June 27

William Pepperrell was born in 1696 in Kittery, Maine, into a prosperous merchant family. He rose to prominence as a trader of goods such as timber and fish in New England. During King George’s War, he led colonial militia in the 1745 Siege of Louisbourg against French forces. His planning and leadership secured a crucial victory, earning him a baronetcy from King George II. Pepperrell later served in the Massachusetts Assembly and held local government posts. He balanced commercial success with civic duty, shaping early colonial military identity. Pepperrell died in 1759, leaving a legacy as a pioneering American colonial leader.

Juan Trippe was a visionary American entrepreneur who founded Pan American World Airways in 1927. Under his leadership, Pan Am introduced the world's first transatlantic in-flight service and pioneered the use of large flying boats such as the Clipper fleet. Trippe championed the jet age by adopting Boeing 707 jets, making international air travel faster and more accessible. He also established aviation routes across the Pacific and to remote regions, laying the groundwork for modern global airlines. Trippe's innovations earned him recognition as one of the most influential figures in commercial aviation history.

Helena Benitez (1914–2016) was a prominent Filipina educator whose career spanned several decades of academic leadership. She championed women’s access to higher education and advanced curriculum development at key universities. As an administrator, she served on national committees overseeing cultural and educational policy, strengthening community outreach programs. Benitez represented the Philippines in international forums, fostering cultural exchange and collaborative partnerships. Her lifelong dedication to education and women’s rights has had a lasting impact on Philippine society.

Bob Appleyard was born in Leeds, England, and served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. After the war, he made his debut for Yorkshire County Cricket Club in 1949, taking over 130 wickets in his first season. His skill and consistency earned him selection for the England national team, where he took 102 wickets in just seven Test matches. Appleyard toured Australia with the MCC in 1954–55, showcasing his mastery of seam and swing bowling. A knee injury cut short his playing career, prompting him to found a successful property and manufacturing business. He remained involved in cricket through administrative roles and mentoring young players. Appleyard's dual legacy as a sportsman and entrepreneur endures among cricket enthusiasts.

He founded Electronic Data Systems in 1962, pioneering data services for corporate clients and selling the company to General Motors for $2.5 billion in 1984. In 1988, he established Perot Systems, another technology services firm that he led until its sale in 2009. Perot entered politics as an independent candidate in the 1992 U.S. presidential election, earning nearly 19% of the popular vote, the strongest third-party showing in decades. He ran again in 1996, advocating for balanced budgets, economic reform, and political accountability. Perot's direct approach and televised infomercials brought policy debates into American living rooms. He wrote several books on economics and national security, sharing his fiscal philosophies. Perot passed away in 2019, leaving a legacy of entrepreneurship and political activism.

Born into the prominent Bronfman family in Montreal, Bronfman helped expand the family liquor business, Seagram, into a global empire. He served as co-chairman of Seagram Company Ltd., overseeing diversification into entertainment and real estate. A passionate philanthropist, he co-founded the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, supporting education, arts, and Jewish heritage programs. Bronfman also initiated the Birthright Israel program, providing free trips to Israel for young Jewish adults worldwide. He has held leadership roles in the World Jewish Congress and the United Jewish Appeal. Bronfman's contributions to both business and community initiatives have earned him numerous honors. He continues to be active in global philanthropy and cultural projects.

Sunanda Pushkar (June 27, 1962 – January 17, 2014) was an Indian-born Canadian businesswoman and philanthropist. Born in New Delhi, she moved to Canada where she built a career in marketing and business development. Pushkar worked across hospitality and consulting sectors, co-owning several ventures in Canada and abroad. She supported charitable organizations focused on women’s education, health, and cultural exchange. Throughout her career, she was recognized for her leadership and dedication to community engagement. Her legacy continues through initiatives she championed to bridge cultural communities.

Aigars Kalvītis is a Latvian businessman and former politician. Born on June 27, 1966, he earned a degree in economics before launching a career in the private sector. Kalvītis co-founded a leading beverage company before entering politics. He served as Prime Minister of Latvia from 2004 to 2007, overseeing significant economic reforms and European Union integration efforts. After leaving office, he returned to business, holding executive positions in major Latvian companies. His leadership has left a lasting impact on both Latvia’s political and economic landscape.

John Eales is a former Australian rugby union player renowned as one of the sport's great captains. He led the Wallabies to Rugby World Cup victories in 1991 and 1999, and remains the only captain to lift the trophy twice. Eales earned 86 caps for his country between 1991 and 2001, also excelling as a lock and goal-kicker. Nicknamed 'Nobody' (because nobody's perfect), he was famed for his leadership and versatility on the field. After retiring, he transitioned into business, holding executive roles in the financial services and wine industries. Eales has also been involved in sports administration and philanthropy, promoting youth development. He was inducted into both the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the International Rugby Hall of Fame.

Christopher O'Neill was born on June 27, 1974, in London to a British and American family. He studied international relations and chemistry at Boston University before starting a career in finance in New York and London. O'Neill worked for firms like N.M. Rothschild & Sons and founded his own investment management company. In 2013, he married Princess Madeleine of Sweden and chose to remain a private citizen, declining a royal title. He is known for balancing a low-profile financial career with occasional public engagements on behalf of the royal family. O'Neill continues to live between Europe and the United States while supporting charitable causes.

Khloé Kardashian rose to fame as a star of the reality television series Keeping Up with the Kardashians. She has built a successful career as a model and entrepreneur, co-founding the denim brand Good American and launching several fragrance and fitness lines. Kardashian has also hosted the radio show Khloé After Dark on Sirius XM. Known for her candid personality and fitness journey, she has become a prominent influencer on social media. Khloé has appeared in spin-off series and has authored a book on her life experiences. She continues to expand her business ventures and use her platform for charitable causes.