December 26

Virginia Bolten was born in 1870 in Buenos Aires to Swiss immigrant parents and became a leading figure in Argentina's early labor movement. She founded the newspaper La Voz de la Mujer in 1896, the first publication dedicated to women's labor issues and anarchist thought. Bolten organized women's labor congresses and campaigned for equal rights, drawing attention to the plight of female workers. Political repression forced her into exile in Uruguay and later the United States, but she continued her activism abroad. Her efforts laid the groundwork for future feminist and labor organizations in Latin America. Bolten died in 1960, honored as a trailblazer for women's and workers' rights.

Bazoline Estelle Usher (1885–1992) was an African-American educator who spent over seven decades teaching and mentoring students in Georgia. She was one of the first Black teachers in Atlanta Public Schools and the first African-American woman to serve as principal at Booker T. Washington High School. A graduate of Atlanta University, Usher advocated tirelessly for educational equity and community empowerment. She co-founded the first Zeta Phi Beta sorority chapter at her school and developed impactful extracurricular programs for youth. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards for her service and commitment to education, and her legacy continues to inspire educators today.

Evelyn Bark was a leading figure in the British Red Cross throughout the mid-20th century. She oversaw humanitarian relief efforts during and after World War II, coordinating medical and logistical support across Europe. In 1953, she became the first woman appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. Under her leadership, the British Red Cross expanded its nursing services and international outreach. Bark advocated for professional training of volunteers and gender equality within the organization. Her dedication earned her multiple honors, including the CBE and DStJ. She is remembered as a pioneer for women in humanitarian leadership.

Born in Tallinn, Jänes graduated from the State Art Institute of the Estonian SSR in 1961. He co-founded the Tallinn Area Design Office, contributing to major public buildings across Estonia. His notable works include the Tallinn Linnahall, designed for the 1980 Moscow Olympics sailing events. Jänes blended modernist aesthetics with functional public spaces, leaving a distinct architectural legacy. He received awards for urban design and continued to influence Estonian architecture into the post-Soviet era. His work remains a testament to innovative design under challenging political and economic conditions.

Born in 1948 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Candy Crowley began her journalism career in local television news. She joined CNN in 1987 and reported on major political events, becoming chief political correspondent. Crowley started hosting the Sunday morning program State of the Union in 2009, where she interviewed top political leaders. In 2012, she gained national attention as the moderator of the second presidential debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. Throughout her career, she has been praised for her tough yet fair questioning style. Crowley has received multiple awards for her reporting, including a Peabody Award for her coverage. She retired from CNN in 2016 but remains a respected voice in political journalism.

Dermot Murnaghan began his broadcasting career in print journalism before moving to television with Sky News and BBC News. He anchored flagship programs such as BBC Breakfast and ITV News at 10. Murnaghan has also hosted popular quiz shows like 'Eggheads' and 'All Over the Shop.' Renowned for his calm on-air presence and interviewing skills, he has covered major events including general elections and royal weddings. He authored books on journalism and remains a prominent face in UK news broadcasting.

Tatiana Sorokko began her modeling career in the Soviet Union before relocating to Paris to walk for renowned fashion houses like Dior and Chanel. She became one of the first Eastern European models to achieve international fame in the 1990s, appearing on the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Time. Transitioning into journalism, Sorokko wrote and edited fashion features for Vogue Paris, Harper’s Bazaar and other leading publications. In 2006, she founded The Sorokko Collection, a curated archive of designer garments that has been exhibited in museums worldwide. Recognized for her elegant personal style and scholarship on fashion history, she continues to influence the industry.