Lemondrop

Bui My Hanh is only 30, but she's lived a lifetime of pain. The North Vietnam native lost both her husband and her young daughter to AIDS within a month in 2001. Then she had to deal with being cast out from her community when it was discovered she also had the illness.

Why We Love Her: Instead of wallowing in misery, Hanh decided to educate people about HIV and AIDS. She started a support group in her country and in the first year, it grew from six members to 130. And now global organizations such as the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV (GIPA) -- a project established by the United Nation Volunteers, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the Vietnam Women's Union -- have taken note of Hanh's efforts.

She's one of three activist women featured in the documentary "A Powerful Noise," which appeared in theaters around the country last week in honor of International Women's Day.

Quote: "Women and children are most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS," Hanh said. "As a woman, I feel encouraged when I am empowered to speak out about my daily life and our everyday work ... " Hanh's bravery continues to encourage and inspire those with HIV and AIDS to live the best lives they can.

Click here to see a clip about "A Powerful Noise."