Thinking of applying or nominating someone for 50 Next, the list of young people shaping the future of gastronomy? Then hurry – applications and nominations close next week!
With just one week left to apply to be part of the Class of 2022, we spoke to some of the people selected for the inaugural list, including a Turkish start-up owner, a Basque scientist, a Guatemalan activist and a chef from Rwanda. Read their recommendations on what to include in your application and find out how the list has benefited them, then head to our website to apply or nominate before 22nd September 2021
What impact has being part of 50 Next had on your career?
“The international recognition has given me a voice and I’ve had incredible opportunities like giving talks in schools, universities and at events.” – Maitane Alonso Monasterio, Sodupe, Basque Country, Spain.
“We received so much media interest. Being on the list has helped us to sell more dishes as people have started looking at the suburbs as a good thing. Now people come from all over São Paulo to eat our food.” – Thiago Vinícius De Paula Da Silva, São Paulo, Brazil.
“It has provided opportunities for increased networking as I have connected with so many other activists within the climate space since the announcement.” – Jhannel Tomlinson, Kingston, Jamaica.
“Being chosen for 50 Next has been overwhelming. The words of encouragement, support and love that I have received from Lebanon and across the world has been massive and has touched me and every single member in my team.” – Maya Terro, Beirut, Lebanon.
“Being on the inaugural 50 Next list impacted me more than I could have imagined. Before last year, I thought of myself as a bit of an outsider to the gastronomy sector, thinking it was for chefs and fine cuisine. However, last year I understood we can all have different expertise when it comes to food and the infinite possibilities for gastronomy to be shaped into our best lines of work.” – Bibi La Luz González, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
50 Next 2021 Trailblazing Activist Bibi La Luz Gonzalez is fighting for food security and women's health
How is 50 Next changing things for the better in your country?
“I think it can assist in spotlighting Caribbean youth and their work. It is not very often that Caribbean youth climate activists are recognised on international platforms and so this could help to highlight the ongoing efforts.” – Jhannel Tomlinson, Kingston, Jamaica.
“Being on this list, which reaches millions of people around the world, increases awareness of our business. It is a very valuable opportunity for food entrepreneurs who want to expand their operations abroad. The inclusion of a start-up (Tarlamvar) from Turkey in this list will enable other start-ups to be discovered in Turkey, where there are already many start-ups, and in this way, many Turkish start-ups will be able to easily expand abroad in the coming years.” – Ata Cengiz, Istanbul, Turkey.
“Being recognised internationally not only helps shine light on what one does but also on why they do it. In my case, talking about Lebanon is now more important than ever given that the country is living through one of the world’s three worst financial and political crises since the mid-19th century.” – Maya Terro, Beirut, Lebanon.
“With 50 Next, portraying the individual behind whichever movement gives credibility, support and security too. In a country like Guatemala, where inequality and corruption run rampant, and where food and malnutrition are a cause and effect of that, this is the opportunity for solutions from smaller-reaching organizations and people to have a stronger leverage for improved change on local, national and global levels.’ – Bibi La Luz González, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
50 Next 2021 Trailblazing Activist Maya Terro is challenging Lebanese businesses to end food poverty
What would you say to anyone thinking of applying for the Class of 2022 for 50 Next?
“Go for it. It will provide huge visibility for your work and also a bridge into the 50 Best family.” – Dieuveil Malonga, Kigali, Rwanda.
“It is an immense opportunity to increase representation across the world of the intricacies of our food systems that the world needs to see to better understand the depth and scope of how producers, chefs and restaurateurs can build innovative solutions and are transforming gastronomy that can span through arts, livelihoods, environment, circularity, culture, and so much more.” – Louise Mabulo, San Fernando, Philippines.
“Don’t focus only on what you do. Elaborate on ‘why’ you do it, what makes it unique. At the end of the day that’s the most important thing.” – Maya Terro, Beirut, Lebanon.
“Apply, nominate, apply, nominate, apply, apply, apply! Doing the application (which I appreciated for being short) will get you to deep dive into your thoughts and purpose in whichever aspect of food or gastronomy you are involved. You get to interact with a brilliant team that collaborates to make the 50 Next go round, and finally you get to see you are surrounded by outstanding people who are also making food the means towards the next and best shape possible.” – Bibi La Luz González, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
“I would encourage people to apply as it's a very prestigious list that provides exposure and opportunity for the causes they're working on. It will help establish connections in the food and beverage world and mainstream media, which will be useful.” – Lincoln Lee, London, UK, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“You will often be told ‘no’. And then you’ll be told ‘no’ again. However, if you truly believe in something, if it is truly what you are passionate about, and what gets you up in the morning, it is your responsibility to fight for it.” – Maitane Alonso Monasterio, Sodupe, Basque Country.
50 Next 2021 Empowering Educator Dieuveil Malonga is bringing Congolese cooking to the world
What are your tips for anyone applying, or nominating someone else, for 50 Next?
“Be true about your work. Tell your own story.” – Dieuveil Malonga, Kigali, Rwanda.
“Really highlight the solutions-driven or innovative work you do. We’re a community of people reshaping our industries in wildly different and unprecedented ways, and everyone has their own niche that makes them unique.” – Louise Mabulo, San Fernando, Philippines.
“Don’t do anything thinking about awards. Do it from your heart.” – Thiago Vinícius De Paula Da Silva, São Paulo, Brazil.
“Be clear on what your mission is and the problem you're trying to tackle. Include a story on why it matters to you and how you got involved in it.” – Lincoln Lee, London, UK, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
50 Next 2021 Trailblazing Activist Jhannel Tomlinson is empowering young women through coffee and climate change activism
“Provide as much detail as possible on your application form. Including your work, future plans and visions will increase your chances of being selected.” – Ata Cengiz, Istanbul, Turkey.
“The most important thing is to remember why you started in the first place.” – Maitane Alonso Monasterio, Sodupe, Basque Country.
Applications and nominations for 50 Next are open until 22nd September 2021. For further information on the selection process, our partners and how to apply or nominate, visit the 50 Next website.
