Patricia E. Bath (1949–) was the first African American woman doctor to get a patent. She invented a method of eye surgery that uses lasers to remove cataracts. She was raised to always seek out improvements to people's lives and to be a trailblazer.

Lonnie G. Johnson (1949–) invented the world-famous watergun, the Supersoaker. He has more than 40 issued patents, including one for a wet diaper detector and a number for toy rockets.

James West (1931-) invented the most commonly used microphone on earth! In 1962, Mr. West invented a new kind of microphone. In fact, he holds 47 U.S. Patents and more than 200 international patents for his work.

Russell Simmons (1957 - ) is an innovative thinker and pioneering businessman, without whom, artists like LL Cool J and Beyonce might not have had a stage. He is known as the god-father of hip-hop. Innovative thinking doesn't have to be about a product idea - but can be about changing people's lives. Russell Simmons did just that, turning a new form of music into an industry, and altering the entire world.