Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) empowers entrepreneurs and civil society leaders to strengthen their capacity to launch their entrepreneurial ideas and effectively contribute to economic development in their communities.
Janese Henderson and Elijah James from Antigua and Barbuda; Khala Hurdle and Paul Husbands from Barbados; Avena Prince and Eber Ravariere from Dominica; Teddy Frederick, Carlene Perryman, and Tamara Prosper from Grenada; Akila S. Henry and Tito Chapman from St Kitts and Nevis; Sacha Harris and Michelle Samuel from St Lucia, and Jeneille Lewis from St Vincent and the Grenadines, travelled to the United States to participate in the US Department of State’s (YLAI Professional Fellows Programme. They will take part in a 5-week programme from 3 October until 9 November.
The 14 entrepreneurs joined their Caribbean and Latin American counterparts with the goal of expanding their leadership and entrepreneurial experience through fellowships at businesses and civil society organisations across the United States. YLAI Fellows will build networks and lasting partnerships to attract investments and support for their entrepreneurial ventures.
This year’s cohort is comprised of 2 participants from the hurricane-ravaged island of Dominica who made it to the conference in the midst of suffering tremendous losses from the hurricanes. Both participants were given standing ovations for their resilience and perseverance.