July 17

Robert Bolling emigrated from England to Virginia in 1673 and established a successful tobacco plantation. He engaged in transatlantic trade, building wealth as both a planter and merchant. Bolling served on the Governor's Council and played a central role in colonial governance. He invested in ironworks and other enterprises, diversifying his family's economic interests. His descendants, known as the Bolling family, remained influential in American society and politics.

Born in Sheffield in 1718, Roebuck studied medicine before pursuing chemistry and industrial innovation. In 1746, he patented the lead chamber process, dramatically increasing sulfuric acid production for use in dyeing and metallurgy. He established factories at Prestonpans and collaborated with contemporaries like Josiah Wedgwood. Despite early successes, Roebuck faced financial difficulties and declared bankruptcy in 1763. His chemical discoveries, however, played a key role in the Industrial Revolution and laid foundations for modern chemical engineering.

Eugene Meyer was a banker and public servant who purchased The Washington Post out of bankruptcy in 1933 and transformed it into a leading newspaper. Born in San Francisco in 1875, he built his fortune in sugar trading and served briefly as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board in 1930. He later became Under Secretary of the Treasury, helping shape US monetary policy during the Great Depression. Under his stewardship, The Washington Post gained national prominence and financial stability. In 1946, Meyer was appointed the first president of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank). He remained an influential figure in publishing and international finance until his death in 1959.

Born in 1917 into the prominent Graham family, Katharine Graham assumed leadership of The Washington Post following her husband's death. Under her stewardship, the paper published the Pentagon Papers in 1971, challenging government secrecy. She famously guided the Post through the Watergate scandal, solidifying its role in investigative journalism. In 1972, she became the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company, breaking glass ceilings in the corporate world. Graham's candid memoir, Personal History, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1998. She remained a powerful figure in media until her death in 2001.

Grant Forsberg began his career as an actor, appearing in local theater productions and various television guest roles. He worked in both film and television, showcasing his range in supporting roles. In the late 1980s, he transitioned into business ventures, founding and managing small companies. Forsberg combined his creative background with entrepreneurial ambition, exploring opportunities across industries. He was recognized for his adaptability and drive in both entertainment and commerce. His dual career illustrates the synergy between artistic expression and business acumen. Forsberg's contributions continue to inspire those pursuing multiple passions.

Paulo Rogério Amoretty Souza built a reputation as a leading corporate lawyer in Brazil, advising major national firms on complex legal matters. Transitioning to business, he took on executive roles and guided companies through strategic growth initiatives. Amoretty Souza was valued for his sharp analytical skills and ability to navigate regulatory challenges. He championed innovation and ethical standards in both legal practice and corporate management. His dual career demonstrated a rare blend of legal expertise and business acumen. His impact is remembered in the firms he advised and the initiatives he led.