Understatement:  2017 was an eventful year. From political tension and presidential elections to new technology and music, this year was packed with many significant events. However, none of this would have happened if not for the people. So, to sum it all up, here are ten of the most influential people of the year.

Donald Trump (@realDonaldTrump)

Whether you like him or not, there is no denying that he has been the most talked about person this year. Since winning the 2016 presidential election, his publicity and platform have been bigger than ever and he has faced many social and economic issues such as Net Neutrality, health care, DACA, and immigration policies, issues that impact our country greatly.

Logic (@Logic301)

From Gaithersburg, Maryland, Logic’s (Robert Bryson Hall) most recent album has made huge waves. With songs bringing awareness to suicide and racial injustice (to name a few), his music has influenced people greatly. His hit song, 1-800-273-8255 (the suicide hotline number), has increased calls to the suicide hotline by as much as 50%.

Alyssa Milano and Tamara Burke (@Alyssa_Milano) 

These two women went viral on Twitter earlier this fall for creating the trending hashtag “#metoo”. Tamara Burke started the #metoo movement a few years back to bring awareness to sexual assault and harassment. When Alyssa Milano heard about the movement, she teamed up with Burke and tweeted her own assault story and encouraged other women to do the same. This hashtag quickly went viral and millions of women were coming together and bringing light to an issue that most females in our day and age deal with. 

Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren)

This Massachusetts senator gained popularity this year after Mitch McConnell attempted to silence her mid-sentence during a senate floor debate. Despite his actions, Warren persisted, and thus the phrase “Nevertheless, she persisted.” gained popularity among many people in the United States. Many Americans are predicting that she will be a presidential candidate in the next election. 

Chance the Rapper (@chancetherapper)

This 24-year-old musician does more than just rap — earlier this year, he donated millions of dollars to help Chicago public schools and children living in the city. Additionally, he makes his music for free and has been nominated for seven Grammy awards.

Selena Gomez (@selenagomez)

Known for being a triple threat in the dancing, singing, and acting world, Gomez has taken her role in Hollywood to another level this year by taking the position of executive producer for the hit series “13 Reasons Why.” This show based on the novel by Jay Asher brings awareness to the rising issue of teen suicide. Gomez also won Billboard’s 2017 Woman of the Year award and  has hosted multiple charity events that encourage teens to volunteer in their communities and speak their minds. She is also a co-chairperson on the Lupus Alliance Research Board and is active in her role, especially after undergoing a kidney transplant in the fall after being diagnosed with Lupus.

Rihanna (@rihanna)

Named Humanitarian of the Year by Harvard University for her efforts to help health care and education in developing countries, Rihanna has been extremely active this year with charity work. She is constantly putting on benefit concerts and does a lot of work for her own charity, the Believe Foundation, to help terminally ill children.

Janet Yellen

Although recently replaced by Donald Trump, Janet Yellen was the former Federal Reserve chairwoman for the United States. The first woman to hold this position, she did a lot for our country and continues to inspire women to aim higher.

Elon Musk (@elonmusk)

The South-African born American engineer/investor/inventor has done many powerful things in the technology world this year. From inventing new space technology to creating new and innovative artificial intelligence, Musk makes what we thought was impossible possible. His inventions and innovations are guiding the way to our improved future.

Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson)

Known best for her role in the Harry Potter series, Watson is doing as much as she can with her widespread platform. Earlier in 2017, she was cast as Belle in the live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast. Along with this, she is an active member in the women’s equality movement and serves as a United Nations Ambassador for the HeforShe campaign, which urges men and women to fight for gender equality.