Could be anyone--people in your family, scientists, philosophers, could be alive, could be dead, etc. Anyone who impacted your life in a positive way.
When I was young, my father
Now that I am old, my mother
All the storytellers, from Snorri Sturluson to Terry Pratchett.
Albert Michelson & Edward Morley from Case Western University, looking for the 'wild aether" and invented interferometry on the way.
Betty Friedan and all the movers toward women's equality.
Every person I see being kind and understanding toward another.
A boss of mine years ago, long dead, the way he stood up for his staff, my 2nd cousin, now in his 80, amost honest man and kind man.
I had 'heroes" as a kid, met some, missed some, one lives not far from here I would watch him surf when I was 8, when I was 21 I paid him to design and make a board for me. I read about one guy in my teens, eventually I met him through his father who happeend to be a close friend. Eventually we lectured together, that was awesome. He coined the phrase "Alternative Technology" of which I am an advocate.
Elon Musk. Very inspirational, giving a reason to step away from calculating to cheer. Fascinating