Global Players

With names like Gates, Buffett, Adelson, and Dell near the top of every list of the world’s wealthiest individuals, it might seem as though all the money in the world sits between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. But with new names—Ambani, Abramovich, Kwok, Slim—quickly gaining ground, it is time to finally recognize the astounding economic growth that has taken place in Europe and Asia. And with countries like China, Russia, and India are slowly adopting Western philanthropic principles to improve local health, education, and living conditions.

Cover Profile

Charles Simonyi

By Matthew Simmons

He helped create Microsoft Word and Excel, flew to the stars, and gave $25 million to the academic home of Albert Einstein. Is there anything Charles Simonyi can’t do?.

Klara and Lisa Silverstein

By Donna Pulese-Murphy

They may be the wife and daughter of Manhattan real estate developer Larry Silverstein, but this duo would rather strengthen communities than build skyscrapers.

Eric Maskin

By Robert K. Epstein

The husband and father went to bed as an economic professor – and he woke up with a Nobel Prize.

Seth Lipsky

By Dave Gordon

The Sun’s veteran editor remains a relevant voice within the New York media.

Rachel Andres

By Jenny Hazan

How a 46-year-old mother of two changed a continent – and her own life.

Stephen Lewis

By Elisa Birnbaum

He’s seen AIDS in Nigeria, political upheaval in Ghana, and genocide in Rwanda.

Harvey & Phyllis Sandler

By Soriya Daniels

When Harvey Sandler was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 50, he and his wife, Phyllis, promised to devote themselves to charity if he survived. Over a decade later, the Sandlers are still fulfilling that promise, one hospital wing at a time.

Kevin Pollack

By Dave Gordon

From a Bay Area kid lip-syncing Cosby to a Hollywood player, the comedian seems to be everywhere these days.

Shelley Fagel

By Pauline Dubkin Yearwood

One Chicago-area woman believes in putting power into the hands of students.

Joelle Berdugo Adler

By Berdugo Adler

The Montrealer turned her personal pain into the philanthropic highlight of the Toronto International Film Festival.

Elizabeth Saltzman

By Elana Castle

A journalist, trendsetter, and style icon, Elizabeth Saltzman Walker has a high profile career, spanning almost 25 years in some of the industry’s top positions.