At M.I.P.A.D, we are building a global community, as a safe space, for people of African descent worldwide to call home. A home where EXCELLENCE is the culture, where a regular (MEMBER) can be nominated (NOMINEE) for their achievements and ultimately get recognized as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent (HONOREE) in the world for their positive contribution to humanity.
1. What does M.I.P.A.D. stand for?
Most Influential People of African Descent powered by the Most Influential 100 Company Headquartered in New York, USA
2. Why March 25th?
Every March 25th – We commemorate the United Nations International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade and we celebrate the anniversary of Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD)
3. What is the Vision & Mission of MIPAD?
Vision: A World Driven by Excellence
Mission: Identify | Connect | Develop Excellence
4. What is MIPAD’s connection to the United Nations?
In support of the International Decade for People of African Descent, proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly resolution 68/237 and to be observed from 2015 to 2024, the M.I.P.A.D. identifies high achievers of African descent in public and private sectors from all around the world as a progressive network of relevant actors to join together in the spirit of recognition, justice and development of Africa, it’s people on the continent and across it’s Diaspora.
5. What is the International Decade for People of African Descent?
A Decade (10 years) Dedicated to People of African Descent. In proclaiming this Decade, UN member states and the international community are recognizing that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected.
The 3 Pillars of the Decade – Recognition | Justice | Development
6. How can I get recognized on the MIPAD Global Top 100 Lists?
- Open Nominations by General Public and Alumni www.mipad.org/nominate
- Research Team & Social Media Team Validates Track Record of Nominees
- Global Selection Committee – Curate a Semi Finalists List
- Board of Trustees announce Finalists at Recognition Week
- Global Top 100 Lists & Special Edition (Industry Focus, Sector Specific)
7. If I am over 40, how can I get recognized by MIPAD.org?
Yes, aside from the annual Global Top 100 Under 40 Editions, MIPAD releases special editions that do not have age restrictions
For example, in 2020 we released our first Global Top 100 special edition without age restrictions tagged “the Global Reckoning Edition” in response to racial equality movement sparked by the death of George Floyd.
- 2020, we released Global Top 100 Climate Action Edition
- 2021, we released Global Top 100 Creatives Edition
- 2022, we released Global Top 100 Law & Justice Edition
- 2023, we released Global Top 100 Health & Medical Care Edition
- 2024, coming soon Global Top 100 Futurist & Innovators Edition
Again, our special edition focusing on specific sectors does not have age restrictions.
8. What does it mean to be recognized by MIPAD.org?
To be MIPADian is to be excellence and of African descent or Black origins.
At the time we started this journey, we knew that having influence as a person of African descent is meaningless until it is connected to support the protection of human rights and the dignity of our people. Fast forward to today, many of our honorees are on the forefront of leveraging their influence to support the current global racial and gender equality movement.
Disclaimer: There are over a billion people of African descent around the world and only one MIPAD organization. We acknowledge our limitation to identify, within the UN International Decade for People of African Descent, all the people of African descent who are doing great things. Therefore, we ask that you do not wait for an official recognition from the MIPAD organization to become a MIPADian.
Being a MIPADian is a lifestyle of speaking up for a just and equitable world.
9. Are there any costs associated with MIPAD Recognition?
No, there is no cost attached to your global recognition by MIPAD.org, it is a merit based platform. Therefore, your recognition requires no commercial inducement. Again, it is FREE to become a part of MIPAD Global Community.
Within the ecosystem we have regular members, nominees and honorees, who choose at their discretion, pay their annual subscription to get privilege access & benefits, please learn more https://blog.mipad.org/mipad-membership-privileges
10. What is the Most Influential 100 Recognition Week or Weekend?
Every year, following the opening of the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York City, MIPAD Honorees and invited Nominees regardless of their year of recognition participate in the annual Most Influential 100 Recognition Week. The week or weekend activities include panel sessions, leadership training workshop, recognition ceremony, showing of a film at the UN HQ and much more!
Cost to attend RW in New York is covered by Honorees. MIPAD supports with a letter of recognition to aid fundraising and we trust the US Embassy in your country to extend to you the courtesy as a MIPAD honoree in facilitating the issuance of an entry visa into the United States of America. We are open to discuss with corporations and foundations to support more of our honorees to attend their global recognition.
Please visit www.mipad.org and see the flow of our annual calendar from Recognition Week in the Diaspora to the Global Gatherings Inside Africa.
No, our training is not mandatory but highly recommended because it gives you the foundation to thrive within our global community.
To begin to think and operate like a true MIPADian, please enroll for Connectology; A Practical Guide to Connecting for Success Online Course (On-Demand 24/7) Complete at your own pace. To learn more about Connectology www.mipad.org/connectology
While, during Recognition Week, our partners at Momentum Education facilitate the Leadership and Personal Development training for all our honorees, invited nominees and selected young global leaders in New York City.
13. What is My Roots In Africa Project?
My Roots in Africa started as a unique project designed by Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) to enable people of African descent across the global African Diaspora to re-connect with their heritage by planting a tree on African soil so they could say, “I literally have ROOTS in Africa.” To plant your roots in Africa, please visit www.myrootsinafrica.com
