What We Do
Parminder K. Jassal
Affiliate
Dr. Parminder K. Jassal led the Learn + Work Futures Group at the Institute for the Future from 2017 to 2019. She investigates the future through three intersecting lenses: the innovations of open economies; changing role of people in their environments; and the relationship between learning and working. Through new research and research-inspired prototyping, Parminder applies insights from the fringes to promote positive culture shift and solutions by getting ahead of inequities.
Her experiences are driven by cutting-edge gigs at Fortune 50 companies such as at Ford Motor Company, Atlantic Richfield Oil Company, and Lucent Technologies along with co-founding start-ups like Technology Solutions and Consulting, Bombay House Restaurant, and East Indian Trading Cafe. Prior to the Institute of the Future, Parminder was named Founding Executive Director of ACT Foundation in 2012. She oversaw the organization’s unique role as an operating foundation, strategic investor, and incubation partner in support of the New Learning Economy and Rise of Working Learners (published).
Dr. Jassal previously served as a program officer supporting postsecondary success for low-income young adults at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. At Gates Foundation she helped design and scale a college-operating model titled “Pathways to Credentials and Careers” and led the “Learn and Earn” movement among employers and education providers. Having lived in three countries, fluently speaking three languages, and having worked and served on boards across the globe; Parminder’s life itself reflects the world economy. Born in London, she graduated from high school in India and is a product of public higher education in the United States.