Three Guyanese entrepreneurs will participate in the 2021 American Young Leaders Initiative Fellowship Program.
According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy, this program will bring together 263 young leaders from 37 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada for virtual fellowship.
This year, three young leaders from Guyana have been accepted out of over 2,300 applicants.
They are as follows:
Filisha Duke: The Founder and CEO of Sure Gig has experience securing contracts and building key partnerships to further the company’s objectives. During the fellowship, Filisha aims to learn effective methods of managing and sustaining financial growth, strategies on increasing market share, brand awareness and sales, and how to facilitate scaling and expansion.
Joylyn John: Juneberry Gy’s Managing Director has experience in leadership, the retail market, and extensive knowledge in business operations. During the fellowship, Joylyn John aims to learn the legal side of running a business locally and internationally, hone her leadership skills and “know how” when approaching investors with investment offers, and learn how to maximize returns his. business,
Maleka Russell: The owner of Green Valley Organics has experience in insect and pest control, sheltered vegetable growing technologies, and climate-conscious agricultural practices. During the fellowship, Maleka aims to learn about business development, develop a business model for agricultural sustainability, and engage with other entrepreneurs as they promote healthy lifestyles through better nutrition.
The YLAI 2021 Fellowship Program, sponsored by the US Department of State’s Office of Educational and Cultural Affairs, includes a three-month virtual fellowship from January to April 2021.
During this time, fellows will complete the YLAI Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum and work with a host institution in the US for four weeks. They will also be paired with a designated mentor and will collaborate with other fellows to address shared foreign policy challenges throughout the exchange. They will also take part in live events and cross-cultural activities. The program is a rich, collaborative experience that combines technical entrepreneurship training with leadership development and networking opportunities.
The US Embassy explained that the YLAI Fellowship Program is part of an ongoing US commitment to the prosperity of Guyana and the region.