Fifthteen years ago, TIMES published their first ‘100 Next’ list of the world’s most influential people. Broken down into different categories, shining a light on heads of state, CEOs of public companies, leaders of global foundations, and actors from big-budget blockbuster movies. This year’s TIMES 100 Next 19 recognizes amazing people who are shaping the future of entertainment, business, sports, science, politics, health, and more. We have chosen to highlight five females from the list who we felt had an amazing year filled with accomplishments.
Keke Palmer
She brings the beauty, humor, and infectious energy wherever she goes. Keke Palmer is an amazingly well grounded actress, singer, and talk show host. There are so many things you can admire about her, but most of all is her work ethic. She carries a lot on her plate, especially with her recent role in the movie Hustlers. Palmer is always willing to go the extra mile and she always stands for what she believes in as well.
Megan Thee Stallion
Although she has yet to release a full length album, Megan Thee Stallion has already been praised as the ‘future of hip hop’. With her clever flow and lyrical dexterity, Megan oozes her confidence that challenges others to match it. She signed to Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation in September 2019, and she is set to drop her debut album sometime in 2020.
Marsai Martin
She made her first pitch as a future Executive at the age of 10. She suggested the idea that would become the movie Little, which was similar to Tom Hanks Big that was released in 1988. Martin, being the Executive Producer of the film became the youngest to hold that position for a major studio release. Along with her all star role on ABC’s Black-ish, Marsai is also the CEO of her own production company, Genius Productions and is set to release a new comedy film StepMonster. As young as she is, Martin is shaping the culture and selling it to an audience.
Wanuri Kahiu
Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu short stunning film Pumzi, was a characteristic of Kahiu’s work focusing on black women. Rafiki, which was featured in 2018, portrayed a story of black women in same-sex relationship. Although the film was banned in Kenya because of the dialogue of same-sex relationship, it also made history as the first from the country to be showcased at the Cannes Film Festival.
Adut Akech
This beautiful queen embodies the future of fashion. Adut Akech, who made her debut three years ago, has graced the cover of several international Vogue cover; one of those covers was guest edited by the Duchess of Sussex. She has also landed multiple gigs like closing out the Chanel Haute Couture Show as the “bride.” Born in South Sudan, Akech and her family moved to Kenya and then later Australia. She has made collaborative efforts to make the fashion industry more universal. Acknowledging racism and magnifying the stories of her fellow evacuees.