As we come to the end of another year, it’s natural to reflect on the events and stories that have shaped the past 12 months. From breaking news to heartwarming moments, the stories that captured our attention and touched our hearts have been in abundance. And while many of these stories may have been driven by circumstances and events, there were also individuals who played a pivotal role in shaping and changing these narratives.
In this article, we want to highlight the people who we believe had the most significant impact on the stories that defined the past year. These are individuals who used their platforms and influence for good, who stood up for what they believed in, and who inspired us to be better and do better.
1. Greta Thunberg
At just 16 years old, Greta Thunberg has become the face of the fight against climate change. Her passionate speeches and unwavering commitment to tackling the global crisis have inspired millions around the world to take action. From her powerful address at the United Nations to her Fridays for Future strikes, Greta has been a driving force in raising awareness and demanding action from world leaders. She has also been named TIME’s Person of the Year, cementing her impact on the stories of 2019.
2. Jacinda Ardern
New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has shown exceptional leadership and compassion in the face of adversity this year. Following the tragic Christchurch mosque shootings, she swiftly implemented gun control laws and showed unwavering support for the Muslim community. Her empathetic and inclusive approach has been a shining example of how leaders should respond to crisis, and she has become a role model for female leadership.
3. Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe not only led the US Women’s National Soccer Team to victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, but she also used her platform to advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Her fearless and unapologetic stance on social issues earned her the title of Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year and made her a symbol of strength and empowerment for women and the LGBTQ+ community.
4. Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri
The death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was a significant event in the fight against terrorism, but it also brought attention to another man who has played a crucial role in shaping the global narrative of extremism. Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of the terrorist group al-Qaeda, has been a key figure in the spread of extremist ideologies and has been linked to several attacks around the world. As the US continues to combat terrorism, Dr. al-Zawahiri’s influence cannot be ignored.
5. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
At just 29 years old, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress in 2018. Since then, she has made a name for herself as a fierce advocate for progressive policies and has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration. Her bold and unapologetic approach to politics has inspired a new generation to get involved and has brought much-needed attention to important issues such as climate change and income inequality.
6. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been making headlines since their royal wedding in 2018, but it was their decision to step back from their senior roles in the royal family that truly shook things up in 2019. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s announcement to become financially independent and split their time between the UK and North America sparked discussions about the role of the monarchy and the challenges faced by modern royals. Their decision to be more open and transparent about their struggles with the media has also brought attention to the issue of media intrusion and privacy.
7. Hong Kong Protesters
The ongoing protests in Hong Kong have been a defining story of 2019, and the people behind these demonstrations have shown incredible bravery and determination in their fight for democracy and freedom. Despite facing violent clashes with police and threats of retaliation, the protesters have continued to make their voices heard and have captured the attention of the world. Their unwavering commitment to their cause has undoubtedly changed the narrative of the Hong Kong situation and has brought the issue to the forefront of international discussions.
These are just a few of the individuals who we believe have had a significant impact on the stories that defined the past year. Each of them has used their
