Mariah Carey shows true leadership as a celebrity on New Year’s Eve in Times Square moments before the ball dropped by encouraging the world (an estimated one billion viewers) to build a more united planet.

Just moments before midnight, Mariah Carey made a beautiful dedication of her song “Hero” to “everyone that speaks out for justice and tries to make the world a better place, a more united planet. You’re the true heroes.” In a turbulent and divisive world, Mariah’s song “Hero” fills us with the courage to play a role in speaking out for justice and creating a better, more sustainable, and united planet.

Throughout her career, Mariah Carey has sold more than 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Mariah has used her gifts and her voice to inspire and encourage people of all ages through her words, her actions, and her songs.

Celebrities represent important role models – they are the cultural icons of our day. If celebrities use their voices to build bridges among people and create stronger local and global communities, we can transform the hearts and minds of millions.

Mariah Carey has inspired United Planet, an international nonprofit, founded in the wake of 9-11 to create a Circle of Heroes in which artists, visionaries, and leaders can lend their support to bring about a more united planet at a time when needed most.

United Planet volunteers have worked locally and internationally in more than 250 communities across 50+ countries since 2001. United Planet volunteers have served well over 1,500,000 hours in education, health, and the environment while immersing in diverse cultures and building bridges. Mariah Carey was right in sharing appreciation towards those who work tirelessly for our world. United Planet volunteers and supporters are true heroes who have helped selflessly to build a more united planet during divisive and turbulent times.

United Planet President and Founder, David Santulli, says, “a united planet is just a mindset and a ‘heart set’ away. If we change enough hearts and minds, the world will be united.” Mariah Carey and artists, visionaries, and leaders of all kind have the power to inspire and change hearts and minds on a truly global scale if they choose to use their gifts to do so.

Mariah Carey used her voice to bring about positive change by empowering every one of us to find the hero within. We can and should follow suit. Here’s to a good year.