“Vision is the spark, courage is the engine, and impact is the legacy.”

In 2025, the world is shaped by those who dare to imagine differently, act boldly, and inspire meaningful change. From global digital creators to cultural innovators, designers, and poets, these five trailblazers are redefining what it means to lead with purpose.

1. Wanda J. Knight

Global Digital Creator | Fashion, Beauty & Wellness Influencer | Former Fortune 20 Executive

Quote:
“Reinvention isn’t just a career move—it’s a way to live authentically.”

Facts:

• Traveled to 38 countries
• Formula 1 enthusiast
• Attended Met Gala Viewing Party

Lifestyle Highlights:

• Fashion: Victoria Beckham, Chanel, Norma Kamali
• Beauty: Dr. Barbara Sturm, U Beauty, Summer Fridays
• Wellness: Arbonne, Cymbiotika

Profile:
Wanda J. Knight is the embodiment of reinvention. After a distinguished 25-year career as a top-performing sales leader at a Fortune 20 technology company, Wanda is now beginning her transition from corporate leadership toward a new chapter as a global digital creator in fashion, beauty, and wellness. Her evolving journey reflects her belief that embracing change with courage can open doors to creativity, influence, and personal fulfillment.

Her global perspective comes from extensive travel—experiences in 38 countries that have shaped her appreciation for diverse cultures and ways of life. Wanda’s lifelong passion for Formula 1 racing mirrors her love of strategy, precision, and performance—qualities she brings to both her creative work and her approach to growth.

A member of Vogue Club and Vogue Business Club, Wanda has attended high-profile events such as Vogue’s Forces of Fashion in New York, Vogue World in Paris, and the Met Gala Viewing Party. Her digital content blends sophisticated style with authentic storytelling, inspiring a global audience to embrace fashion, wellness, and travel as expressions of individuality.

Wanda’s approach to style is bold yet refined, favoring designers such as Victoria Beckham, Chanel, and Norma Kamali. In beauty, she champions clean, high-performance brands like Dr. Barbara Sturm, U Beauty, and Summer Fridays, while her wellness routine includes Arbonne and Cymbiotika. Through her evolving work, Wanda exemplifies that reinvention, strategic thinking, and purposeful living can create a legacy that transcends industries.

 

2. Lea Jabre-Fayad

Global Advocate & Storyteller | Rare Disease Awareness | Chronic Illness Empowerment

Quote:
“Being bent is not the same as being broken.”

Facts:

• Diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare autoimmune disorder

• Founder of Bent Not Broken, a rare disease and chronic illness advocacy platform

• Host of Heart to Heart, a conversation series about life with chronic illness

• Communications & Fundraising Manager at Reddo Care (UK)

• Co-founder of Boukra Nour NGO in Lebanon

Profile:
Lea Jabre-Fayad is the embodiment of resilience and purpose. A writer and nonprofit professional, Lea’s life took an unexpected turn with a diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare neurological autoimmune disorder that affects fewer than one in a million people worldwide. Rather than allow her illness to define her, Lea transformed her personal challenges into a mission of advocacy and hope.

Through her platform Bent Not Broken, she shares personal stories, social campaigns, and the Heart to Heart video series, offering unfiltered insights into living with SPS and other autoimmune conditions. Her message is clear: vulnerability is strength, and being “bent” is not the same as being broken. Her work has inspired countless individuals navigating chronic illness, creating a global community of support and visibility.

Lea’s professional journey reflects her dedication to making an impact beyond conventional boundaries. At Reddo Care, a UK-based nonprofit, she manages communications and fundraising initiatives while co-founding Boukra Nour in Lebanon to support youth empowerment and social inclusion. Her approach demonstrates that physical limitations do not restrict professional potential or the ability to effect meaningful change.

Her advocacy extends beyond storytelling, emphasising early diagnosis, better research for rare diseases, inclusive work practices, and emotional support for patients and carers. Through these efforts, Lea has become a global voice for chronic illness awareness, blending empathy with education and inspiring others to embrace resilience and purpose.

3. Jennifer Aitken

Amazon Bestselling Author | Fantasy & YA Fiction | Creator of the Legends of Light & Shadows Saga

Quote:
“Resilience isn’t just a theme in my books—it’s the foundation of my writing life.”

