The 20th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute will spotlight five individuals whose innovative efforts have significantly impacted their communities, with an opportunity for the public to vote for the Hero of the Year.
CNN has revealed the Top 5 CNN Heroes of 2026, recognizing a group of individuals dedicated to enacting positive change within their communities through acts of kindness, compassion, and courage. This announcement precedes the 20th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute event, scheduled for December 5 at 8 p.m. ET, and hosted by prominent journalists Anderson Cooper and Laura Coates.
Each of the selected heroes has been nominated by CNN’s audience and will receive a $10,000 prize to support their efforts. In addition, the public is invited to vote for the Hero of the Year, who will be awarded an additional $100,000 to further their impactful work. Voting is currently accessible at CNN.com/Heroes.
Support from The Elevate Prize Foundation
The Top 5 CNN Heroes will also benefit from organizational grants and capacity-building support provided by The Elevate Prize Foundation. As a global nonprofit committed to amplifying the work of changemakers, The Elevate Prize Foundation aims to inspire others to take action for social good. This partnership underscores CNN’s commitment to highlighting transformative initiatives across various sectors.
Moreover, CNN has collaborated with Pledge, a well-respected fundraising platform, to facilitate donations directly to the nonprofits associated with this year’s heroes, allowing supporters to contribute to their missions. Detailed information about how to support these initiatives can be found on CNN’s dedicated Heroes webpage.
Profiles of the Top 5 CNN Heroes
The following individuals have been honored as the Top 5 CNN Heroes:
Dion’s Chicago Dream: Fighting Food Insecurity
Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, Dion overcame severe challenges including homelessness and food insecurity, experiences that profoundly shaped his worldview. In response to the food crisis in his community, Dion founded his nonprofit, Dion’s Chicago Dream, in 2020. His organization employs local residents to deliver over 80,000 pounds of fresh produce each week to households throughout the city, addressing the urgent need for access to nutritious food. “We’re the Dream Team. It’s about giving your community the best possible chance to succeed,” Dion emphasized, highlighting the importance of community-driven solutions to food insecurity.
Conservation Through Public Health: Protecting Gorillas
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, known as Uganda’s first wildlife veterinarian, has dedicated her career to the conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental health and community welfare, she founded Conservation Through Public Health in 2003. Her organization’s initiatives have empowered over 10,000 households and contributed to a remarkable increase of more than 50% in the local gorilla population. “I always get very excited when I hear that a baby mountain gorilla has been born,” Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka remarked, emphasizing the vital link between the health of ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
A Tiny Home for Good: Addressing Homelessness
In Syracuse, New York, Andrew Lunetta founded A Tiny Home for Good after witnessing the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. His organization has constructed 23 tiny homes and rehabilitated more than a dozen others, providing permanent housing for 47 tenants. Lunetta’s approach emphasizes stability and connection for those he serves. “For my tenants, I want a sense of stability and I want connection. If our tenants are afforded both those things, then I’m doing my job,” he stated, underscoring the significance of supportive housing solutions in the fight against homelessness.
Cats of San Bernardino: A Lifeline for Stray Cats
Jaina’s journey into animal welfare began when she cared for a stray cat and its kittens, leading her to co-found Cats of San Bernardino. The nonprofit addresses the community cat crisis in Southern California through trap-neuter-return initiatives, feeding programs, and rescue efforts. To date, the organization has provided medical care for approximately 2,000 cats and kittens, successfully placing many into loving homes. “They give me a sense of purpose. I see cats like I see people. They all have different personalities. They all have worth,” Jaina reflected, highlighting her commitment to animal welfare and the recognition of each animal’s intrinsic value.
Arizona Sonora Border Projects for Inclusion: Supporting People with Disabilities
Francisco ‘Kiko’ Trujillo, an industrial engineer from Nogales, Mexico, co-founded Arizona Sonora Border Projects for Inclusion (ARSOBO) to assist individuals with disabilities in impoverished areas along the US-Mexico border. The organization provides customized wheelchairs, prosthetics, and rehabilitation programs, serving nearly 3,500 individuals to date. “We are changing the lives of not just the patient, but the entire family,” Trujillo noted, emphasizing the holistic impact of his organization’s work on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their communities.
The anticipated tribute event highlights the remarkable contributions of these individuals, underscoring the profound impact of community-driven initiatives on addressing social challenges across various sectors. As the date approaches, their stories serve as a reminder that positive change is often driven by the dedication and courage of ordinary people committed to making a difference.
