Legacy Leaders

Our Legacy Leaders have set the standard for impact, vision, and excellence in their respective Future 50 categories. If you're building something game-changing, pushing the industry forward, or breaking down barriers for the next generation, we want to hear how you are doing similar work.

changemaker

This honors an individual for significant social impact in the tech industry. These leaders have exhibited the ability to reimagine and improve how we see the world and structures around us. Changemakers have made a significant social impact by promoting diversity in their companies and communities.

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is a transformative leader and seven-time Formula 1 World Champion dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in motorsports and beyond

• Through The Hamilton Commission, has led groundbreaking research on Black representation in motorsports, influencing industry-wide policies.
• Has committed millions through Mission 44 to support education and career opportunities for underrepresented youth.
• Advocates for systemic change in sponsorship, hiring, and representation within F1 and motorsports.

future maker

This recognizes a Black professional for groundbreaking innovation and historical firsts in technology. Nominees should have tangible achievements such as patents, product launches, or industry recognition, with a measurable impact on technology and society.

Timnit Gebru

Timnit Gebru is a pioneering Black technologist driving change in AI and data ethics, known for her work on algorithmic bias and fairness.

• Former co-lead of Google’s Ethical AI team, exposing bias in AI models.
• Founded Distributed Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (DAIR), an independent AI research organization focused on marginalized communities.
• Advocates for transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI development.
• She is currently writing The View from Somewhere, a memoir and manifesto arguing for a technological future that serves our communities instead of one that is used for surveillance, warfare, and the centralization of power by Silicon Valley.

corporate catalyst

This recognizes corporate executives who actively promote diversity within their ranks. Corporate Catalysts earnestly work to redefine and implement initiatives that promote diversity. We recognize directors or VP-level trailblazers with a track record of improving their community by making the ecosystem more inclusive and accepting of underrepresented groups.

Rosalind Brewer

Rosalind "Roz" Brewer is a trailblazing corporate leader and one of the most influential Black women in business, driving transformation and innovation across major global companies.

• Former CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, expanding healthcare access and digital transformation.
• Led technology-driven growth at Starbucks and revolutionized e-commerce at Sam’s Club.
• Advocates for DEI while shaping corporate strategy through leadership and board roles.

dynamic investor

This recognizes venture capitalists who have made significant contributions to advancing underserved founders in the tech industry. This individual or company in the venture capital industry has demonstrated innovative efforts to actively advance and execute the current processes for the members of their portfolio. 

John W. Rogers, Jr.

John W. Rogers Jr. is a pioneering investor transforming finance by advancing Black and underrepresented founders.

• John founded Ariel Investments at 24, earning a reputation as a dynamic investor by championing patient, value investing in small- and medium-sized companies.
• His early investment acumen led to national recognition, including being named co-mutual fund manager of the year and earning a place alongside Warren Buffett in The World’s 99 Greatest Investors.
• A visionary leader, John also serves on top corporate boards, holds prestigious honors like Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson Award, and continues to shape both finance and public service.

visionary founder

This acknowledges the accomplishments of a founder who showcases outstanding company growth, a strong dedication toward promoting diversity and inclusion, and recognition in the tech industry. The category specifically highlights the development of products for people of color, which leads to a higher chance of success and narrows the achievement, educational, and economic gaps among underrepresented communities.

Charles D. King

Charles D. King is a pioneering entrepreneur and media mogul reshaping entertainment by amplifying Black and underrepresented voices through his multi-platform media company, Macro.

• Industry Trailblazer: First Black partner at a major Hollywood talent agency (WME) before founding Macro.
• Economic Impact: Has raised over $240M in funding and produced award-winning films like Judas and the Black Messiah and Mudbound.
• Driving Change: Champions inclusive hiring, strategic partnerships, and investment in diverse storytelling.