blank

Inside VOA | Contact VOA News

Special Reports: USA

VOA's weekly spotlight on notable Americans who are having a positive impact on the world

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, photographed at the US Supreme Court on  Nov. 18, 2011.

Supreme Court Justice Continues Equality Fight

Ruth Bader Ginsburg provides court's articulate liberal voice

Varun Soni, dean of religious life at USC

Hindu Lawyer, Religion Scholar Oversees Religious Life at USC

Job of supporting spiritual life of students has become more complex

Dale Anderson with Morato, a jaguar he keeps in captivity at Cat Haven.

Love of Big Cats Sparks Conservation Project

Dale Anderson keeps 27 exotic animals at California property

US Poet Laureate Philip Levine draws on his own past as a factory worker in his poems.

US Poet Laureate Captures Struggles of Working Class

Philip Levine draws on his own past as a factory worker

Samina Sundas, founder of American Muslim Voice, welcomes guests to an iftar meal.

American Muslim Moves People From Fear to Friendship

Prompted by the 9/11 attacks, Samina Sundas founded American Muslim Voice

Kay Taylor gave up a successful California medical practice to fight against cervical cancer in developing countries.

Doctor Fights Cervical Cancer in Developing Countries

Kay Taylor's nonprofit screens women for HPV

Lee blogs about science you can see in your neighborhood park or backyard. Here, she holds a young goldfinch.

Science Blogger Targets Inner City Youth

Danielle Lee believes African-Americans face educational barriers

Nancy Grace Roman, 86, was NASA's first chief of astronomy and is considered the 'mother' of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Mother of Hubble Always Aimed for Stars

Nancy Grace Roman was NASA's first chief of astronomy

Peter Frykman, founder of  Driptech, a self-described for-profit, social-impact company which produces a drip irrigation system designed to help the small farmers.

Entrepreneur Helps World's Poor While Turning a Profit

Mechanical engineer Peter Frykman's low-cost irrigation system is designed to improve crop yields for small farmers

Pioneering African-American reporter Belva Davis

Pioneering Reporter Helped Change Face of US TV News

African-American Belva Davis was among the first to break the color barrier

Scientist Warren Washington

Scientist Explores Mysteries of Changing Climate

Warren Washington improves power of computer models and explains them to policy

Jon Batzdorff has made it his life’s work to help amputees in the United States and around the world.

Jon Batzdorff Makes People's Dreams Come True

His life's work is to help amputees live a full life

Laurie Marker, founder and executive director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund

US Woman Fights to Save Cheetahs

Just 10,000 of the big cats survive worldwide

President of Harvard University Drew Gilpin Faust

Harvard's First Woman President Settles into Role

Drew Gilpin Faust is prestigious university's 28th president

Bob Dylan

Iconic American Singer Marks 50th Anniversary

Bob Dylan credited with creating some of the greatest music of all time

Palestinian-American poet Naomi Shihab Nye

Palestinian-American Poet Bridges Two Cultures

Naomi Shihab Nye's poems are often devoted to social justice

Rachel Lloyd, founder of Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS), receives the Reebok Human Rights Award.

Former Prostitute Rescues Girls from Sex Trade

Rachel Lloyd provides housing, education and job training for exploited teens

Hilton Kelley won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for his work confronting refineries on pollution in the town of Port Arthur, Texas

Texas Resident Wins Award for Challenging Oil Refineries

For 10 years, Hilton Kelley fought to lower Port Arthur's air pollution via protests, legal action against major oil, chemical companies

Matilda Cuomo, founder of Mentoring USA

New York's Former First Lady Puts Children First

Mentoring USA works to keep kids in school

Egyptian-American attorney Mira Riad is the driving force behind the construction of a new orphanage in a Cairo suburb.

Arab-American Attorney Builds Home for Egypt's Orphans

Mira Riad's The Littlest Lamb Orphanage to open near Cairo

Ellyn Ogden, USAID's worldwide polio eradication coordinator

Leading the US Fight to End Polio

Ellyn Ogden travels the world in an effort to eradicate the crippling disease

Jody Lewen has run San Quentin's Prison University Project for over a decade.

