Shin Yamaaki is not familiar with the story of David and Goliath, but she has long understood the plight of the underdog. A chance experience in her 20s forged Yamaaki, 38, into who she is today: a woman who takes on global issues by giving voice to people who might go unheard.

Yamaaki, an award-winning journalist known for her work on Japanese nuclear politics, has found her focus by shedding light on social injustice.

She recently tuned into the challenges faced by women in Guatemala. "There have been 36 years of conflict in Guatemala, with much violence against ordinary citizens." Writing for the weekly Shukan Kinyoobi, Yamaaki, who has used that pen name since she started writing on nuclear issues, highlights the enormous courage of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.