November 15

Born in 1866 in what is now Karnataka, India, Cornelia Sorabji was sent to England for her education. She became the first woman to read law at Oxford University but was not allowed to earn a degree at that time. Returning to India in 1894, she became a legal assistant for purdahnashin women who could not appear in court. Sorabji campaigned for social reform, advocating against child marriage and for women’s education. She published essays and memoirs about her experiences and struggles. She died in 1954, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer for women in law and social justice.

Vaidyanathapura Rama Krishna Iyer was born on November 15, 1914, in Ernakulam, Kerala. He pursued law and became a prominent lawyer noted for defending civil liberties. In 1973, he was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of India, where he served until 1980. Iyer was celebrated for landmark rulings on environmental protection, prisoners' rights, and social justice. Known as a crusader for the underprivileged, he championed judicial activism and legal reforms. After retirement, he continued to write, lecture, and influence Indian constitutional law until his death in 2014.

Joseph Wapner was a Los Angeles Superior Court judge who rose to national fame as the first presiding judge on the reality courtroom series The People's Court in 1981. His clear explanations of legal principles and calm demeanor endeared him to millions of viewers over 12 seasons. Wapner’s career spanned decades on the bench, where he handled diverse civil cases before transitioning to television. His success paved the way for a new genre of legal entertainment that remains popular today. Beyond TV, he authored books and lectured on law and ethics, leaving a legacy as a pioneer in bringing real-world justice to mainstream audiences.

Tara Singh Hayer was born in 1936 in India and immigrated to Canada, where he founded the Indo-Canadian Times. He became a prominent voice for the Sikh community and advocates for human rights. Hayer fearlessly covered organized crime and political issues, exposing corruption and criminal networks. In 1994, he survived an assassination attempt linked to his investigative journalism. Despite ongoing threats, he continued publishing critical articles until his death. In 1998, Hayer was tragically assassinated outside his home in British Columbia. His legacy endures as a champion of press freedom and community advocacy.

Tony Mendez (1940–2019) was a clandestine operations specialist with the United States Central Intelligence Agency. He gained fame for his role in the 1979 'Canadian Caper,' in which he devised a cover story to extract six American diplomats from Tehran during the Iran hostage crisis. Mendez’s ingenuity and experience in covert tradecraft were later depicted in the Academy Award-winning film Argo (2012). Throughout his career, he led numerous undercover missions and trained other operatives in disguise and exfiltration techniques. After retiring, he authored books on espionage and lectured on intelligence history, sharing insights into the shadowy world of clandestine operations. His legacy endures as a testament to creativity and courage in intelligence work.

Roger Donaldson began his career in Australia, writing and directing low-budget crime films. He broke into Hollywood with the thriller 'No Way Out' (1987), earning praise for his taut direction. His diverse filmography includes disaster epics like 'Dante's Peak' (1997) and biographical dramas such as 'The World's Fastest Indian' (2005). Donaldson is known for blending suspense, action, and human drama to appeal to wide audiences. Over five decades, he has worked with major studios and leading actors of his time. His contributions have left a lasting mark on both Australian and international cinema.

Sutcliffe joined television in 1979 and soon became a fixture on Australian sports broadcasting. For over two decades, he hosted 'Wide World of Sports' on the Nine Network. He covered multiple Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. His accessible style and witty commentary earned him widespread popularity and industry awards. He received several Logie Award nominations for his work in sports journalism. After retiring, he continued to mentor young broadcasters and contribute guest commentary.

Teodoro Locsin Jr. is a Filipino journalist turned diplomat born in 1948. He began his career as editor-in-chief of The Manila Chronicle before entering politics. Locsin served in the House of Representatives and was later appointed as the Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations. In 2018, he was named Secretary of Foreign Affairs, championing national interests on the global stage. A Harvard alumnus, he is known for his sharp wit and outspoken style. Locsin advocates for press freedom, rule of law, and strong diplomatic ties.

Kevin S. Bright was born in 1954 in New York City and graduated from Syracuse University’s drama department. Early in his career, he produced and directed episodes of Wiseguy before co-creating Friends in 1994 with David Crane and Marta Kauffman. As executive producer and director, Bright oversaw more than 50 episodes of the hit sitcom, which became a global phenomenon. He later produced Veronica’s Closet and founded the International Academy of Film, Television, and Stage in Bali. Bright is regarded as a visionary in television comedy.

Lily Aldridge began her modeling career at age 16, quickly signing with top agencies in New York and Paris. She gained international fame as a Victoria's Secret Angel and graced the runway for brands like Givenchy and Versace. Aldridge has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar, becoming a staple of high-fashion editorials. Beyond modeling, she is a creative director for her family's art gallery and engages in philanthropic work with children's charities. Her influence in fashion and art continues to inspire aspiring models around the world.