Prison University Gives Inmates Hope

College classes give prisoners a head start for when they rejoin society

Professor John Cohen, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Professor Unravels Mysteries of Medicine

In free lectures to the community, John Cohen strives to make technical language understandable

NAPT Executive Director Shirley K. Sneve

Native Americans Take Control of Their Story

Shirley Sneve brings audiences accurate portrayals of the culture

Laurie and Jake Rohrer

Couple Helps Preserve Hawaiian Culture Through Music

Retirement turns into mission to promote island's native singers

Quincy Jones at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 21, 2004.

Quincy Jones Has Still Got the Groove

Producer reflects on a half-century in music

Professional clown and Big Apple Circus co-founder Michael Christensen

Clown 'Doctors' Fan Out to US Hospitals

Michael Christensen's program brings laughter to ill children

Photographer Carol M. Highsmith will help capture this moment in America's history for the Library of Congress.

New Photos Capture America of Our Time

Photographer Carol Highsmith's ambitious project to document today's US for future generations

Poet Robert Pinsky

Robert Pinsky's Poetry Strikes a Chord

Former US Poet Laureate uses a common touch to celebrate and explore our inner worlds

Robert Spano conducts the world premiere of Christoper Theofanides' 'Une Certaine Joie de Vivre' at the Atlanta Symphony's season opening night concert in September 2010.

Conductor Marks Decade Nurturing New American Music

Under Robert Spano's direction, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is world class

Stan Lee

Greatest Comic Super-Heroes Came Alive in One Man's Mind

Stan Lee created a world where heroes with super-human powers fight crime and evil

James Balog, pictured here in Greenland, has designed, programmed and installed time-lapse cameras on glaciers to record the impact of a warming climate.

Time-Lapse Photos Capture Disappearing World

James Balog explores climate change and vanishing animals, landscapes

Frederick Day's bicycles have changed lives in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Bicycles Change Lives in Sub-Saharan Africa

Entrepreneur Frederick Day gives 70,000 rugged bikes to the world's poorest people

John Adams is co-founder of the Natural Resources Defense Council, the nation's first law firm for the environment.

Turning Love of Nature into Action

John Adams co-founded the Natural Resources Defense Council, the nation's first law firm for the environment

Astronomer Frank Drake

Searching for Life in Outer Space

Frank Drake's quest for extraterrestrial intelligence spans decades

Actress Susan Sarandon addresses the Plenary following her nomination as FAO Goodwill Ambassador by FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf at the World Food Day Ceremony in Rome, Italy. (October 2010)

Actress Combines Art and Activism

Susan Sarandon's latest role is helping to feed the world's hungry

Pioneering heart surgeon Albert Starr

Inventive Partnership Extends Millions of Lives

Pioneering surgeon Albert Starr co-invented the heart valve

Annie Leonard wants to get the world's trash situation under control.

Trashing America's Throw-Away Culture

After a life-changing visit to the dump, Annie Leonard lobbies for tougher garbage disposal rules

Dee Dee Myers was President Bill Clinton's White House press secretary.

1st Female White House Press Secretary Aims to Empower Women

Dee Dee Myers hopes to change the world by boosting women and girls

Arab American Institute founder James Zogby appearing on the NBC Sunday television news program, 'Meet the Press.'

Bringing Arab-American Voters Out of the Margins

James Zogby works to give his community an influential voice

Mexican-American artist Tony Ortega's work often explores the Latino immigrant experience.

Mexican-American Artist Brings Immigrant Experience Out of Shadows

Latino experience is a common theme for Tony Ortega

Mary Ann Phillips has made it her personal mission to support wounded soldiers and their families.

Mary Ann Phillips Acts as Stand-In Mom for Wounded Soldiers

Supporting wounded troops and their families is a personal mission

The Doe Fund founder George McDonald

Homeless Clean Up Their Lives While Improving City Neighborhoods

George McDonald's Doe Fund advocates for hard work, self-respect and opportunity

Layli Miller-Muro's Tahirih Justice Center has assisted 10,000 women and girls facing gender-based violence.

