March 31

Born in 1855 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Alfred E. Hunt studied metallurgy and graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He co-founded the Pittsburgh Reduction Company in 1888, capitalizing on the newly discovered Hall–Héroult process for extracting aluminum. Under his leadership, the company evolved into the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA), transforming aluminum from a rare metal into a commercially viable material. Hunt's vision and business acumen laid the groundwork for the modern aluminum industry. He passed away in 1899, leaving a lasting impact on industrial manufacturing and metallurgy.

Born in Lyman County, South Dakota, Elmer Diedtrich launched his career in the insurance industry and co-founded the Diedtrich Agency. He was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 1998, serving two terms and advocating for rural economic development and small businesses. Diedtrich was known for his commitment to community service and his efforts to improve educational opportunities in his district. He balanced his political career with leadership roles in civic organizations. After leaving office, he continued to expand his business and mentor young entrepreneurs. Diedtrich's legacy includes both his contributions to state legislation and his impact on local commerce.

Born in Brussels to American parents, Elizabeth 'Liz' Claiborne moved to the United States as a child and studied fashion design at the Art Students League and Parsons School of Design. In 1976, she launched Liz Claiborne Inc., targeting professional women with stylish and affordable clothing. Under her leadership as CEO, the company became the first female-led Fortune 500 apparel firm. Claiborne's designs revolutionized the ready-to-wear industry and set new standards for women's fashion. She was also a philanthropist, supporting arts education and community initiatives. Claiborne retired in 1989 and passed away in 2007, leaving a lasting mark on the fashion world.

Herb Alpert was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1935. He rose to fame as the trumpet player and bandleader of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, blending jazz, Latin, and pop styles. The group scored multiple hits such as 'The Lonely Bull' and 'A Taste of Honey', earning Alpert several Grammy Awards. In 1962, he cofounded A&M Records with Jerry Moss, which became one of the most successful independent labels. Alpert has also released solo albums and collaborated with artists across genres. Apart from music, he is a noted painter and philanthropist, supporting arts and education through the Herb Alpert Foundation.

Alan Duncan began his career in the hospitality industry before entering politics as a member of the Conservative Party. He was elected MP for Rutland and Melton in 1992 and held that seat until 2019. Duncan served as Shadow Leader of the House of Commons from 2005 to 2007 and later held ministerial positions in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He was among the first openly gay Conservative MPs, advocating for LGBT rights within his party and Parliament. Known for his debating skills and cross-party collaborations, Duncan combined his business acumen with public service. He retired from the House of Commons in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of moderate conservatism.

Evan Williams was born in 1972 and co-founded Pyra Labs, where he launched Blogger, one of the first major blogging platforms. After Google acquired Blogger, he went on to co-found Twitter, serving as CEO and guiding it to global prominence. Williams later founded Medium, a popular online publishing platform that emphasizes quality writing and thoughtful discussion. His innovations have shaped the way people share information online and have influenced digital communication worldwide. He continues to invest in and advise technology startups.