These 10 people are making the world a better place in their own unique ways.



CNN

The smallest acts of kindness can have a huge impact on the world, and these 10 men and women are a prime example.

This year they are among the top 10 CNN Heroes and each winner will receive a $10,000 prize. Their journey began with nominations sent in by the CNN audience and you can vote to decide who will be named the 2022 CNN Hero of the Year and receive an additional $100,000 for their cause.

All laureates will receive a grant as well as organizational and capacity building support from Elevate Prize Foundation. They will also be attending the annual Make Good Famous Summit in Miami.

CNN Hero of the Year will be featured live during the “CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute” hosted by Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa on Sunday, December 11 starting at 8 pm ET.

Learn more about each of this year’s Top 10 CNN Heroes below:

Carey Broker with cnnheroes dogs

CNN Heroes: Carrie Broker

When Cary Broker discovered that many aging dog owners were having a hard time caring for their pets, she created Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, providing volunteer services that allow them to stay together or find their beloved family members new homes forever.

Learn more about Cary Broker and her work

Richard Kasper military photos cnnheroes

CNN Heroes: Richard Kasper

Haunted by his experiences in Iraq, Marine Corps veteran Richard Kasper discovered the therapeutic power of art and music creation. Now he and his non-profit organization CreatiVets are helping combat veterans heal by sharing their stories in immersive visual art and songwriting programs.

Learn more about Richard Kasper and his work

Nelly Cheboy 2

Raised in poverty in Kenya, Nelly Cheboy found her calling in computer science. Today, she and her organization TechLit Africa are recycling computers to teach them tech skills and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty for a new generation.

More about Nelly Cheboy and her work

where is cnnheroes group

CNN Heroes: Nora El-Khoury Spencer

Nora El-Khoury Spencer and her non-profit organization Hope Renovations are training women in North Carolina for well-paying construction jobs, as well as providing free modifications that allow seniors to age safely in their homes.

Learn more about Nora El-Khoury Spencer and her work

Tyreke Glasgow with children

CNN Heroes: Tyreke Glasgow

After spending five years in jail on drug charges, Tyreke Glasgow returned to his South Philadelphia neighborhood, long rife with poverty and gun violence, and became a force for good. Now he provides security and opportunity for his entire community.

Learn more about Tirik Glasgow and his work

teresa gray emt cnnheroes

Alaskan paramedic and nurse Teresa Gray and her non-profit organization Mobile Medics International lead teams of volunteers in disaster and humanitarian disasters, providing free medical care and life-saving support to those in need.

Learn more about Theresa Gray and her work

meimuna group family cnnheroes

CNN Heroes: Meimuna Hussein-Kattan

Meimuna Hussain-Kattan and her Tiyya Foundation provide critical resources and support to help refugees and immigrants make a successful transition to life in the US, while her restaurant shares its culture with the larger Los Angeles community.

Learn more about Meimune Hussein-Kattan and her work

aidan reilly intv portrait cnnheroes

Aidan Reilly co-founded Farmlink and brought together a nationwide network of young volunteers to fight food waste and insecurity by rescuing tons of surplus produce from farms and distributing it to people in need across the US.

Learn more about Aidan Reilly and his work

Debra Vines with cnnheroes group screenshot

Debra Vines struggled to find support and resources when her son Jason was diagnosed with autism. Now she and her non-profit organization The Answer Inc. provide black and brown families in Chicago’s low-income neighborhoods with the services, support, and education they need to thrive.

Learn more about Debra Vines and her work

bobby wilson tractor cnnheroes

Bobby Wilson and his Metro Atlanta Urban Farm feed and heal his community by teaching thousands to plant, grow and cook healthy food.

Learn more about Bobby Wilson and his work