Christopher Wilmer has developed an efficient way to harness the sun’s natural energy and, in the process, save lives. A Ph.D. candidate in Northwestern University’s Chemical & Biological Engineering Department, Wilmer, along with a few classmates, has created a cost-effective technology that can determine when unfiltered water has absorbed enough sunlight-energy to be safe and drinkable. Wilmer’s device is an electronic sunlight dose indicator that attaches to water bottles and uses a solar disinfection process known as SODIS (SOlar Water DISinfection) to clean drinking water. Wilmer’s innovation is part of a global solution to help nearly 1 billion people who do not have access to clean drinking water. How does Wilmer power through his 20-hour days? “Coffee. I love coffee and lots of it!” For Wilmer’s work, Northwestern University has been awarded a Perkins Coie Innovative Minds grant to further support development of his life-saving idea.

After transitioning from a career managing Danish rock bands, Charles has achieved spectacular status, including receiving national recognition for his signature wines. Best aspect of his craft? "The artistry of it. What I make, people consume. It’s an act of intimacy, like music. How much closer can you get to someone?"

As Chief  Engineer, Flight Safety Technology, for Honeywell Aerospace, he holds more than 120 worldwide patents. Don was recently inducted into the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame for his innovative work over a 50-year career on technologies that alert pilots to impending collisions with terrain and other obstacles. His generations of Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems (EGPWS) have reduced terrain-related aviation incidences to virtually zero—in over 100 million flights.“My mission is saving lives,” Don says. “And I’m not done yet.”

Alejandro is Network Security Specialist for Integra Telecom, a multi-state telecommunications provider known for personalized client service to small business. Handling hundreds of weekly security issues, Alejandro both protects and educates customers so their Internet accounts are not used as fronts by criminal elements, in “phishing” and pirating schemes, for example. Best part of the job? “Every day I help small businesses from being compromised. I catch the bad guys on the Internet.”

His company, Optima, Inc., is distinctive as a developer, controlling the entire building process—design, construction, and marketing. Hovey’s multi-family dwellings grace Chicago and Phoenix, emphasizing environmental sensitivity, unconventional materials, and natural light and ventilation. Recognized by many for his excellence in architecture, Hovey is resolute about his approach to building design. “I think about architecture every minute. Design of a good building is life and death for me.”

As an assistant store manager for the retailer, Duy is an outdoor enthusiast in every sense of the word. He cycles, hikes, climbs and kayaks. His exuberance transcends his work life. Duy works alongside REI members and the community as an active volunteer in trail maintenance through the company’s stewardship efforts. “I maintain the very trails I enjoy and help make the outdoors accessible for everyone. At REI, we don’t just talk about how we can help. We truly live it.”

As Vice President of Design and Construction, Meyers turns innovative visions into reality. His sky bridge designs not only connect mixed-use projects but also allow shoppers to conveniently go from their cars to great gathering places and retail stores. "We’re always thinking about how people use space," he explains. "Our goal is to continually improve their shopping experiences through easy access and fun surprises."

*Bellevue, Washington

As the environmental manager at the renewable energy facility, she ensures that Wild Horse’s energy production has minimal impact on the environment and balances the myriad needs of PSE’s stakeholders – from customers, landowners and investors to the deer and elk that roam the 12,000 acres of rangeland upon which the facility sits. “Responsible energy production and environmental stewardship are core values at PSE,” says Diaz. “We are working to do what’s right, and because of that, I love my job.”

The founder and managing partner of real estate firm Integrated Capital has made it his life’s work to build thriving communities. Inspired by a hero from his childhood in South Central Los Angeles, Ken works tirelessly to improve the lives of underprivileged children. Through organizations such as Challengers Boys & Girls Club, he supports mentorship and job training programs and other resources the children might not be able to access otherwise. Ken’s partners and the employees of Integrated Capital share his vision for leaving the world a better place. "At our firm, we want to have community impact. That’s part of who we are," Ken explains. "Everyone benefits when a city becomes more livable."

That’s Art and Dorothy Oberto. For nearly seven decades, they have built a family business into one of the nation’s iconic food companies. Their focus on happy customers, enthusiastic employees and quality meat products has made “Oh Boy! Oberto” synonymous with branded excellence. When asked what drives their enduring entrepreneurial spirit, Dorothy says, “Life is an adventure! We just keep moving onward and forward.” Adds Art, “I’m a builder who’s never satisfied. If you want to get ahead in the world, you have to take the world with you.”