Recognizing the global leaders shaping the future of tourism, hospitality, aviation, cultural storytelling, and destination development. On Global Africa Day, Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), in partnership with The Pyne Hospitality Company, announces the Global Top 100 Travel, Tourism, Hospitality Edition — Class of 2026, recognizing influential leaders of African descent shaping the …
Austin Okolo is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur featured in The Times, LinkedIn News, Talk TV, and more. He is the founder of Gen Z Recruitz, a recruitment agency focused on helping leading global organisations recruit the best Gen Z talent. “As long as I can remember, I’ve always felt different. I spoke differently, acted differently. It …
Anjola Adebowale is a Data and AI Consultant at a leading tech firm, where she specializes in designing and developing data platforms and generative AI-powered applications, alongside overseeing data engineering workloads. Her work has earned her both the Rising Star Award and the Microsoft Industry Solutions Rise Award. Anjola is not only recognised for her …
Ruth Abalo is the Regional Founder – Head of EMEA at BLK Capital Management. She is originally from Graz, Austria, a second-year student pursuing a degree in Economics at The University of Leeds in the UK, with an expected graduation year of 2025. During the summer of 2023, she is working as a summer intern at the …
Annabelle Woghiren is a Public Speaker, Advocate, and Activist committed to creating brave spaces that empower individuals and organizations to challenge the status quo, celebrate diversity, and cultivate equitable cultures where everyone can thrive. Her passion for equity is deeply personal. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the harm caused by inequality, exclusion, and injustice, which …
William Awomoyi is the UK’s Young Ambassador to the Commonwealth, an Advisor to the AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council, and a World Economic Forum Global Shaper. Through his impactful contributions to the community, he has received several prestigious accolades, including the Bromley Rotary Award, SMK Young Campaigner of the Year, Rare Rising Star, and the Diana …
Shola West, 24, from Croydon, has earned a spot on Forbes Europe’s prestigious 30 Under 30 list for 2024. Known as the ‘Big Sis to Young Creatives,’ Shola has inspired her peers to pursue successful careers in the creative industry by connecting them with opportunities from major brands. From collaborating with Five Guys to being …
Rachel Ojo is the Head UK Youth Delegate at COP28, advocating for climate-friendly policies worldwide. Currently a finalist studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the University of Oxford, Rachel has gained valuable experience through a summer internship at Deutsche Bank in their Fixed Income division. She has also served as an advisor to a senior …
Paula Imafidon is the Y20 Innovation and Future of Work Delegate, deeply passionate about empowering youth and playing a pivotal role in initiatives aimed at bridging gaps and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Her focus on mentoring, educating, and encouraging underrepresented talent has led to tangible changes across industries and beyond. Paula currently serves …
Oyindasola Bello is the Co-Director of the Oxford Alpha Fund, which was founded in 2017. The Oxford Alpha Fund aims to be the leading student investment society in the United Kingdom, focused on generating superior risk-adjusted returns through fundamental equity research and quantitative strategies. The platform offers a unique opportunity for ambitious students with a …