THREE Guyanese female entrepreneurs will benefit from entrepreneurship and leadership training, and networking opportunities under the US State Department of America’s Young Leaders Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program.
According to a statement from the US Embassy in Georgetown, local entrepreneurs Filisha Duke, Joylyn John, and Maleka Russell will be part of a three-month virtual fellowship from January to April 2021. During this time, they will join 260 other young people. leaders from 37 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada. They are expected to complete the YLAI Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum, and will work with a host organization in the US for four weeks.
The Guyanese will also be paired with a designated mentor, and cooperate with other fellows to address shared foreign policy challenges throughout the exchange. They are also expected to participate 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 statement stated.
Filisha Duke, founder and CEO (CEO) of Sure Gig, has experience in securing contracts, and building key partnerships to facilitate the company’s objectives. During the fellowship, she aims to learn effective approaches to managing and sustaining financial growth, strategies on increasing market share, brand awareness and sales, and how to facilitate graduation and expansion.
Juneberry Gy Managing Director Joylyn John has experience in leadership, the retail market, and extensive knowledge in business operations. Through this fellowship, the statement stated, its aim is to learn about the legal side of running a business, locally and internationally, hone its leadership skills and “know how” when approaching investors with investment offers, and learn how to obtain the highest. possible return in her business.
And Maleka Russell, who owns Green Valley Organics, has experience in insect and pest control, sheltered vegetable growing technologies, and climate-smart agricultural practices, with the aim of learning about business development, developing a business model on agricultural sustainability, and engaging with other entrepreneurs as they promote healthy lifestyles through better nutrition.
The YLAI 2021 Fellowship Program is sponsored by the US State Department’s Office of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The three Guyanese have been selected from over 2,300 applicants.