economic Forum. In addition to his public speaking engagements, Waitzkin is the co-founder of the Waitzkin Institute, which provides consulting and coaching services to individuals and organizations. He also serves as the chairman of the board of directors for the International Chess Federation.&nbsp;
Josh Waitzkin is an inspirational figure who has achieved success in multiple fields. His dedication to excellence, combined with his ability to adapt to new challenges, has enabled him to achieve a level of success rarely seen in any single field.

Josh

Arianna Huffington is a Greek-American author, syndicated columnist, and businesswoman. She was born Arianna Stassinopoulos on July 15, 1950, in Athens, Greece. She moved to the United Kingdom with her family when she was 16 and later studied economics at Girton College, Cambridge.
After graduating, Huffington began her career as a writer and commentator and was a prominent conservative commentator in the UK during the 1970s and 1980s. She later moved to the United States, where she continued her career as a political commentator and became a naturalized citizen in 1990.
In 2005, Huffington co-founded The Huffington Post, a news and opinion website, with Kenneth Lerer and Jonah Peretti. AOL acquired the site in 2011 for $315 million. She served as the site's editor-in-chief from 2005 to 2016.
Huffington is also a prolific author and has written several books, including "The Sleep Revolution," "Thrive," and "The Fourth Instinct: The Call of the Soul." She is also a public speaker and has delivered speeches on various topics, including well-being, media, and politics.
In 2016, Huffington resigned as editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post to focus on her health and wellness startup, Thrive Global, which focuses on reducing workplace stress and burnout. She is still the CEO of Thrive Global.
AOL acquired the Huffington Post in 2011 for $315 million. In 2016, she stepped down as editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post to focus on her new startup, Thrive Global, which aims to end the "epidemic of stress and burnout" by offering corporate wellness programs and products. Huffington is also an author, having written 14 books, including the best-seller "Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder."

Arianna

Krakauer, who'd always been drawn to the risk and adventure of mountain climbing, was now at the top of Mt. Everest. A bank of clouds was gathering not too far away on the horizon, but Krakauer saw nothing that suggested a storm was bearing down. He looked down at the people huddled below on the mountain's flanks and felt a sense of sheer terror overcome him. His instincts were telling him to get off the mountain immediately, but he fought down his fear and continued upward.&nbsp;
Disaster struck soon after; a fierce storm with hurricane-force winds drove everyone--including Krakauer--off the summit. The bank of clouds turned out to be a "rogue storm" in which it's nearly impossible for mountaineers to predict when it will move away from their position on top of a mountain. Krakauer and many others died in this tragic event that also left countless more--including Krakauer--in guilt-ridden disarray.

James Clear is a writer, entrepreneur, and thought leader in the field of habit formation. He is the author of the international bestseller Atomic Habits, which has sold over 2 million copies and has been translated into over 30 languages.
Clear is a frequent contributor to high-profile publications such as The New York Times, Time Magazine, and Entrepreneur Magazine. He is also a popular speaker and has given talks at TEDx, Google, and the United Nations.
Clear's work focuses on the science and psychology of habit formation and how it can be used to build positive behaviors. He has a special emphasis on "small wins" and how they can add up to major changes in our lives. He emphasizes that small changes can lead to big results and that we should focus on creating the right habits.
Clear's research is based on a combination of scientific studies, interviews with leading experts, and personal experience. He has a degree in finance and entrepreneurship from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Guardian. He was also named one of the world’s top 100 most influential people in health and fitness by Greatist.
In addition to writing, Clear is an advocate for the power of habits and is the founder of the Habits Academy. This website provides free resources for people interested in forming better habits. He also runs an online course and a membership program for those looking to take their habit-building to the next level.
Clear's work has been praised by people from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, from CEOs to athletes to celebrities. He is also a two-time recipient of the James Beard Foundation Award.

James

Sophie Bakalar is a venture capitalist. She is currently a Partner at Lux Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in scientific and technological companies. Before joining Lux Capital, Bakalar worked as an analyst at Bessemer Venture Partners and a consultant at McKinsey &amp; Company.
She has workedBeforeBeforewithin the venture capital industry for several years and has experience in various sectors, including healthcare, energy, and technology. She is also a member of the board of several companies, including Guardant Health, Osmo, and Celularity.
As a venture capitalist, her role is to help identify, evaluate, and invest in early-stage companies with the potential for significant growth. She also works closely with the companies she has invested in to help them develop and grow their businesses.

