CHAMPIONS FOR COMMUNITY

CFC Sara Sidner fear 2
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This CNN reporter covers war and conflict. Here’s how she copes
An accident almost wiped out surfer Jesse Billauer's dreams. But then he got back on his board and helped spark a worldwide movement for adaptive sports.
CNN
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On wheels or on waves, life rolls on for the ‘Godfather of adaptive surfing’

CHAMPIONS FOR EMPOWERMENT

After fleeing Taliban rule, Zahra Joya is shining a light on the struggles of Afghanistan's women.
CNN
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After fleeing Taliban rule, she shines a light on the struggles of Afghanistan’s women
Soul Food Cypher offers a safe space for artistic expression and community building, all while changing misperceptions of rap and hip hop.
CNN
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Hip hop is much more than music for these freestyle rappers
Sophia Chang made a name for herself managing some of the biggest names in hip hop. Now she's calling on her network to uplift those who have traditionally been overlooked.
CNN
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Maven Sophia Chang champions mentorship for women of color

CHAMPIONS FOR AWARENESS

Minnesota-based Amazing Grace Chorus offers inspiration for dementia patients and caregivers.
CNN
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The ‘Amazing Grace’ of music to alleviate memory loss
On the forefront of the no-kill movement, Best Friends Animal Society is transforming pet rescue and adoption.
CNN
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The shelter striving to rescue every savable animal by 2025
Harry Miller gave his all on Ohio State University's football team. But his toughest fight was off the field, battling depression
CNN
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Former football player tackles mental health crisis

CHAMPIONS FOR INNOVATION

Her child's leukemia diagnosis was scary enough. But after Laura Bray learned a drug her daughter desperately needed wasn't available, she made it her mission that no other parents would have to experience the same.
CNN
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Cancer patient’s mom takes on the drug shortage crisis
Even with a 7th degree Black Belt, Shuseki Shihan Mel Ramsey found the onset of the pandemic "scary." But under his innovative leadership, his Upper West Side karate community emerged even stronger than before.
CNN
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Karate instructor reveals the secret to overcoming life’s challenges

CHAMPIONS FOR GRACE

Sherman Williams was a Super Bowl champion before a sudden fall from grace. Now he's turned his life around to the benefit of his entire community.
CNN
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After prison, Alabama football legend pays it forward
As a child, Muriel Saenz survived political unrest in Central America. As an adult, she now helps those who have had to flee their homelands for safety.
CNN
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Asylum-seekers fleeing violence find an ‘angel’ of mercy
After losing their daughter in the Aurora, Colorado, theater attack, Sandy and Lonnie Phillips turned their grief into compassion for others touched by mass shootings.
CNN
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Parents of mass shooting victim help fellow survivors heal

PAST CHAMPIONS

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‘Extraordinary’: Gupta amazed by biologist’s ‘ghost’ heart
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How this NFL player helps empower some of Buffalo’s most impoverished neighborhoods