TIME has named Zacky Muñoz to its inaugural TIME Visionaries list, recognizing leaders driving meaningful impact in the lives of children across education, health and wellness, technology, economic opportunity, and more.

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Zacky Muñoz Named to TIME’s Inaugural Visionaries List, 2026

Explore the full 2026 TIME Visionaries list: here.

Muñoz experienced a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction at school at age 6 when sesame seeds appeared on what was supposed to be an allergy-safe meal. He transformed that experience into a mission to improve safety and preparedness for children and families nationwide.

Now 14, Muñoz has championed multiple California legislative initiatives focused on food allergy safety, emergency preparedness, and access to lifesaving medication. His efforts have contributed to landmark policy changes, including the Zacky Bill and the Muñoz SAFE Act, while helping advance efforts to modernize access to epinephrine and improve school preparedness.

“I only thought big, powerful people could make laws,” Muñoz told TIME. “The idea that an everyday kid like me could make a law? I was instantly hooked.”

Since beginning his advocacy journey, Muñoz has testified before policymakers and federal officials, educated communities nationwide, and founded The Zacky Project, a nonprofit focused on health safety, advocacy education, and youth leadership. Reflecting his vision, Muñoz’s organization, The Zacky Project, provides tools and resources designed to help families, students, and advocates create meaningful change.

“What started as one question, ‘How can we make life safer?’ became a mission to help protect children and empower families to create change in their own communities,” said Muñoz. “This recognition is an incredible honor, but what excites me most is the opportunity to bring greater awareness to food allergies and anaphylaxis and help more young people realize that their voices matter and can make a difference.”

As TIME launches its inaugural Visionaries list, Muñoz’s recognition highlights the growing influence of youth-led advocacy and the power of lived experience to drive lasting systems change.

About The Zacky Project

The Zacky Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health safety and empowering advocates through education, awareness, policy engagement, leadership and collaboration. Founded by youth advocate Zacky Muñoz, the organization works to advance solutions that improve the lives of children and families affected by allergic diseases while inspiring the next generation of changemakers.