Sophie

Jon Stewart

Oprah Winfrey

Stephen King

Bill Gates

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Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer reminds us of the unpredictable and often harsh nature of the environment. Despite meticulous planning and preparation, the climbers faced unforeseen challenges that led to tragic consequences. It's a stark reminder that we can't control everything, especially when it comes to nature.

The Unpredictability of Nature

Krakauer's book showcases the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Despite the extreme conditions and life-threatening situations, the climbers pushed their physical and mental limits to survive. It's a testament to what humans can endure and overcome.

The Human Spirit's Resilience

Into Thin Air also explores the dangers of unchecked ambition. The climbers' desire to reach the summit, despite the clear signs of danger, led to disastrous results. It's a lesson about the importance of knowing when to step back and reassess our goals.

The Dangers of Ambition

Krakauer emphasizes the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges. The climbers had to rely on each other for survival, highlighting the significance of trust and cooperation in high-stakes situations. It's a lesson that can be applied in our daily lives, not just in extreme circumstances.

The Importance of Teamwork

Finally, Into Thin Air shows the power of personal narratives in understanding complex events. Krakauer's firsthand account provides a unique perspective on the tragedy, allowing readers to empathize with the climbers' experiences. It's a reminder of the power of storytelling in making sense of our world.

The Power of Personal Narratives

Into Thin Air

Raised in Corvallis, Oregon, Jon Krakauer graduated from Hampshire College in 1976, after which he worked as a carpenter and commercial salmon fisherman in Alaska before embarking on a career as a writer. He is the author of 8 books, including Into the Wild, Into Thin Air (which was one of three finalists for the 1998 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction), Under the Banner of Heaven, Where Men Win Glory, and Missoula.&nbsp;
His work has also been published by National Geographic, Rolling Stone, Smithsonian, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. In 1999, he received an Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. According to the award citation, “Krakauer combines the tenacity and courage of the finest tradition of investigative journalism with the stylish subtlety and profound insight of the born writer.”&nbsp;
In the aftermath of the 1996 Everest tragedy that was the subject of Into Thin Air, Krakauer got involved with the American Himalayan Foundation in order to repay some of his personal debt to the courageous Sherpas who did so much to assist him and the other survivors of that calamity. Presently he serves as the board chair of this extraordinary organization.

In this book, acclaimed journalist Jon Krakauer investigates the rapes of hundreds of women across the United States.  He describes the experiences of five victims—the fear and self-doubt that caused many to doubt themselves, skepticism directed at them by police and university officials, and their bravery in pursuing justice even when it came at a high personal cost. 

Jimmy Chin is an American professional mountain athlete, photographer, film director, and author. Chin has been a professional climber and skier on The North Face Athlete team for over 20 years. In 2006, Chin achieved the first successful American ski descent from the summit of Mount Everest with Kit and Rob DesLauriers. Five years later, Chin, Conrad Anker, and Renan Ozturk captured the first ascent of "Shark's Fin," a granite wall on India's Meru Peak.
Chin's work documenting expeditions and climbs has been featured in numerous publications, including National Geographic, The New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, Outside magazine, and others. In 2019, Chin was awarded the National Geographic "Photographer's Photographer Award" by his peers. His first book of photography documenting his career in the mountains, There and Back, became a New York Times Best Seller in 2021.&nbsp;
Chin co-directs with his wife, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. Together they directed the documentary Meru, which won numerous awards, including the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival and was shortlisted for an Academy Award, and Free Solo, which won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, a BAFTA and seven Primetime Emmys. Free Solo had the highest-grossing opening weekend in history for a documentary. The film eventually grossed $29 million dollars at the box office.
Chin and Chai's 2021 documentary, The Rescue, chronicles the Tham Luang cave rescue. The Rescue won numerous awards, including the People's Choice Award at Toronto International Film Festival, and was also shortlisted for an Academy Award. Chin and Vasarhelyi are currently working on their first scripted feature, Nyad, starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster, about Diana Nyad's historic swim from Cuba to Florida.

Jimmy

In Missoula, Jon Krakauer explores the disturbing prevalence of rape culture in American society. He takes a deep look into the University of Montana's mishandling of sexual assault cases, revealing a system that often blames victims and protects perpetrators. This book will make you question the societal norms we've come to accept and inspire you to advocate for change.

