When Lynn R. Goldman applied to college back in the early 70’s, she wrote about saving the world for her entry essay. Now, decades later, in her current position as the Michael and Lori Milken Dean at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University (GW), Dr. Goldman is still passionate about, and dedicated to, making the world a safer and healthier place for all. Goldman directs an outstanding faculty, who are committed to training the next generation of leaders in the public health arena, worldwide.

Goldman’s academic background and inspiring career is astounding: She has an M.S. in Health and Medical Science from the University of California, Berkeley; an M.P.H. from the Johns Hopkins University, as well as an M.D. in pediatric and preventive medicine from the University of California, San Francisco. She has been recognized by the National Library of Medicine for being one of the most “influential physicians of our time,” and her remarkable story is included as part of their permanent exhibition, Changing the Face of Medicine : Celebrating America’s Women Physicians. While Dr. Goldman admits to not having had a master plan when she started out, but knew that she wanted to follow her passion.“ Every day, I wake up, excited about the work I do.”

At the corner of Parliament and Front Street, across from the historic Distillery District in Toronto with its restored brick industrial buildings converted to galleries and trendy restaurants, Toronto’s exclusive Porsche dealership stands out as both modern and sleek.

In the spectacular showroom that feels more like a race track, glossy Porsche beauties are lined up- black Macans, cloud white Panameras and Boxster convertibles. An open steel staircase framed by glass railings rises up to the second floor leading to the office of Helen Ching-Kircher, Dealer Principal, President & CEO of Downtown Auto Group (DFC). Over the last few decades, Ms. Ching-Kircher, along with her husband, Dr. Peter Kircher, have turned DFC into a multi-million dollar luxury car business. Although her drive to succeed throughout her career remains a constant, she is, above all, fueled by her unwavering commitment to helping others.

“I’m deeply passionate about supporting endeavors and initiatives that promote health, culture and the arts. Perhaps that’s the common denominator in my business and personal life: being passionate about everything that I do,” she says softly.

It’s the middle of the week at the end of a regular workday for Beatrix Ruf, director and chief curator of the Kunsthalle Zurich in Switzerland, an institution known for its compelling international contemporary art exhibitions. The sun is setting in the background, casting a shadow inside Ruf’s simply furnished office. Ruf looks relaxed in her black button-down shirt, as she casually picks up her lit cigarette, smoking it intermittently, discussing her passion for contemporary art, the significant role it plays in society, and her great admiration for artists. But there is nothing ordinary about Beatrix Ruf and the artists she works with.

She is applauded for her keen ability to recognize some of the rising stars in the contemporary art world, as well as nurturing existing relationships with many of the biggest names.

“Where Ruf goes, others follow.” That’s what ArtReview Magazine wrote in naming her the most influential person in the art world, ahead of celebrated artists, curators, museum and foundation directors, gallerists, and collectors including Tate Modern’s Nicholas Serota, Glenn D. Lowry of MoMA, and Hans-Ulrich Obrist of London’s Serpentine Gallery.