US Activist Defends Immigrant Women Against Gender-Based Violence

Layli Miller-Muro's Tahirih Justice Center has protected more than 10,000 women and girls

Betty Kwan Chinn

Betty Kwan Chinn Serves Up Meals for 500

After growing up hungry and homeless in China, California woman spends her days feeding those in need

Greg Mortenson

Greg Mortenson Fights Terror With Education

Former mountain climber scales new heights, building schools in impoverished mountain villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan

Susan Retik Ger

9/11 Widow Turns From Tragedy to Helping Afghan Women

After her own husband died in the September 11 terror attacks, Susan Retik Ger reached out to help Afghan widows

Interfaith Youth Core founder Eboo Patel

American Muslim Builds Bridges Among Faiths

Eboo Patel brings together young people of different religions

Joe Marshall founded the Omega Boys Club 23 years ago with the goal of keeping kids alive and out of jail.

Former Teacher Keeps at-Risk Kids on Right Track

When too many of his students ended up dead or in prison, Joe Marshall set out to give them a better future

George Wein, pioneering jazz musician and music producer

The Man Who Introduced Music Festivals to the World

George Wein changed the way Americans experience music

Stephen Kress, director of seabird restoration for the National Audubon Society

Bringing Back the Puffins

Stephen Kress restored species to the state of Maine, where it had been decimated by hunters

Diana Kroska visits a student in Uganda.

Educator Links Students in Minnesota and Uganda

US kids raise money, collect goods for their East African pen pals

Attorney Howard Spiegler helps recover stolen art, including Nazi-looted art.

Fighting for Art Justice

Lawyer Howard Spiegler helps clients reclaim stolen works of art

Irene Zola

Irene Zola Fights for Rights of the Elderly

Founder of grassroots volunteer group works to help the elderly live out their final years in dignity at home

Justin Silbaugh

Leaving a High-Tech Job to Empower African Children

Justin Silbaugh directs arts education project in Uganda

Lewis with radishes

Bob Lewis Campaigns For Fresh Local Food, Nutrition For All

Greenmarket co-founder is out to change the way New Yorkers grow, buy and eat produce, one delicious apple and head of lettuce at a time

Dorine Kenney supervises a packing. Her late son Jacob's photo is in the background

Dorine Kenney Honors Her Slain Army Son by Sending Comfort to Other Troops

Her Jacob's Light Foundation send 'care packages' to active military personnel serving overseas

Donald Walsh in front of the Russian Mir Submersible after diving to the World War II German battleship Bismarck.

Explorer Retains Deep Dive Record After 50 Years

Donald Walsh's journey to the bottom of the ocean has never been repeated

Five-time US Olympian Carl Lewis is now focusing on alleviating world hunger.

US Olympian Carl Lewis Uses Fame to Fight Hunger

New FAO ambassador will travel the world to raise awareness

Marine artist and activist Wyland

Marine Artist Receives Stamp of Approval

Wyland's monumental murals promote ocean conservation, marine life protection

Edward "Woody" Tasch

Connecting Investors Directly to the Dirt

Investment professional aims to finance a healthy food distribution system

Most Powerful Woman in American History?

Mother of five makes history as first female house speaker

Dr. Laura Stachel grew concerned about the constant power outages she saw affecting medical care in developing countries.

American Obstetrician Offers Solar Solution for Developing Countries

Laura Stachel, husband find way to fill basic need for reliable power

Engineer Bryan Willson

Engineer Develops 'Cleaner' Products for Developing World

Bryan Wilson works to cut pollution from cookstoves, two-stroke engines, diesel

Ellyn Ogden, USAID's worldwide polio eradication coordinator

USAID Polio Eradication Director Says Goal in Sight

Long fight to end disease strengthens health systems in poor countries

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, previously bishop of Nevada, is the 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.

