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Panel

Leadership and Organizational Performance

Allow Us to Re-Introduce Ourselves: Amplifying Millennial Leaders in Evaluation

Stream: Professional Development and Leadership

Saturday, October 26, 2024
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM PST
Location: E144
Abstract Information: According to the Pew Research Center, millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) are the largest generation in the US labor force and are increasingly stepping into leadership roles. This panel explores how millennial leaders are redefining the field of evaluation. Sandwiched between those who pioneered and professionalized evaluation (Baby Boomers and GenX) and the new and emerging evaluators (GenZ), millennials bring unique perspectives on what it takes for evaluation to be influential in today’s society.

While acknowledging that we stand on the shoulders of theorists and practitioners who came before us, millennials have a relevant perspective on significant shifts disrupting evaluation practice today: (1) equity, social justice, and decolonization; (2) engaging the corporate sector; and (3) digital data and technology, including artificial intelligence.

Through their shared experiences coming of age in the 1990s-2000s — shaped by the Internet, 9/11, Barack Obama’s presidency, climate change, several recessions, and more — millennials have learned and unlearned a few things along the way. This panel brings together millennials from different vantage points, including entrepreneurs, consultants, internal evaluators, and academics. Each panelist will share how their generational experiences have shaped their practice, impacted their leadership styles, and influenced their predictions of the field.