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Times Magazine just released its list of the 100 most influential people of 2020, highlighting individuals considered to be powerful, innovative, and inspirational within their craft. The list included world leaders, actors, artists, athletes, and icons who have managed to shine despite the unruliness this year has brought. Let’s highlight a few of the individuals who made this year’s list.

Anthony Fauci

Dr. Anthony Fauci is probably one name everyone knows by now. AT the start of the pandemic, Dr. Fauci was front in center as one of the firsts to step forward with information regarding the deadly disease. Fauci is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, and throughout his career, he has advised six U.S. presidents, including being a lead member in President Trump’s Coronavirus Task Force. His service to public health has also included research on other immunodeficiency diseases such as HIV/AIDs, and he has been one of the world’s most frequently-cited scientists across all scientific journals.

Kamala Harris

When Kamala Harris was sworn into office in 2017 as the second African-American woman as a U.S. Senator for California, no one was prepared for the barriers this woman would continue to break in her career. Fast-forward three years later, Kamala is now the Democratic vice-presidential candidate for the 2020 election. Kamala has dedicated her career to fighting systematic injustice , and her dedication to her work speaks for itself. Her passion and commitment to making the world a better place for everyone was inspired by her upbringing. Kamala was raised by immigrant-activist parents who exposed Kamala to the world she would be facing as a minority, as an African-American, as a woman. Kamala served two terms as the District Attorney of San Francisco, the first African-American and first woman to serve as California’s Attorney General, where she worked to protect the state’s most vulnerable populations and fight for systematic reform. She is now preparing to serve an entire country with the same mission, principles, and values that have brought her this far.

Tyler Perry

“There’s no one else like him. In the entertainment business and in life. He’s a true visionary. A trailblazer.”- Oprah Winfrey

Tyler Perry made history last year when he opened the largest privately owned film studio in the U.S. The state-of-the-art facility sits on a former Confederate Army base, and the legacy within the walls of the studio showcases his commitment to the arts and his community.

Tyler Perry is an actor, author, producer, and screenplay writer who has captivated audiences worldwide with his 17 feature films, 20 stage plays, and TV shows. His work consists of a blend of spiritual hope and humor that reveals glimpses of his turbulent upbringing. Tyler’s mission to bring hope and positive reinforcement into household’s all over has become a reality, and he continues to find new ways to share his gifts with the world.

These is just a glimpse of  some of the incredible people included in this year’s list. Others mentioned on the list include Ali Wong, Nancy Pelosi, Patrick Mahomes, Donald Trump, and Selena Gomez. A full list of Times 100 Most Influential People can be found here.

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