WAYMAKER TOP 50
FREEDOM BUILDERS
Leaders whose advocacy, policy, and bold action expand justice, protect rights, and push society closer to equity, safety, and shared liberation.
Rebuilding Safety, Restoring Hope
Brandon Scott made history as the youngest mayor of Baltimore in more than a century, taking office in 2020 with a promise to treat gun violence as a public health crisis and to build a safer, more equitable city for all residents. What followed has been a multi-year effort rooted in strategy, partnership, and community engagement and measurable progress.
Since taking office, the 41-year-old’s leadership has helped Baltimore achieve steady declines in violent crime. In 2025, the city saw 127 homicides and 288 nonfatal shootings—a drop of about 30% from the previous year, and the lowest number of homicides in more than fifty years. Over the five years of his administration, both homicides and nonfatal shootings have been cut by more than half. These historic gains have reshaped daily life for Baltimore residents, making neighborhoods safer and restoring a sense of hope.
This progress is the result of intentional action. The Democratic leader introduced Baltimore’s first comprehensive violence prevention plan, blending data-driven outreach to those most at risk with community violence intervention, social services, and focused law enforcement. By directing resources where they matter most, his administration has made public safety about prevention as much as response. Investments in youth programs, job training, and recreational spaces have further supported this vision, showing that building safer communities starts with helping people.
Scott’s re-election as Baltimore’s first two-term mayor in twenty years reflects the city’s confidence in his approach. Beyond reducing crime, his administration has focused on equitable neighborhood development, education, and expanded economic opportunity, addressing the root causes that shape public safety and community well-being.
Scott’s leadership shows the impact of staying committed to community-centered change. Through strategy, collaboration, and investing in people, he has helped guide Baltimore toward a future where safety and opportunity go hand in hand.
Leadership With Love
and Strategy
Cicley Gay leads the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Global Network Foundation as board chairwoman, helping to guide the movement through a time of change and renewed purpose. Drawing on more than 20 years in nonprofit leadership, communications, and philanthropy, she brings a practical vision focused on making a real difference and supporting collective well-being.
When Gay took on her leadership role, the foundation was facing public criticism and questions about its direction. She helped steer the organization back to its core mission, focusing on community engagement and programs that support Black communities. Under her guidance, the foundation has worked to create lasting change by centering liberation, joy, and empowerment.
Gay has helped BLM clarify its purpose by directly addressing challenges and highlighting stories from real experiences. This approach has helped the foundation stay true to its mission and set clear goals. One example is the global Black Play Matters campaign, launched during the foundation’s 12th anniversary, which shows that freedom also means creating space for joy, creativity, and growth.
Her experience includes founding The Amplifiers, a social enterprise that raises awareness for justice causes, and leading student education programs that link federal budgeting to real community results. Throughout her career, she has focused on breaking down barriers and building collective strength.
Gay’s leadership shows that a movement can be both strong and caring. Her approach has helped restore trust in the power of organized action for justice. By combining thoughtful strategy with a focus on community, she continues to guide the Black Lives Matter movement in ways that respect its history and look toward the future.
With Liberty and Justice For All
Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic representative for Texas’s 30th Congressional District, is a lawmaker known for her sharp advocacy, unapologetic voice, and deep commitment to justice.
Whether or not you closely follow Texas politics, chances are you’ve heard her speak or seen her words circulate widely across social media. A former civil rights attorney, Crockett is unafraid to confront power directly and consistently draws attention by calling out hypocrisy, advocating for accountability, and using her platform to elevate issues often ignored or dismissed.
Crockett’s legislative priorities center on securing federal funding for local projects, advancing civil rights, and strengthening social services in underrepresented communities across North Texas.
Her efforts have included advocating for investments in community centers, mental health services, and programs supporting children and families. She is also a vocal advocate for worker protections, voting rights, and comprehensive criminal justice reform, pushing for policies that address both immediate harm and long-standing structural inequities.
Beyond legislation, Crockett is deeply engaged with her constituents, prioritizing accessibility and transparency in her office. She regularly uses town halls, digital platforms, and community events to stay connected to the people she serves.
Crockett is currently running for the U.S. Senate, promising to be an independent voice who challenges the status quo and represents all 30 million Texans and not just those who align with her party or political agenda.
Through her work in Texas and on the national stage, Jasmine Crockett continues to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction—refusing to be silent when her constituents need a voice.
Shifting the Center
of Climate Power
Long before environmental justice became a common term, Leah Thomas was asking important questions about who truly benefits from sustainability and who bears the brunt of pollution. She recognized early on that climate solutions must address race, class, and power to be effective.
Thomas became a leading voice by highlighting what many communities have long experienced: environmental harm and unequal access to solutions. With her idea of intersectional environmentalism, she brought attention to the need for accountability in the climate movement, making it clear that real progress requires addressing systemic inequality.
Thomas shares her message across many platforms, including her @greengirlleah Instagram account, where she breaks down topics such as environmental racism, food access, and climate policy in clear, relatable language. By doing so, she connects with people who are often left out of traditional environmental conversations and encourages organizations to make equity a core part of their sustainability work, not just an afterthought.
Thomas focuses on clarity and connection. She uses storytelling to educate, sharing the real experiences of frontline communities facing environmental challenges every day. Her advocacy puts a spotlight on the people behind the statistics, showing the true impact of policy choices and climate issues.
Through her ongoing efforts, the environmental justice advocate is helping to redefine what environmentalism means. By making justice a central part of the conversation, she is building a climate movement that is more inclusive, honest, and prepared to create lasting change.
Investing in the Future
Ray McGuire has spent decades helping institutions think beyond short-term wins and instead look toward long-term value. He applies that same philosophy to civic life, culture, and opportunity. As president and co-head of Financial Advisory in North America at Lazard, McGuire operates at the highest levels of global finance. He advises on complex transactions while advocating for leadership that understands capital as a tool for shared progress.
That long-view approach became visible to the public during McGuire’s 2021 run for mayor of New York City. His campaign was built on the belief that cities thrive when economic recovery, education, public safety, and equity are addressed together. The race did not end in elected office, but it reflected a willingness to step into public service. He engaged directly with the structural challenges facing one of the world’s most influential cities. His platform emphasized preparation, accountability, and closing persistent racial and economic gaps. This signaled a civic mindset shaped by experience rather than ambition alone.
Beyond finance and politics, the Ohio native’s influence is deeply felt. He leads within cultural and educational institutions that shape public access to knowledge and art. He holds senior board roles with the New York Public Library, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Most notably, he played a central role in leading the Studio Museum in Harlem’s $300 million capital campaign. This supports its long-awaited reopening and long-term sustainability.
McGuire’s work reflects an understanding that the future is built through institutions, ideas, and people. Whether advising global markets or strengthening civic and cultural infrastructure, he continues to invest in systems meant to last. He seeks to expand opportunities for future generations.