These five people are making the world a better place with their kindness, compassion, and courage, and have been named one of CNN’s Top 5 Heroes of 2025.
They were all nominated by you, the viewer, and selected by CNN to each receive a $10,000 cash prize. And starting today at 12 PM ET, you can vote to determine the next CNN Hero of the Year at CNN.com/Heroes and receive an additional $100,000 to continue their inspiring work.
The top five CNN Heroes will receive grants, along with organizational and capacity-building support, from the Elevate Prize Foundation, a global nonprofit organization with a mission to Make It Famous, dedicated to making the work of changemakers visible and inspiring the world.
CNN has partnered with Pledge, the award-winning fundraising platform trusted by millions, to power this year’s giving to our heroes. Supporters can learn more and donate online directly to the top five CNN Heroes nonprofits at CNN.com/Heroes.
To find out who will be named Hero of the Year, tune in to the 19th annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute,” hosted by Anderson Cooper and Laura Coates. Airs Saturday, December 6th at 8pm ET.
This year’s Top 5 CNN Heroes are:
This Chicago flower farm is creating jobs in a high-poverty area
While coaching high school students in Inglewood, a community on Chicago’s South Side, Blackwell saw all the challenges young people there faced. So he moved there and for more than a decade, he developed opportunities to help them thrive.
His social enterprise, Southside Blooms, transforms vacant lots into eco-friendly flower gardens and employs 25 local youth to grow, arrange and sell flowers in the group’s not-for-profit florist shop.
“This is about creating real, tangible opportunities in places that desperately need them. Our young people are blossoming more and more every day.”
Read the full story by Quilen
‘Man’s best friend is for a reason’: This therapy helps first responders deal with chronic stress
When massive wildfires swept through California in 2020, Carman and certified therapy dog Kelis made it their mission to comfort firefighters on the front lines. This experience made her realize there was a national need for this type of help and she started First Responder Therapy Dogs.
Since 2021, her nonprofit has certified more than 500 therapy dog teams and provided much-needed stress relief to more than 150,000 first responders in 46 states.
“We’ve helped so many people, and we’re grateful to Kelis for showing us the way.”
Read Heidi’s full story
She’s feeding the hungry in LA. But where she gets her food may surprise you
Working as an assistant director in Hollywood, Cohen enjoyed the gourmet staff meals provided daily on set, but was appalled to find leftovers thrown away. So she co-founded Every Day Action.
The nonprofit organization organizes volunteers and industry professionals to receive food from film, television, and other companies and deliver it to people in need. Since 2020, the group has rescued more than 270,000 meals, reducing hunger and keeping food from going to landfill.
“Feeding the hungry is the best thing a person can do. Now more than ever, we need to help each other.”
Read Hilary’s full story
‘People just let their souls bleed from pen to paper’: How writing changes life in prison
After spending 10 years as a crime reporter, de Vigne volunteered in prisons to better understand the people behind the stories he covered. This experience inspired her to start the Indiana Prison Writers’ Workshop.
Her 12-week creative writing program provides a safe space for incarcerated people to share their stories, process trauma, and find community. Since 2018, the program has expanded to eight correctional facilities in Indiana, Alabama, and Illinois, benefiting more than 250 inmates.
“Learning their stories and where they came from puts everything into perspective. It has given my life meaning and purpose.”
Read Debra’s full statement
How this rescue organization saves thousands of animals
Woodward has dedicated her life to rescuing forgotten and abused animals, but as an animal welfare activist, she noticed gaps in the system for responding to large-scale abuse cases. In 2011, he co-founded Animal Rescue Corps.
His organization works to rescue thousands of abused animals from horrific situations and give them a new start in life. To date, he and his group have helped save more than 10,000 animals from further suffering.
“My wish for the animals is that they live the best life possible and forget all about where they came from.”
Read Tim’s full story