First Woman to Head Episcopal Church Blends Religion, Activism

Katharine Jefferts Schori leads a church with over two million members in 16 countries

Environmental Writer Turns Words into Action

Activist launches worldwide campaign to fight climate change

At 95, Folk Singer is Still Jamming

After 50 years, Faith Petric still takes center stage in the San Francisco Bay Area's folk music community

Former Priest Turned Geneticist Separates Science, Spirituality

Francisco Ayala says evolution consistent with faith in God

Cell Biologist Elaine Fuchs: Revolutionizing the Study of Skin

Cell Biologist Elaine Fuchs: Revolutionizing the Study of Skin

Tapping Tomorrow's Leaders With Today's Technology

Maya Enista's millennial generation utilizes social media to build a stronger democracy

Jill Sheffield Fights for Moms Worldwide

Through education, networking and organizing she has made a positive difference worldwide.

Changing the World, One Design at a Time

Emily Pilloton launches socially responsible design revolution

Sculptor Brings African American History to Life on Grand Scale

Rediscovering his passion for art puts sculptor on path to fill critical gap in the American public arena

Putting Computers in Hands of Every Child

Innovator Nicholas Negroponte harnesses imagination, engineering and idealism to bring laptops to the world's children

Family Sells Home for Hunger

Georgia family downsizes, donates half to charity

Versatile American Film Star Meryl Streep Breaks the Hollywood Mold

Award-winning actress wins acclaim for her ability to transform into whatever the role requires

Pioneering Pediatrician Leads Charge to Cut Infant HIV Infections

Arthur Ammann develops cocktail to prevent mother-to-child transmission

Classical Musician Spearheads Mexican Folk Revival in US, Mexico

Eugene Rodriguez transforms modest after-school program into major cultural center

Legendary Journalist Celebrates 50 Years at the White House

Award-winning reporter Helen Thomas covered 10 US Presidents

Cleve Jones, AIDS Quilt Founder, Still Working for Full Equality for Homosexuals

Gay rights activist who worked with Harvey Milk, started iconic AIDS memorial to bear witness to lives lost and raise awareness about HI

Filmmaker Mark Johnson Connects People Around the World Through Music

Johnson's 'Playing for Change' music videos serve as inspiration to millions who have seen them on the Internet

Andrew Jay Schwartzman, Attorney and Media Advocate

He has fought tirelessly for minority inclusion and freedom of speech in American broadcasting

Visit to Malawi Inspires Attorney Jon Biondo to Help HIV Orphans

Lawyer turns his energies to building a permanent support network called Youth of Malawi

Zainab Salbi

Iraqi-American Zainab Salbi Assists Women in War Zones

Salbi's "Women for Women International" gives women who've survived war the tools to rebuild their lives

Brad Hirschfield Brings Style to Interfaith Activism

Influential New York rabbi hosts a weekly talk show on an American Muslim TV network to encourage religious inclusiveness, tolerance

Global Exchange Seeks Worldwide Change Through Grassroots Action

Activist organization is dedicated to promoting social, environmental and economic justice

Chip Giller Promotes Eco-Awareness On-line

Award-winning activist has used his innovative website, Grist.org, to bring environmental issues to an ever-widening audience

Dr. Syeed says he was inspired by the peaceful reconciliation approach the Mahatma Gahndi adopted<br />

Sayyid Syeed Works for Religious Tolerance

Leader of American Muslim organization dedicates himself to bringing people of different faiths together in productive dialogue

Wendy Kopp&#39;s idea has grown to become one of the nation&#39;s largest providers of teachers for low-income communities

Wendy Kopp's Mission: Ensure Educational Opportunity for All Students

Organization recruits and trains America's brightest to teach in America's most underserved schools

Bill McKibben is the guiding force behind 350.org

Best-Selling Environmental Writer Turns Words into Action on Climate Change

Bill McKibben, guiding force behind International Day of Climate Action,  promotes global grassroots campaign to reduce CO2 emissions

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announces a presidential order to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay, creating &quot;a tougher era in federal leadership&quot;

US Environmental Protection Agency Policy Maker Charts New Course

Agency head urges fair environmental protection under law

Beverly Wright says she realized early on the severity of environmental injustice

