Good karma chameleon

Rosario Dawson has called herself an actor-vist, which isn’t a stretch in her case. This star doesn’t just pay lip service to the issue du jour, preferring to put her shoulder behind the wheel at several organisations serving concerns as diverse as women’s empowerment, gay rights, environment protection, political activism and the support of African artisans. She fronts many causes, serves on the board of a few and has founded her own initiatives as well. Recently, Dawson attended Manish Malhotra’s Blue Runway show at the ongoing Lake Fashion Week to lend her support to WEvolve. This campaign to bring awareness on violence against women is supported by the World Bank, UN Women and ELLE India.

Click through for a small sample of Rosario Dawson's many causes

Studio 189

Dawson is the co-creator of this e-commerce fashion site for African clothes and accessories sourced from small artisans and communities across the continent. Thanks to her star power—and the cute collections she curates—these independent artists can use their skills, learn some new ones and make a living. Sweet.

Voto Latino

The actor is of African, Cuban and Puerto Rican descent and does she ever represent. To get young Latinos in America to participate in the political process and get a say in the issues that matter to them, Dawson launched Voto Latino to encourage millennials to vote. It’s been supported by Wilmer Valderrama, America Ferrera, Jennifer Lopez and Eva Longoria.

V-Day

Serving on the board of Eve Ensler’s organization focused on ending violence against women means that Dawson isn’t merely mouthing platitudes when it comes to this global epidemic. V-Day raises funds for those around the world working to combat rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation and sex slavery. Every year on Valentine’s Day, supporters take to the streets to symbolise One Billion Rising in solidarity.