Guyanese entrepreneurs to participate in 2021 YLAI Fellowship Programme

Three young Guyanese entrepreneurs were selected to participate in the 2021 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Fellowship Programme which commences virtually in January and ends in April.
The US Embassy in Guyana stated that the programme 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 2300 applicants. The three Guyanese chosen are Filisha Duke, Joylyn John and Maleka Russell.
Filisha Duke is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sure Gig and has experience in securing contracts and building key partnerships to facilitate the company’s objectives. During the fellowship, Duke aims to learn effective approaches to managing and maintaining financial growth, strategies on increasing market share, brand awareness and sales, and how to facilitate scaling and expansion.
In addition, John is the Managing Director for Juneberry GY and has experience in leadership, the retail market, and vast knowledge in business operations.
During the fellowship, John hopes to learn about the legal side of running a business both locally and internationally, sharpen her leadership skills and her “know-how” on approaching investors with investment proposals, and how to have the highest returns possible in her business,
On the other hand, Russell is the owner of Green Valley Organics and she has experience in insect and pest control, shade house vegetable cultivation technologies, and climate-smart agricultural practices.
During the fellowship, Russell is eager 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 2021 YLAI Fellowship Programme, sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State, includes a three-month virtual fellowship.
During this time, fellows will complete the YLAI Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum and work with a US host organisation 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. Additionally, they will engage in live events and cross-cultural activities.
The programme is a collaborative, enriching experience that combines technical entrepreneurship training with leadership development and networking opportunities. The US Embassy explained that the YLAI Fellowship Programme is part of the continued commitment of the US to the prosperity of Guyana and the region.