Mar
03
2010
Human-rights Activist, Film Producer & Director, Producer of “Total Denial”
Milena Kaneva is a journalist who has covered humanitarian crises and genocide (Rwanda), shooting reports in Eastern Europe, Africa, South America and Asia. Her exclusive interview with Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Prize laureate kept under house arrest by the military dictatorship, connecting her to Burma forever. In 2000 she produced her first long-form documentary, The Initiation, about female genital mutilation in Mali, and won first prize at the Festival of Due Mondi. She has become an activist herself, creating the “Freedom from Fear Foundation” to expose human rights problems, to promote and help causes around the world.
“If people around the world know the truth, there is a chance for change. Milena’s film makes it happen!” Vaclav Havel
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Mar
01
2010
Former President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (1994–2005)
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga proved to be the only Sri Lankan leader, in 60 years of Independence to have the courage to speak out against extremism and for building understanding and integration of all Sri Lanka communities. Currently, she is engaged in social entrepreneurship and is Chairperson of the CBK Foundation for Democracy and Justice. She serves as Advisor on Poverty Alleviation in the Clinton Global Initiative, Board Member of the Club de Madrid (the world’s largest forum of former Democratic Presidents and Prime Ministers) and Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Chapter of the South Asia Foundation.
“A great leader”
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Feb
10
2010
Philanthropist, World Famous Author & Creator of the Harry Potter Series
Joanne “Jo” Murray OBE better known as J. K. Rowling is perhaps equally famous for her “rags to riches” life story, in which she progressed from living on welfare to multi-millionaire status within five years. The Potter books have gained worldwide attention, won multiple awards, sold more than 400 million copies, and been the basis for a popular series of films. Time magazine named her as a runner-up for its 2007 Person of the Year, noting the social, moral, and political inspiration she has given her fandom.
Forbes ranked J. K. Rowling as the forty-eighth most powerful celebrity of 2007
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Jan
29
2010
Pioneer of “market-based” philanthropy
Jacqueline Novogratz founded and leads Acumen Fund, a nonprofit that takes a businesslike approach to improving the lives of the poor. She’s become a leading voice of the new philanthropy, which emphasizes sustainable bottom-up solutions over traditional top-down aid.
One of the most innovative players shaping philanthropy today, Jacqueline Novogratz is redefining the way problems of poverty can be solved around the world. Drawing on her past experience in banking, microfinance and traditional philanthropy, Novogratz has become a leading proponent for financing entrepreneurs and enterprises that can bring affordable clean water, housing and healthcare to poor people so that they no longer have to depend on the disappointing results and lack of accountability seen in traditional charity and old-fashioned aid.
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Jan
16
2010
Nobel Peace Prize Winner 2003, Iranian Lawyer & Human Rights Activist
Shirin Ebadi was the first Iranian and first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Her influence extends far beyond the borders of her country, inspiring hope that Islam, democracy and all human rights can co-exist despite the challenges faced in these turbulent times. Defying government obstacles, she also created and is the leader of one of the first independent, non-governmental human rights organizations in Iran: The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child.
“Shirin Ebadi received the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo for her democracy-building efforts and her work to improve human rights in Iran”
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Jan
06
2010
Chairman & Former CEO of Xerox Corporation
Anne M. Mulcahy is credited with leading the printer and copier maker out of a deep financial slump earlier in the decade. From 2001 to 2009, she was also CEO and retains the position of chairman. The Wall Street Journal named her one of 50 women to watch in 2005 and Forbes Magazine ranked her at the sixth position among the Most Powerful Women in America in 2005. In 2008, she was selected by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Leaders. She has been selected as CEO of the Year 2008 by Chief Executive magazine.
“One of America’s Best & Courageous Leaders”
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Jan
04
2010
Editor in Chief of MoneyWeek Magazine
Merryn Somerset Webb is the Editor in Chief of the respected weekly financial magazine MoneyWeek. As well as editing Moneyweek she now has regular columns in the Sunday Times, the Spectator and Saga Magazine and has written for a variety of other publications including Harpers and The Week. Merryn is also a frequent radio and television commentator on everything to do with money.
“Make your money and buy your freedom”
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Nov
18
2009
1992 Nobel Prize Winner and Human Rights Activist
Rigoberta Menchú Tum is a 1992 Nobel Prize Winner and Human Rights Activist. She is a renowned leading advocate of Indian rights and ethno-cultural reconciliation, not only in Guatemala, but in the Western Hemisphere generally, and her work has earned her several international awards.
“Rigoberta represents the dynamic development of international legal norms”
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Oct
05
2009
Multi Award Winning Entrepreneur and Bestselling Author
Jo Haigh is an independent General and Corporate Financier with extensive skills in mergers & acquisitions, private equity and general management as well as an Entrepreneur. She has bought and sold over 300 companies in the last 20 years specialising in owner managed companies. She is currently Head of Corporate Finance for Atf Group an independent accounting, business consulting and financial services firm.
Jo has won speaker of the year award in Vistage and is “the speaker most in demand”
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Sep
30
2009
Author and Inspirational Workplace Guru
Judith Leary-Joyce is a best-selling author and a regular presenter at conferences on the subjects of Great Company Culture, Employer of Choice; Inspirational Managers and the Psychology of Success. Her passion for excellence makes her an exciting speaker who uses stories and examples to help people understand and buy in to the concepts. Her fascination with helping companies become employers of choice began when she worked on the 2002 ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ list for the UK Sunday Times.
“Behind every excited and dedicated employee, you find an inspirational manager”
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