October 26

John Basset was born in 1518 into a prominent gentry family in Devonshire. He managed the family estates and served as a justice of the peace, overseeing local legal matters. Basset fostered good relations with neighboring noble families and represented his community in county affairs. His tenure exemplified the responsibilities of Tudor-era landowners in maintaining order and administration. He died in 1541, remembered for his service to local governance.

Charlotte de Sauve was born in 1551 into the minor French nobility and became a central figure in Catherine de’ Medici’s famous ‘Flying Squadron’ of female spies. She entertained and influenced powerful noblemen, extracting secrets to manipulate court factions during the Wars of Religion. Charlotte’s romantic liaisons with figures like Henry of Guise shaped political intrigues at the French court. Her intelligence gathering aided the queen mother in balancing Protestant and Catholic interests. She lived through one of France’s most turbulent eras and died in 1617, leaving a legacy of courtly intrigue.

William Sprague (1609–1675) was among the first English colonists in New England. In 1629, he played a key role in founding Charlestown on the banks of the Mystic River. He helped establish local governance structures and trade networks for the settlement. Sprague’s leadership aided the community’s survival during its formative years. He was involved in regional affairs and maintained ties with other Massachusetts Bay colonies. His efforts contributed to the expansion of English presence in North America.

Born in 1874 in Providence, Rhode Island, Abby Aldrich married John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1901. As a socialite, she developed a passion for contemporary art and supported avant-garde artists. In 1929, she co-founded MoMA alongside Lillie P. Bliss and Mary Quinn Sullivan. Rockefeller served on the museum's first board and championed exhibitions of Picasso, Matisse, and Brâncuși. Her personal collection and fundraising efforts provided a foundation for MoMA's early growth. She continued philanthropic work until her death in 1948, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.

Madelyn Dunham was an American banker who worked her way up to serve as a vice president at the Bank of Hawaii. She played a central role in raising her grandson, Barack Obama, providing him with stability and encouragement during his formative years. Dunham's guidance and support were instrumental in shaping his character and ambition. She accompanied him on his early political endeavors and was known for her warmth and resilience. Despite her battle with cancer, she lived to see his election to the United States Senate. Dunham's legacy endures through her impact on one of the most prominent political figures of the 21st century.

Suhaila Noah (1931–2014) served as the spouse of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, playing an important ceremonial and support role. Throughout her tenure, she engaged in charitable activities and supported initiatives focused on education and healthcare. Noah accompanied the Prime Minister on state visits, fostering diplomatic goodwill. Her dedication to social causes earned her respect both within Malaysia and internationally. Beyond her public duties, she was admired for her compassion and commitment to community service.

Born in 1949 in Davao, Antonio T. Carpio graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines College of Law. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2002, he became Senior Associate Justice in 2018 and served as Acting Chief Justice on multiple occasions. Carpio is a leading voice in international law, notably advocating Philippine territorial rights in the South China Sea dispute. He has authored key opinions on constitutional law, human rights, and judicial independence. He continues to lecture, write, and lead outreach programs to educate the public on legal issues.

Tim Hely Hutchinson is a prominent British publishing executive with a career spanning over three decades. He served as CEO of Hachette UK from 2004 to 2018, overseeing imprints such as Orion and Little, Brown. Under his leadership, Hachette UK expanded its international reach and published bestselling authors like J.K. Rowling. Earlier, he was chairman and chief executive of Hodder Headline and played a key role in its merger with Hachette. Hely Hutchinson has been influential in adapting to digital publishing and industry consolidation. He has also held positions with industry organizations, advocating for authors’ rights and literacy initiatives.

Jeanne Zelasko began her broadcasting career in local radio and television before joining Fox Sports in 1998. She became one of the first female studio hosts for Major League Baseball on Fox, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Zelasko also covered the World Series and the NFL, expanding her repertoire across major American sports. Later, she served as a pit reporter for NASCAR broadcasts, demonstrating her versatility and depth of knowledge. Beyond sports, Zelasko has worked on news magazines and documentary projects, showcasing her journalistic range.

Matsuko Deluxe gained popularity in Japan through his frank and humorous critiques of culture and gender. He began writing columns that blended personal insight with social analysis, attracting a wide readership. As an author, he published several books that mix memoir with commentary on modern Japanese society. Deluxe's television appearances on variety and talk shows further showcased his wit and unique perspective. He has broken stereotypes through his outspoken style and open discussion of identity. Beyond media, he has engaged in charitable initiatives and public speaking events. Matsuko continues to influence Japanese pop culture as a writer and on-screen talent.

Eva Kaili began her career as a journalist in Greece, reporting on political and economic affairs. She entered politics and was elected to the European Parliament in 2014 as a member of the PASOK party. In her parliamentary work, she has championed digital innovation, data privacy, and blockchain technologies. She served as Vice-President of the European Parliament, advocating for transparency and citizen engagement. Kaili has worked to strengthen EU cooperation with Middle Eastern and North African countries on energy and technology. Her efforts have been recognized for promoting youth participation in politics and advancing cybersecurity measures across member states.