Project Management Institute Announces 2021 Future 50 List of Young Rising Leaders
From creating tools to help distribute COVID-19 vaccines to helping address food insecurity, this year’s notable changemakers are rising to the occasion in a year unlike any other.
Project Management Institute (PMI), on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, announced its second annual Future 50 list, which features 50 rising leaders using bold and innovative thinking to transform the world through notable projects. The 50 standout project leaders, highlighted in a new digital experience on PMI.org and a special issue of PM Network® magazine, represent a new generation of fearless, young innovators who drive transformation and create positive social impact across the globe. Honorees include groundbreaking achievements from people across many industries and countries, including young technology pioneer Gitanjali Rao of the United States, Pixie Dust Technologies’ Yoichi Ochiai, PhD of Japan and world-class footballer Marcus Rashford of Manchester United.
PMI® research shows that only 40 percent of organizations say they prioritize attracting and hiring the next generation of project professionals. But what the Future 50 list highlights is that this new generation is capable of driving value for businesses and society now and in the future.
“In an exceptionally challenging year, this new generation of leaders have stepped to drive innovation around the globe,” said Michael DePrisco, Chief Operating Officer of Project Management Institute. “With a deep sense of social responsibility, this next generation of leaders are deeply committed to protecting the natural environment, driving diversity and fostering environments of inclusion, and making the world a better place. The 50 individuals featured on this list are each changemakers whose wide range of projects exemplify the power and potential of transformation.”
To identify this year’s Future 50 honorees, PMI reached out to hundreds of experts and stakeholders across the globe for nominations. A special committee vetted the rising leaders and narrowed the list of nominees. Finalists were then individually researched or interviewed to create a list representing a full spectrum of regions, industries, and achievements in The Project Economy – one in which people have the skills and capabilities they need to turn ideas into reality. While some honorees are Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification holders, others would not even describe themselves as project managers. What unites the Future 50 is a commitment to project work as the foundation for positive impact today and tomorrow.
To see the complete list of honorees and what drives this next generation of talent, visit PMI.org/Future50.
