LOAN CO

“The competitive arena has allowed me to be creative. I am able to converse with fellow industry professionals to gain new ideas and relationships.”

Occupation Assistant pastry chef, San Francisco Marriott

Home San Francisco

Achievement The chef was named to the American Academy of Chefs regional team, which will represent the U.S. in October at the 2008 Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany. The international four-day event includes competitors from 35 countries.

MARY DOERR

“It is our future that hangs in the balance. The Inconvenient Youth network will give a voice to the many youth around the world who want to make a difference now.”

Occupation Student

Home Menlo Park

Achievement The high school senior has launched Inconvenient Youth at Stanford University. The nonprofit, driven by a team of four Menlo Park teens, has a mission to mobilize young people to educate their communities about environmental science and global warming.

KRIS SCHOONMAKER

“There are 15,000 homeless kids in her [Allana’s] province. I’m sure this is God’s grace.”

Occupation Millwright

Home Pleasanton

Achievement The machine worker, who won a $1 million lottery payout, pledges to build an infirmary or medical facility in his wife Allana’s hometown in the Philippines.