Beverly Wright Tackles Environmental Racism

Wright directs the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice

Thomas Smith was honored by the Heinz Awards for his advocacy for renewable energy and energy efficiency to reduce global warming

Texas Energy Advocate Thomas Smith Cleans Up the Air

A longtime environmentalist earns a 2009 Heinz award for a grassroots movement that reduced his state's carbon footprint

Dukker in a classroom powered by the latest company he founded, NComputing

Stephen Dukker: A Life on the Front Lines of the Personal Computer Revolution

Entrepreneur uses ingenuity to bring low-cost computing power to poor, remote corners of the world

Activist Plans European-Style Playground for American Inner-City

In Richmond, California, Toody Maher is transforming a rundown park to benefit children and the community

Tony Shalhoub Counters Negative Stereotypes in Hollywood

Lebanese-American actor established award competition to encourage young Arab-Americans to write their own screenplays

Award-Winning Journalist Marianne McCune Helps Teens Become Storytellers

McCune founded Radio Rookies program, offering skill, encouragement and airwaves to inner city youth

Sandra Day O'Connor Broke Gender Barriers in Law

Sandra Day O'Connor among the 16 recipients of Presidential Medal of Freedom

Entrepreneur Peter Diamandis Foments Revolution through Competition

His X PRIZE Foundation offers money to make "crazy" ideas fly

California Teacher's AVID Program Prepares Students for College

Mary Catherine Swanson wants to give students the support they need to reach their goals

JFK's Close Adviser, Speechwriter Ted Sorensen Remains Committed to Peace

Former Kennedy confidante, Sorensen continues to advocate for progressive causes

Jacqueline Novogratz Invests in Innovations for World's Poor

Founder of Acumen Fund combines business, charity to bring, health care, housing, clean water to low-income people

Tony Hawk Uses Skateboarding to Build Kids' Confidence

Former professional champion skateboarder says sport is here to stay

Media Activist Amy Goodman Holds Press, Politicians Accountable

As host of "Democracy Now!," Goodman fights for fully informed and vigorous democratic debate

Richard Avanzino, Transforming Animal Welfare

Avanzino coined idea, term "no-kill shelter" to designate shelters that do not euthanize adoptable animals

Anthony Fauci: Tireless Warrior in Battle Against HIV/AIDS

Scientist says global community must shoulder burden of infectious diseases

Musicians Randy McIntosh, Amy Stewart Give Back to Zimbabwe

Colorado couple shares love of African music with community, each other

Diana Campoamor: Using Philanthropy as Catalyst for Social Change

Cuban immigrant heads organization building connections between charitable organizations, America's growing Latino population

With Open Mic, Listening Heart, David Isay Celebrates Americans' Stories

Radio documentary maker tells the stories of colorful characters, everyday citizens

Brian Mullaney Brings Smiles to Children Worldwide

The Smile Train helps doctors in developing countries perform life-altering surgery on children with facial clefts

Mike Dunlavy Helps Give Foster Children a Voice

Veteran of child welfare system advocates for kids still separated from their families

Art Spiegelman Takes Comics to New, Thought-Provoking Heights

Pulitzer Prize-winning artist continues to be pioneer in complex art form whose range extends well beyond juvenile humor, superheroes

Kate Munger's Singers Bring Harmony to Bedsides of Sick, Dying

"Threshold Choirs" sing lullabies for end of life

Will Allen Teaches How to Grow Healthy Food Anywhere

Former pro basketball player now world-respected urban farm advocate

Paul Winter: Bandleader, Saxophonist, Advocate for 'Living Music'

Seven-time Grammy winner weaves human music with artistry of nature to celebrate all life


Day in Pictures

Swiss guards line up as they wait for Pope Benedict XVI to deliver his

 

 

[All VOA blogs...]

US Troops Leave Iraq

Video Features

Money In Motion
Are top executives getting paid too much? Philip Alexiou reports.

Click here for Going Green

Money In Motion

 

Most-Viewed Articles

Most E-mailed Articles

North Korea