Age: 35
Occupation: Singer, philanthropist
Few recording artists have bridged Latin America and the rest of the world as effectively as Shakira. Her eclectic brand of Latin pop has made her famous around the globe. And now she's become a Bono-like figure in a region that desperately needs one. Shakira's ALAS Foundation has done more than dole out charity — it has inspired reluctant Latin moguls, not known for their generosity, to get on board with meaningful projects in areas like education and initiatives that promote early childhood development.