Parminder investigates the future through three intersecting lenses: 1) the innovations of open economies; 2) changing role of people in their environments; and 3) the relationship between learning and work. Through new research and research-inspired prototyping, she applies insights from the fringes to promote positive culture shifts and solutions by getting ahead of inequities.

She founded SocialTech.ai to support working learners by fostering social and economic agility through novel technologies and approaches. Through that work, a flagship product was born in Unmudl- a one-stop “Skills-to Jobs MarketplaceTM” for working learners fueled by America’s employers and community colleges. Unmudl features employer-validated courses and services to help learners build skills linked to jobs, and redeem them for credentials that lead to higher incomes. 

Prior to her work at the Institute of the Future, Parminder was named Director of ACT Foundation where “working learners” was coined to describe the learner of the future. 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. 

Parminder also previously served as a program officer supporting postsecondary success for low-income young adults at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. While at Gates, 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. 

Her drive is led by incredible experiences at Fortune 50 companies such as at Ford Motor Company, Atlantic Richfield Oil Company, and Lucent Technologies. And her entrepreneurial spirit began with co-founding start-ups like Technology Solutions and Consulting, Bombay House Restaurant, and East Indian Trading Cafe. 

Born in London, Parminder graduated from high school in India and is a product of public higher education in the United States. 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.

Today she’s working to make sure every American has the opportunity for excellent education and equitable work.