Time Magazine released its annual lists of The World’s Most Influential People. Who are they? In the category of ‘Heroes & Pioneers’, the noted recipients include:

BRAD PITT & ANGELINA JOLIE- Global humanitarian aid, UN programs.

OPRAH WINFREY - TV show, Oprah’s Foundation helps many people in need.

OSCAR PISTORIUS - South African - both legs amputated at age 1 … trying to qualify for Olympics in 400-meter track event, but currently banned by Olympics for having unfair advantage.

MIA FARROW- UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, humanitarian efforts in Darfur.

ANDRE AGASSI- Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy is a K-12 school for disadvantaged children.

LANCE ARMSTRONG - Developed foundation for cancer research and support.

BOB & SUZANNE WRIGHT - Launched Autism Speaks as global crusade, and successfully lobbied UN to put autism on global health agenda.

PETER GABRIEL - Founded WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) … presenting 50 festivals in 40+ countries. Also founded Witness organization to provide cameras and computers to activists around the world.

KAKA` - Brazilian soccer star, named as the U.N. World Food Program’s youngest ambassador.

SHEIK MOHAMMED AL-MAKTOUM - Ruler of Dubai. Transformed Dubai into major world center for business, finance and tourism and set up multi-billion endowment for a foundation to inspire innovation and education for Arab youth.

Other Notables on the list:
YOANI SANCHEZ - Cuban blogger covering life in Cuba
MADEEHA HASAN ODHAIB - Iraqi sewing company entrepreneur & humanitarian
RANDY PAUSCH- Suffering from terminal cancer, his YouTube lessons on life have been viewed by millions.
LORENA OCHOA - World’s #1 ranked golfer, her foundation built an elementary school in Mexico.
TONY BLAIR - Former UK Prime Minister, now working on global warming issues and Mideast Peace.
ALEXIS SINDUJIJE- Founded Radio Publique Africaine in Burundi to foster peace between Tutsi and Hutu.
AUNG SAN SUU KYI - Under house arrest for 12 years in Burma for leading efforts to end military rule.
GEORGE MITCHELL - Distinguished career in U.S. Senate; headed Congressional investigation into steroid use in baseball.