The Prevalence of Rape Culture

Krakauer's research in Missoula shows a lack of accountability in institutions like universities and law enforcement. He reveals how these institutions often fail to properly investigate sexual assault cases, leading to a lack of justice for victims. This book will encourage you to demand more accountability from the institutions in your own life.

The Importance of Accountability

In Missoula, you'll find powerful and heartbreaking stories of survivors. Krakauer gives a voice to these individuals, highlighting their strength and resilience. Their stories serve as a reminder of the human impact of sexual assault and the importance of supporting survivors.

The Power of Survivor Stories

Krakauer also explores the role of media and public perception in shaping the narrative around sexual assault. He shows how media coverage can often perpetuate harmful stereotypes and victim-blaming attitudes. This book will make you think critically about the media you consume and how it influences your views.

The Role of Media and Public Perception

Missoula is a call to action for systemic change. Krakauer's research shows that the current systems in place to handle sexual assault are deeply flawed and often retraumatize victims. This book will inspire you to advocate for better policies and practices in your community and beyond.

The Need for Systemic Change

Missoula

After graduating from college in 1991, Christopher McCandless gave his savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and went on a quest for freedom in the outdoors.  Four months later, a mooe hunter stumbled upon his body in Alaska's wilderness after it had decomposed to the point where it was unrecognizable.  Into the Wild tells the unforgettable story of how one young man came to die all alone, leaving only a cautionary tale behind him. 

Gretchen Rubin is an American author, speaker, and podcast host. Rubin has a law degree from Yale Law School and a BA in history from Yale College. She began her career as a lawyer and worked for several years before transitioning to writing full-time. In 2009, she published "The Happiness Project," a bestselling book that detailed her year-long journey to increase her happiness and improve her life. The book was a huge success and led to her becoming a well-known expert on happiness, habits, and human nature.
After the success of "The Happiness Project," Rubin went on to write several more books on similar topics, including "Better Than Before," "The Four Tendencies," and "Outer Order, Inner Calm." She also began giving speeches and workshops on happiness and habits and has been a guest on numerous television and radio shows.
In addition to her writing and speaking career, Rubin hosts a popular podcast, "Happier with Gretchen Rubin." The podcast focuses on tips and strategies for living a happier and more fulfilling life. Each episode features Rubin and her sister Elizabeth Craft discussing various topics related to happiness, habits, and human nature. They share personal stories and insights and offer practical advice that listeners can apply to their own lives.
The podcast began in 2014 and is available on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. The podcast has a large following and is considered one of the top podcasts in the self-help and personal development genre. It is praised for its practical and actionable advice, as well as its relatable and conversational format. Some of the most popular episodes include "How to Make a Change," "The Power of Habits," and "The Four Tendencies."
Rubin and Craft also have a spin-off podcast called "Happier in Hollywood," where they discuss their experiences as writers, editors, and other aspects of the entertainment industry. Rubin's career has been publishing, speaking, and podcasting since 2009, and she is considered one of the leading experts in happiness and habit formation.

Gretchen

Christopher McCandless

Sean Penn

Eddie Vedder

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer explores the deep fascination and allure of solitude. The book's protagonist, Chris McCandless, abandons his comfortable life to seek isolation in the Alaskan wilderness. This shows us the power of solitude and the lengths some people will go to experience it.

The Allure of Solitude

Krakauer's book also warns us about the dangers of unchecked idealism. McCandless's romanticized view of nature and survival leads him to take unnecessary risks, ultimately costing him his life. It's a reminder to balance our dreams and ideals with a healthy dose of reality.

The Danger of Idealism

Into the Wild digs into the complexity of human relationships. McCandless's strained relationship with his family, and his interactions with the people he meets on his journey, highlight the challenges and rewards of connecting with others. It's a great book to check out if you're interested in exploring the intricacies of human connections.

The Complexity of Human Relationships

One of the key themes Krakauer explores is self-discovery. McCandless's journey into the wild is as much about finding himself as it is about surviving in the wilderness. If you're looking for a book that encourages self-exploration and personal growth, this is a must-read.

The Power of Self-Discovery

Lastly, Into the Wild paints a vivid picture of the beauty and brutality of nature. It shows us the awe-inspiring majesty of the Alaskan wilderness, but also its unforgiving harshness. If you're a nature lover, you'll find this book both captivating and thought-provoking.

Jon Krakauer

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Into Thin Air

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Into Thin Air

Missoula

Into the Wild

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