ASI and Mandela Washington Fellows
Late last month, on July 18, the African Studies Initiative hosted a Farewell Reception to the 25 members of the 2024 cohort Mandela Washington Fellows for Young African Leaders.
Under the flagship program of the U.S Government's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders was established in 2014. The Fellowship, celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024, has brought nearly 6,500 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training. The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries.
These 25 individuals are part of a larger cohort of 700 young leaders who, divided in groups, spent 6 weeks in various parts of the United States networking with organizations and individuals in their city placement. The 25 leaders that came to the Twin Cities came from 17 different African countries.
From educators, policy analysts, and medical professionals to business owners, these young leaders brought a variety of experiences and knowledge to local organizations and community leaders around the Twin Cities.
Check out the link below to look through the photos of our Farewell Reception honoring this Mandela Washington Fellows Cohort.
