Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel laureate and democracy advocate
"No longer a prisoner, Suu Kyi is a political leader with decisions to make in a fragile political environment. Aung San Suu Kyi’s bravery in defying — and defeating — repression gives hope to all who cherish liberty."—Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of StateChris Ison—PA Wire/AP
Over the past 10 years, TIME has chosen some of the world’s biggest movers and shakers for its annual list of the most influential people in the world. Many of them have continued to transform themselves and the lives of others long after their inclusion.
Take Hillary Clinton, for example. The one-time First Lady has appeared on the list eight times (including one time with husband Bill) as she evolved from senator to presidential candidate to Secretary of State to (unofficial) presidential candidate again. We’ve selected several other honorees that we think fit the bill.
Beyoncé, entertainer
"Beyoncé doesn’t just sit at the table. She builds a better one."—Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and founder of LeanIn.orgJames Devaney—WireImage/Getty ImagesPony Ma, entrepreneur
"In China’s unique cultural landscape — from its mobile-savvy population to its one-child families — he has tapped into something timeless and universal: a longing for connection."—Arianna Huffington, author of Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and WonderChinaFotoPress/Getty ImagesLydia Ko, golfer
"Her early, record-breaking success brings with it incredible pressure — and she’s doing a fantastic job handling the many responsibilities that accompany stardom. Her future is very bright."—Annika Sorenstam, eight-time LPGA player of the year, is a member of the World Golf Hall of FameMark Metcalfe—Getty ImagesJenji Kohan, Orange Is the New Black creator
"Jenji shows a passion for diversity by creating characters of all backgrounds who are three-dimensional, flawed and sometimes unpleasant, but always human."—Shonda Rhimes, creator and executive producer of Grey’s Anatomy and ScandalJP Yim—Getty ImagesJason Collins, basketball player
"Jason’s kindness and fierceness alike derive from that word too often bandied about and too rarely true: integrity."—Chelsea Clinton, vice chair of the Clinton FoundationDavid Crotty—Patrick McMullan/SIPA USAHillary Clinton, former Secretary of State
"She brings with her a lawyer's ability to marshal arguments, a pragmatist's skill at negotiating agreements and a natural leader's knack for making herself heard."—Madeleine K. Albright, former Secretary of StateJoe Raedle—Getty ImagesU.S. Sen. Rand Paul
"In a D.C. too often defined by the venal equivocations of a permanent political class more interested in consolidating its own power than in upholding the Constitution or defending the common good, Senator Rand Paul is a voice of reason..."—Sarah Palin, former Alaska governorJennifer Graylock—Getty ImagesJeff Bezos, Internet entrepreneur
"Bezos' mantra has remained constant: Try to give your customers the biggest selection at the best prices, delivered cheaply and easily. That's a great, old-fashioned visionary."—former TIME editor Josh QuittnerT.J. Kirkpatrick—Bloomberg/Getty ImagesPope Francis
"Stay tuned — we’ve got a simple, uncomplicated, sincere shepherd, like Jesus, like St. Francis. Just what we needed! Viva il Papa!"—Cardinal Timothy DolanAlessandra Benedetti—CorbisAung San Suu Kyi, Nobel laureate and democracy advocate
"No longer a prisoner, Suu Kyi is a political leader with decisions to make in a fragile political environment. Aung San Suu Kyi’s bravery in defying — and defeating — repression gives hope to all who cherish liberty."—Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of StateChris Ison—PA Wire/APMichael Pollan, author"He thinks about the ethical bonds that connect our bodies, farms and food. In so doing, he has become an example to the rest of us."—chef and author Alice WatersJames Leynse—CorbisStephen Colbert, comedian"Because of how his humor works, the audience finds meaning through sustained inference, which is a lot more fun than it sounds." —cartoonist Garry TrudeauNicholas Kamm—AFP/Getty ImagesSalman Khan, educator and Khan Academy founder"Sal Khan is a true education pioneer. He started by posting a math lesson, but his impact on education might truly be incalculable." —philanthropist Bill GatesClayton De Souza—APBen Rattray, Change.org founder"Rattray's site has quietly enabled tens of thousands of people, many with little exposure to social activism, to launch homegrown crusades on issues ranging from corporate malpractice to immigration reform without ever gathering in a park or square."—TIME editor Bobby Ghosh on Change.orgEvan Agostini—APMarc Andreessen, venture capitalist"The fundamental output of a tech company is innovation, so, the value of what you've actually built so far, and are shipping today is a small percentage of the value of what you're going to ship in the future if you're good at innovation."—Marc Andreessen speaking on the Charlie Rose showKeith Bedford—ReutersBarbara Van Dahlen, Give an Hour founder"Barbara has tenaciously attacked the epidemic of posttraumatic stress disorder, helping break through the stigma that prevents many from seeking help." —Admiral Mike Mullen, former Joint Chiefs of StaffEvan Agostini—AP
