CNN’s annual Heroes event celebrates viewer-nominated people who’ve made a difference in other people’s lives, all of whom are profiled here. The Hero of the Year was revealed to be Freweini Mebrahtu, whose work has focused on destigmatizing menstruation in developing countries so that it won’t be a deterrent to education — and to making it more financially viable to cope with, including by patenting a reusable pad. If you want to donate to or learn about Dignity Period, the organization that promotes and supports her work, click here.
