Vernā Myers is dedicated to promoting meaningful, lasting diversity in the workplace.

The author of "Whitopia," Rich Benjamin sharply observes modern society and politics.

Spencer Wells studies human diversity -- the process by which humanity, which springs from a single common source, has become so astonishingly diverse and widespread.

During his 20-year tenure as president of UMBC, Freeman Hrabowski has helped students of all backgrounds pursue degrees in arts, humanities and the sciences.

Nina Jablonski is author of Skin: A Natural History, a close look at human skin’s many remarkable traits: its colors, its sweatiness, the fact that we decorate it.

Titus Kaphar's artworks interact with the history of art by appropriating its styles and mediums.

Cheyenne Cochrane is an ambassador for the natural hair movement.

Theo E.J. Wilson encourages us to break through the divides that separate us.

Photographer Rick Guidotti sees a rich beauty in our genetic diversity and works to expose that vision to everyone.

James A. White Sr. believes that every person and organization has incredible potential. He works to help them understand it — and communicate it to others.

Mellody Hobson is president of Ariel Investments, a value-driven money management firm -- and an advocate for financial literacy and investor education.

CNN and ESPN columnist LZ Granderson is a celebrated voice on sports, race and gay rights.

Lord Martin Rees, one of the world's most eminent astronomers, is an emeritus professor of cosmology and astrophysics at the University of Cambridge and the UK's Astronomer Royal. He is one of our key thinkers on the future of humanity in the cosmos.

Alice Goffman’s fieldwork in a struggling Philadelphia neighborhood sheds harsh light on a justice system that creates suspects rather than citizens.

Opening minds and showcasing new voices -- it's all part of the job description for Studio Museum in Harlem director and chief curator Thelma Golden.

Math whiz and baseball fan Nate Silver was mainly known for predicting outcomes in fantasy ballgames -- until his technique hit a home run calling the outcome of the 2008 election primaries.

Global scholar, University of Pennsylvania civil rights sociologist and law professor Dorothy Roberts exposes the myths of race-­based medicine.

Jamila Lyiscott weaves words about language, education and the African Diaspora.

Dena Simmons believes that creating a safe environment for children is an essential component of education.

Anna Deavere Smith's ground-breaking solo shows blur the lines between theater and journalism, using text from real-life encounters to create gripping portraits.

Singer-songwriter Stew spins improvisatory songs drawn from his seemingly endless stable of stories and ideas. His musical Passing Strange won a Tony for Best Book in 2008.

Ron Eglash is an ethno-mathematician: he studies the way math and cultures intersect. He has shown that many aspects of African design -- in architecture, art, even hair braiding -- are based on perfect fractal patterns.

Chetan Bhatt teaches and writes about the numerous dangers human rights face today from resurgent Far Right movements.

David R. Williams asks: What if we decided to tackle the striking levels of early death and poor health that are due to the color of one's skin?

Using unexpected channels like the pulpit and the barber’s chair, Dr. Joseph Ravenell delivers basic health care information to an at-risk demographic -- African-American men.

Nikki Webber Allen is working to create a safe space for honest conversations about mental health in communities of color.

Diana Reiss studies animal cognition, and has found that bottlenose dolphins (and Asian elephants) can recognize themselves in the mirror.

Sanford Biggers creates art that upends traditional narratives about topics ranging from hip hop to Buddhism to American history.

Roz Savage gave up her life as a management consultant to row across the Atlantic in 2005. Her mission now is to row across the Pacific, from the West Coast to Australia, raising awareness along the way of plastic pollution, climate change and eco-heroism.

A professor at Smith College, Loretta J. Ross educates people on how to counter call-out culture in schools, businesses and relationships.