In a world crowded with headlines and hashtags, it’s easy to forget that meaningful change often begins quietly, with a small group of people rolling up their sleeves. One organization working to bridge the gap between visibility and real impact is Faces of Impact (FOI).
Founded in 2023 by Ukrainian fine art photographer and cultural producer Artem Shestakov, FOI has evolved from a portrait series into a nonprofit based in New York. Its mission is clear and ambitious: shine a light on individuals making a difference, and help them expand their work on a global scale.
“We recognize individuals who are doing the real work. But more importantly, we try to give them the tools and support to keep going and reach further,” says Shestakov.
At the center of FOI’s work is the Faces of Impact 100, an annual list highlighting changemakers whose efforts extend beyond headlines into tangible results. The 2025 list features people from across industries and continents, including:
- • Susan Rockefeller, entrepreneur and conservationist
- • Joseph Fowler, Head of Arts and Culture at the World Economic Forum
- • Dr. Hayat Sindi, pioneering medical scientist and UNESCO advocate
- • Dirk Ahlborn, tech entrepreneur and founder of Hyperloop
- • Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment
- • Peter Vesterbacka, creator of Angry Birds and education proponent
Yet FOI’s ambitions go far beyond lists. The organization has developed focused programs that translate recognition into concrete action, tackling challenges from healthcare access to environmental protection, human rights, and education. Among its initiatives:
- • Faces of Impact Health, working to improve healthcare access and equity
- • Faces of Impact Environment, supporting biodiversity and climate solutions
- • Faces of Impact Rights & Justice, promoting human rights and migration support
- • Faces of Impact Inclusion, advancing gender and minority equity
- • Faces of Impact Sport, using athletics as a tool for peacebuilding
- • Faces of Impact Tourism, encouraging responsible cultural exchange
- • Faces of Impact Academy, investing in youth education and fellowships
Together, these efforts reflect FOI’s larger purpose to ensure that recognition does not stop at a photo op but becomes a stepping stone toward meaningful change.
“We’re celebrating people for what they’ve accomplished so far,” Shestakov says. “But our real goal is to help them keep going and build a legacy that stands the test of time.”
Later this year, Faces of Impact is planning a gala in New York, bringing together honorees, diplomats, artists, and leaders to explore the possibilities that emerge when different worlds come together to tackle global challenges.
In a time when attention can be fleeting, FOI stands out for its belief that true change requires more than applause. It requires action.
More information is available at www.facesofimpact.org