US Embassy announces recipients of YLAI 2021
Joylyn John.
Maleka Russell.
Filisha Duke.
Kaieteur News – Three Guyanese have been selected for the US State Department of America’s Young Leaders Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. The US Embassy announced in a statement the recipients, Founder Filisha Duke and CEO Sure Gig; Joylyn John, Managing Director Juneberry Gy and Maleka Russell, Owner of Green Valley Organics.
During the fellowship, Duke with experience in securing contracts and building key partnerships to further the company’s objectives will aim to learn effective approaches to managing and sustaining financial growth, strategies on increasing market share, brand awareness and sales, and how to facilitate scaling and expansion.
John, who has experience in leadership, the retail market, and extensive knowledge in business operations, will aim to learn the legal side of running a business locally and internationally, hone his leadership skills and “know how” when approaching investors with investment proposals, and learn how to maximize returns in her business.
Russell with experience in insect and pest control, sheltered vegetable growing technologies, and climate-smart agricultural practices will learn about business development, develop a business model for agricultural sustainability, and engage with other entrepreneurs as they promote healthy ways of living through better nutrition.
The program will bring together 263 young leaders from 37 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada for a virtual fellowship. This year, three young leaders from Guyana have been accepted out of over 2,300 applicants.
The YLAI 2021 Fellowship Program, sponsored by the US State Department’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 YLAI Fellowship Program is part of the US’s ongoing commitment to the prosperity of Guyana and the region.