Keppler

A “Lost Boy of Sudan,” who endured disease, starvation, and violence before he immigrated to the United States, John Bul Dau is a true American success story. After settling in Syracuse, New York, he founded the John Bul Dau Sudan Foundation, an influential nonprofit bringing hope and peace to his homeland in Southern Sudan. From building much-needed medical clinics to simply raising awareness, the Foundation has helped make life better for many people in need of hope, and has garnered Dau international attention for his uncompromised commitment to doing such important work.

The author of The Blue Sweater, Jacqueline Novogratz became a career philanthropist after seeing a cherished blue sweater she had donated being worn by a child she encountered on a trip to Africa. She, along with her Acumen Fund, a nonprofit global venture fund that uses entrepreneurial approaches to solve the problems of global poverty, has been named a “Responsibility Pioneer” by TIME for her good work. Sharing her quest to eradicate poverty, she challenges listeners to reevaluate their connection to the world, inspiring students to help create global change.

Stephen Paletta began his philanthropic journey years before becoming the first winner of Oprah’s Big Give. Choosing “a life of significance” over mere success, Paletta traveled to Rwanda for a trip that changed him forever. Having witnessed the depths of poverty first-hand, he then founded the International Education Exchange, which builds schools and libraries all over Africa; and with his second nonprofit, the Stephen’s Journey Foundation, he helps connect donors to effective grassroots programs. Paletta and his experiences show audiences that it is in fact possible to have both success and significance.