( CNN ) -- Grammy Award-winning artist Ricky Martin has long been passionate about helping others , serving as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and working with Habitat for Humanity . But his main charitable focus is the Ricky Martin Foundation , which he founded to advocate for children around the world . This year , Martin served on the Blue Ribbon Panel that selected the Top 10 CNN Heroes of the Year . He recently spoke to CNN about the Heroes campaign and his philanthropy . Below are excerpts from that interview . CNN : What 's the mission of the Ricky Martin Foundation ? Ricky Martin : It 's about children . It 's about being their voice . Our mission is to advocate on behalf of children 's rights and their well-being in three crucial areas : education , health and social justice . Through our principal project , People for Children , we combat child exploitation that results from human trafficking -- modern-day slavery . Children are n't just our future . They 're our present . Unfortunately , there are children around the world that are being forced into slavery . I 've heard those testimonies , and if we do n't do something about it , we 're allowing it to happen at this point . So it 's been almost 10 years of intense work educating the world about this . Little by little , we 're trying to create awareness that this goes on . CNN : Do you have any anecdotes about your work with your foundation ? Maybe someone your organization has helped that you 're particularly proud of ? Martin : I have many , but rescuing three girls from the impoverished streets of India in 2002 ... was a rude awakening into the reality of human trafficking . It gave me the courage to establish People for Children , and drew the route to my path as an activist . And just recently listening to a boy who has been empowered by our anti-trafficking and leadership seminars , saying he wants to be a teacher for other children , was uplifting . These are moments of grand simplicity and profound awareness . CNN : Why is philanthropic work important to you , and how has it changed your life ? Martin : I am convinced that music , like philanthropy , bridges hope . Once you learn about this heinous crime , you can not turn a blind eye . Knowing that we have prevented children from falling prey to modern-day slavery or that a life was saved by our awareness efforts is invaluable to our mission and human spirit . CNN : What was it like being on the Blue Ribbon Panel that selected the Top 10 CNN Heroes ? Martin : It was a very humbling experience . Their stories served as inspiration , and they also weave a canvas that [ shows that ] in spite of injustices , there are many warriors of light that make our world a better place . CNN : The CNN Heroes campaign honors everyday people doing extraordinary things . Why do you think it 's important to honor the work that these individuals are doing ? Martin : Kudos to CNN for honoring the work that human beings are doing around the world , because [ these Heroes ] are `` little gods , '' as I call them . They are making miracles with nothing . They are creating such a beautiful impact on different lives . CNN : What is a hero to you ? What are the qualities of a hero ? Martin : Heroes represent the best of ourselves , respecting that we are human beings . A hero can be anyone from Gandhi to your classroom teacher , anyone who can show courage when faced with a problem . A hero is someone who is willing to help others in his or her best capacity . It can be someone teaching another to write , saving someone in danger or giving up your life for another . Amongst the qualities a hero should have , I would include determination , loyalty , courage , perseverance , patience , focus , intrepidity and selflessness . CNN : Why is important for people to give back ? Martin : It nourishes your soul and enhances the meaning of life .
Ricky Martin started his foundation to advocate for children around the world . In 2004 , he started focusing his efforts on human trafficking . Martin : `` You can not turn a blind eye '' to children being forced into slavery . Martin was on the Blue Ribbon Panel that chose this year 's Top 10 CNN Heroes .