Three young Guyanese business owners have been selected to participate in the United States Department of State (YLAI) Young Leaders Initiative 2021 Fellowship Program.
A statement from the U.S. embassy in Georgetown on Monday revealed that Sure Gig Founder and CEO Filisha Duke; Juneberry Gy Managing Director, Joylyn John; and Green Valley Organics owner Maleka Russell was accepted out of over 2,300 applicants.
YLAI’s 2021 program cohort will bring together 263 young leaders from 37 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada for a virtual fellowship
The 2021 Program, sponsored by the US State Department’s Office of Educational and Cultural Affairs, includes a three-month virtual fellowship between January and April 2021.
During this time, the US Embassy said fellows will complete the YLAI Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum and work with a host organization in the United States 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.
Learn more about the three chosen people below:
Filisha Duke: Sure Gig’s Founder and CEO has experience in 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, Managing Director of Juneberry Gy 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 “knowledge” when approaching investors with investment offers, and learn how to maximize returns business.
Maleka Russell, 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.