They are athletes and activists.
Disruptors in their respective fields and disciplines.
And each of them is pushing for progress in big and meaningful ways.
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What is a changemaker?
Its a question we often asked ourselves as we put togetherMarie Claires Changemakers List.
At first the answer seemed obvioussomeone, well,making changeand doing good things.
It quickly became clear, however, that true changemakers defy such easy definition.
They arent engaged in a linear pursuit of purpose, but one shaped by the needs of the moment.
That is certainly the case for the 27 inspiring people who ultimately ended up on our list.
Takeauthor Lauren Groff, who opened an inclusive bookstorein the shadow of Floridas book bans.
Or researcher AkikoIwasaki, who continues to study long COVID even as many have long forgotten about the disease.
They are consistently rising to the occasionand lifting us all up right along with them as they do.
Simpson’s persistent creativity and unique vision represent a shift in ageist and gender-based stereotypes tied to career peaks.
The founder is truly setting a new standard for being a do-good, feel-good, look-good business.
The documentary filmmaker has a reputation of exploring complex global issues with an unshakeable courage and empathy.
As a professional athlete and sports broadcaster, Ogwumike represents an exciting new era of womens basketball.
She began her pro career in 2014 as the No.
1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft and as 2014 Rookie of the Year.
In the role, Ogwumike has become an outspoken champion for women in sports.
The Nigerian American has also long been involved in international aid advocacy.
In October 2023, she was named to the White Houses inaugural Presidents Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement.
For those who run in literary circles, Groff needs no introduction.
Daniels is changing motorsports, one tire at a time.
I think about my late mother who passed away when I was 19.
She always told me I was going to be something special.
She knew I was going to be That Girl.
Omondi isn’t just participating in the fashion discourseshes actively shaping the narrative.
Her appointment is significant, reflecting a seismic shift towards greater gender diversity in a male-dominated industry.
While impressive, Eaddy is not new to this work.
She founded her advocacy group #WinWithBlackWomen in 2020.
In 2022, she became the first Black queer woman to lead the Human Rights Campaign.
To foster the next generation of reporters, Hannah Jones co-founded the Ida B.
She has since gone on to create partnerships with Warner Bros.
Discovery (formally Warner Media) and hosts large-scale beauty summits on inclusivity with Meta.
All in the spirit of ensuring there is better education and conversations around beauty for women of color.
While many have wiped COVID from their memories, Iwasaki has kept it top of mind.
But the Missouri-bred singer-songwriter’s resonance holds no bounds.
Through her work, Hardeman has identified solutions to major healthcare issues.
So she launched ArtLeadHer, an organization intent on changing that.
Being a changemaker entails possessing both bravery and perseverance.
It requires a fearless spirit and emotional acumen.
But Creals most impactful project is her most recent one.
We have [our customers] back as she moves through life.
And, at 54, Im right there with her.
And well, she won that case, too.
Known affectionately on the internet as “Col the Dol,” Jones represents a new cohort of supermodels.
But the catwalk is merely just one of the many platforms upon which Jones is making her mark.
Additional reporting by Tamara Warren.
This story appears in the 2024 Changemakers Issue.
Smelling good has never been this affordable.
The pair has a new outlook on couples' style.
“I thought, I’m gonna look just like she does on the box.'”
