Kristalina Georgieva, IMF managing director, nominates Miriam’s Kitchen

Julie nominates Diana Berrent, Survivor Corps founder

Lisa Pollina nominates the Melville Family Foundation


Nicole nominates the Azadi Project

Irina nominates Maria Kolesnikova, a Belarus protester

Great Big Story nominates Kung Fu Nuns

more nominations

This has been a challenging year around the world – the scourge of COVID-19 and the massive economic disruption it has caused, as well as an upsurge of protest in the long struggle against racism and inequality. It is important at a time like this to come together to mark the heroism, resilience and imagination of those who seek to help others and change the world. More than ever, we have all been awestruck by the many faces of courage in the toughest of times. With this new tribute, we look to recognize those heroes.

These are the people, groups, organizations and communities that have earned your admiration this year – your #UnsungHeroes2020. The nominees above were featured at our annual Distinguished Leadership Awards event in October. Thank you for sharing your submissions with us, posting one-minute videos on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, using the hashtag #UnsungHeroes2020. Submissions are now closed.

All nominations

Paige nominates Carrie, a nurse at a longterm care facility

Olga nominates The Climate Energy Project, a Kansas-based nonprofit

John nominates volunteer firefighters across Australia

Kristi nominates Wendy, from UMMC’s Shock Trauma Unit

Lucy nominates the teachers of Kensington Parkwood Elementary School

Jonathan nominates Sarah from Our Little Academy Day Treatment Center

Nicole nominates Brynn, a nurse

Julie nominates Diana Berrent, Survivor Corps founder

Lisa Pollina nominates the Melville Family Foundation

Andrew nominates Stephen, a letter carrier



Bridget nominates the DC-based They/Them Collective


Nidhi nominates Krish, Vanessa, Ashwini, for providing food relief to Chennai families amid the Covid pandemic

Great Big Story nominate Kung Fun Nuns

The Terrell Team nominates California firefighters

Kubru Mutlu nominates Engineer Girls of Turkey

UNDP Turkey nominate Prof. Alper Kumtepe and his team at Anadolou University

Damon nominates Lungisile “Nunu” Ntshangase and Florence Owino-Oluoch

Irina nominates Maria Kolesnikova, a Belarus protester

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Distinguished Leadership Awards

Oct 9, 2020

Atlantic Council to honor “Unsung Heroes” at 2020 Distinguished Leadership Awards

Virtual ceremony will feature a tribute to inspirational men and women around the globe demonstrating extraordinary courage, resilience, and ingenuity

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Distinguished Leadership Awards

The Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Leadership Awards celebrates the highest achieving individuals who embody the essence of the pillars of the transatlantic relationship. The evening brings together an elite audience of some 800 guests from more than fifty countries – including current and former heads of state, foreign dignitaries, ambassadors, members of Congress and the administration, military commanders, international business leaders and media outlets such as POLITICO, Fox news, MSNBC, The Washington Post, CNN, Associates Press, CBS, The Wall Street Journal, Thomson Reuters and countless others.

The Atlantic Council honors individuals for their achievement in the fields of political, military, business, humanitarian, and artistic leadership. These luminaries have made exceptional and distinctive contributions across the Atlantic and around the world.

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Started by a 13 year old girl, The Cramm is a daily newsletter that makes the news accessible, digestible, and engaging for Gen Z, with 2.5 million monthly readers in over 100 countries. Its goal? To educate and activate the youngest generation so we have the tools and power to create change. Because, after all, you can’t change the world unless you know about it.

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