December 25

Antoinette de Bourbon was born in 1493 into the Bourbon-Vendôme family and married Claude of Lorraine, Duke of Guise. As Duchess, she managed vast estates and orchestrated her family's rise at the French court. She educated her children, many of whom became influential military and church leaders. Known for her devout faith, she supported numerous religious institutions and charitable works. She witnessed the French Wars of Religion and staunchly defended her family's Catholic interests. She died in 1583 at the age of 90, leaving a profound impact on 16th-century France.

Christine of Saxony was born in 1505 to Duke George of Saxony and married Francis I, Duke of Lorraine, in 1521. As Duchess consort, she fostered cultural and religious projects throughout Lorraine. After her husband's death in 1545, she acted as regent for her young son, skillfully managing political tensions. She supported Catholic reform initiatives and established charitable institutions for the poor. Christine's regency maintained stability during a period of religious conflict. She died in 1549, remembered as a capable ruler and patron of the Renaissance.

Clara Barton was a pioneer American nurse and relief organizer. She earned the nickname "Angel of the Battlefield" for her work during the Civil War. In 1881, she founded the American Red Cross and served as its first president. Her efforts established protocols for emergency response and disaster relief. Barton's dedication laid the groundwork for the Red Cross's global humanitarian mission. She continued her charitable work well into her late years, leaving a lasting legacy.

Born in Scotland in 1878, Noël married Norman Leslie, the 19th Earl of Rothes, and assumed her title. She survived the RMS Titanic disaster in 1912, helping to calm passengers and secure lifeboats. As a philanthropist, she supported hospitals and evacuated wounded soldiers during World War I. She hosted charitable events and used her social influence to raise funds for veterans. Beloved for her grace under pressure and charitable spirit, she became a celebrated public figure. Noël died in 1956, leaving a legacy of courage and compassion.

Born in the Russian Empire in 1878, Joseph M. Schenck emigrated to the United States as a teenager. He rose from theater owner to one of Hollywood’s most influential studio executives. Schenck co-founded United Artists with D.W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks. He later served as president of 20th Century Fox and oversaw the production of numerous classic films. Known for his business acumen and eye for talent, he helped shape the studio system. Schenck received an honorary Academy Award in 1939 for his contributions to the film industry.

Princess Alice (1901–2004) was a member of the British royal family who married Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, in 1935. As Duchess of Gloucester, she carried out numerous official duties and represented the crown at home and abroad. She was actively involved in charitable work, serving as patron of organizations including the British Red Cross. Known for her warm public persona, she lived through both World Wars and significant changes to the monarchy. She was one of the longest-lived members of the royal family, reaching 102 years of age.

Born in 1917, Lincoln Verduga Loor built a reputation as a journalist reporting on national affairs and social issues in Ecuador. He later transitioned into politics, serving in various government roles where he advocated for press freedom and transparency. Loor's writing and public service bridged the gap between media and governance during a transformative period in Ecuador. He remained an influential voice in both fields for decades. He passed away in 2009, remembered for his commitment to informed public discourse.

China Machado (1929–2016) was a trailblazing fashion model, editor, and television producer whose career redefined industry standards. Born in Shanghai and raised in Lisbon, she moved to New York in the 1950s and became the first model of color to appear in Vogue in 1960. Her striking presence and style broke racial barriers in high fashion, opening doors for greater diversity on magazine covers and runways. Transitioning behind the scenes, Machado served as creative director at Harper’s Bazaar and Elle, shaping editorial vision. She later produced and consulted on television projects, bringing her aesthetic expertise to the screen. Machado mentored emerging designers and photographers, leaving a lasting influence on fashion publishing. Her groundbreaking work continues to inspire models and editors around the world.

Warren Robinett began his career at Atari in the 1970s and designed Adventure for the Atari 2600, introducing open-world exploration to gaming. He hid a secret credit inside Adventure, establishing the first known Easter egg in a video game. Robinett’s innovations influenced the action-adventure genre and inspired countless developers. After leaving Atari, he co-founded his own company and later worked on multimedia projects at Apple. He has been honored with several industry awards, including the Game Developers Choice Pioneer Award. Robinett remains a respected figure in gaming history.

Alexandre Trudeau is a Canadian journalist, documentary filmmaker, and author. The son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, he studied anthropology and political science at McGill University. Trudeau has produced and directed award-winning documentaries for Canadian television, exploring issues such as conflict, social justice, and environmental challenges. His acclaimed films include 'The Fence' and 'Embedded', which provided unprecedented access to communities affected by war. In addition to filmmaking, he writes articles for leading publications and engages in humanitarian work around the world.

Adut Akech (born December 25, 1999) moved to Australia as a child and was discovered at a modeling competition in Adelaide. She rose to prominence walking for major fashion houses such as Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Alexander McQueen. Adut has graced covers of leading magazines including Vogue, Elle, and Allure, earning acclaim for her poise and beauty. In 2019, she was named Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council, solidifying her status in the industry. Beyond modeling, she advocates for diversity and refugee rights, using her platform to inspire positive change.