Jackson State University (JSU) is proud to announce its selection as an Institute Partner for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Beginning in mid-June, Jackson State University will host 25 of Africa’s bright, emerging business leaders for a six-week Leadership in Business Institute, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
“The Mandela Washington Fellowship program brings together some of the world’s brightest minds but also fosters invaluable connections and collaborations between our institution and the next generation of leaders from across the continent,” said JSU President Marcus Thompson, Ph.D. “Hosting this fellowship not only reflects the global reach and significance of Jackson State University but also underscores our commitment to fostering international partnerships and promoting cross-cultural understanding.”
This is Jackson State University’s third summer hosting the fellowship. The cohort of fellows hosted by the university will be part of a group of 700 Mandela Washington Fellows hosted at 28 educational institutions across the United States. Established in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024.
“The first two sets of fellows we hosted were immersed in the business and other stakeholder communities that support our university,” expressed College of Business Dean Fidelis Ikem, Ph.D. “The fellows have had a firsthand experience of the hospitality in our city, state, and ordinary Mississippians for which we are known.”
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), empowers young African leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, mentoring, networking, professional opportunities, and local community engagement.
YALI, created in 2010, supports young Africans as they spur economic growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa. Since its inception, nearly 6,500 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa have participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
“The program provides exposure to the youngest continent and its ample opportunities. I hope for beneficial mutual relationships between the Fellows and the Mississippi community,” said Lydia Didia, Ph.D., Administrative Director for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship Leadership Institute at JSU.
Some highlights will include connections and site visits with federal, state and local partners, including Visit Jackson, Prosper Africa, Department of Commerce, Greater Jackson Chambers Partnership, Mississippi Development Authority, SBA Women’s Business Center, SBA Small Business Development Center, Rotary International, Atmos Energy, Systems Electro Co., BankPlus, Hope Credit Union, Butler Snow , SOL Engineering Service, Sanderson Farm and a number of other industry partners.
Fellows will connect with the faculty, staff and students at Jackson State University and also the Mississippi policy makers and public administrators with the assistance of the American Institute for International Policy Makers and Public Administrators (AIIPMPA). Fellows will give back to the community through service opportunities with iVillage, Habitat for Humanity andWe Will Go located in West Jackson, MS.
“I am excited to, once again, work with the faculty of the College of Business to support their efforts in providing training opportunities for emerging business leaders from Africa. Our collective efforts allowed JSU to be one of the most celebrated Institutes last year and we look forward to our continued collaboration with the Mandela Washington Fellowship Community,” said Almesha L. Campbell, Ph.D., Academic Director for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship Leadership Institute at JSU.
Other members of the Jackson State University team include Attorney Saundra Thompson McFarland (Co-Administrative Director), Sharon Alicia Simmons, Ph.D. (Co-Academic Director), Chali Nondo, Ph.D. (Co-Academic Director), Edith Davidson, Ph.D. (Leadership Manager) and Donald Causey, Ph.D. (Faculty support).
After their Leadership Institutes, the Fellows will participate in the Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit, where they will take part in networking and panel discussions with each other and with U.S. leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Following the summit, up to 100 competitively-selected fellows will participate in four weeks of professional development with U.S. non-governmental organizations, private companies, and government agencies.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by IREX, Leadership Institutes will offer programs that will challenge, motivate, and empower young leaders from Africa to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX. For more information about the Mandela Washington Fellowship, visit mandelawashingtonfellowship.org and join the conversation at #YALI2024.
For additional information about the Mandela Washington Fellowship Leadership Institute at Jackson State University, please contact Lydia Didia, administrative director, at lydia.n.didia@jsums.edu or Saundra McFarland, co-administrative director, at saundra.m.thompson@jsums.edu.