Facts:

• Nearly 20 years as a freelance writer before transitioning to fantasy fiction
• Amazon Bestseller with a 5-Star Book Review rating
• Recognized as a “New Voice in Fantasy”

Lifestyle Highlights:

•  Themes: Resilience, identity, courage, light vs. shadow

• Writing Focus: Epic fantasy, emotional truth, character growth
• Current Work: Book Four in the Legends of Light & Shadows Saga

Profile:
Jennifer Aitken is a storyteller whose journey mirrors the epic worlds she creates. Before becoming a celebrated fantasy author, Jennifer honed her craft as a freelance writer, mastering the art of communication across diverse audiences. This experience laid the groundwork for her transition into fantasy, where she channels her resilience and imagination into rich, emotionally grounded worlds.

Her acclaimed Legends of Light & Shadows Saga follows Lucius Xavier, a young man navigating a hidden dimension of light and darkness. While the saga is filled with magic, prophecy, and battles, its core explores courage, fear, and personal growth. Jennifer’s characters are never flawless—they struggle, question, and falter, making their triumphs relatable and inspiring.

Jennifer’s success extends beyond accolades. Readers connect deeply with her work, often sharing how her stories have encouraged them to face their own challenges. Her writing is a testament to the belief that strength is born in struggle and that storytelling can illuminate the human spirit.

Through her saga, Jennifer Aitken exemplifies that fantasy is not merely an escape, but a reflection of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of confronting one’s fears. With Book Four underway, she continues to expand her mythology while inspiring readers to find light even in life’s darkest moments.

4. Aurora James

Designer | Social Entrepreneur | Cultural Advocate

Quote:
“Creativity paired with purpose can change industries—and lives.”

Facts:

• Founder of Brother Vellies, luxury accessories brand
• Creator of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, supporting Black-owned businesses
• Grew up across Canada, Jamaica, and Africa

Lifestyle Highlights:

• Celebrates traditional African craftsmanship in luxury fashion
• Advocates for economic and cultural equity
• Inspires a new generation of socially conscious designers

Profile:
Aurora James stands at the intersection of fashion, culture, and social impact. Founder and creative director of Brother Vellies, she has championed African craftsmanship, turning traditional artisanal techniques into globally recognized luxury footwear and accessories. Each creation honors heritage while embodying contemporary design, reflecting Aurora’s philosophy that fashion is a medium for storytelling and social impact.

Aurora is equally influential as a social entrepreneur. Her Fifteen Percent Pledge, which encourages retailers to dedicate a proportion of shelf space to Black-owned businesses, has transformed industry standards and demonstrated that inclusivity can drive economic and cultural progress. Her global upbringing, including time in Canada, Jamaica, and Africa, informs her perspective on cultural exchange and equity.

Aurora James is an advocate for representation, opportunity, and sustainability, showing how creativity and purpose can converge to inspire systemic change. Her work reminds the world that design can be both beautiful and transformative.

5. Amanda Gorman

Poet | Activist | Cultural Visionary

Quote:
“Words are the tools that shape both thought and action.”

Facts:

• Delivered The Hill We Climb at the 46th U.S. Presidential Inauguration
• Author of Call Us What We Carry
• Advocates for youth engagement and civic participation

Lifestyle Highlights:

• Explores themes of identity, history, and hope in poetry
• Uses public platforms to inspire social awareness and action
• Blends art and activism seamlessly

Profile:
Amanda Gorman has become one of the most influential cultural voices of her generation. Her poetry combines lyrical beauty with a powerful social conscience, tackling themes of equity, identity, and civic engagement. She gained international acclaim delivering The Hill We Climb at the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States, captivating millions with her eloquence, poise, and visionary perspective.

Beyond performance poetry, Amanda is the author of multiple collections, including Call Us What We Carry, blending literary craftsmanship with timely social commentary. She is deeply committed to youth engagement, education, and advocacy, using words as instruments for change.

Amanda’s work demonstrates that language is transformative, capable of both inspiring action and shaping culture. She embodies the belief that artistry, when paired with purpose, can influence society on a global scale.