2019 FERD’s List Honorees Announced

July 25, 2019

An initiative of JA Europe, FERD’s List recognizes outstanding, inspirational young entrepreneurs and leaders who have previously participated in JA programs while in school. The list aims to identify young people who achieved outstanding results in their lives after the JA experience. According to Johan Andresen, Chairman of FERD, the honorees are inspirational innovators “creating value and leaving lasting footprints.”

The 2019 FERD’s List honorees were announced July 17, 2019. Now in its third year, the 2019 list includes—for the first time—JA alumni from around the world, adding honorees from Asia Pacific, Africa, MENA, and the Americas in celebration of JA’s 100th anniversary. FERD’s List celebrates the achievements of these outstanding alumni, while recognizing that each is at a moment in life during which his or her potential is being transformed into greater value for society.

The 11 entrepreneurs honored on this year’s list meet the following criteria:

Participated in a Junior Achievement company program (or equivalent)
Outstanding young entrepreneur and/or leader, age 25 to 45
Change-maker, innovator
Evidence of a growing business or organization
Contribution to value creation
Driven by a desire to succeed and to give back at the same time; exemplary leaders and role models for others
Trustworthy, passionate, high integrity, strong communicators, good listeners, vision, grateful to their team, positive.

The 2019 honorees will be celebrated at an induction ceremony on August 29, during the JA Global Alumni Conference in Vienna, the first-ever global conference for JA alumni’s broad and diverse network.

JA Worldwide is especially proud that JA Americas president Leonardo Martellotto is a 2019 FERD’s List honoree. Leo is not only a JA alumni, but as a member of the JA Senior Leadership Team, he is helping lead the JA mission on a global scale.