The Mandela Washington Fellowship : A once in a lifetime opportunity
I wanted to take a minute and breathe a little before writing down all my thoughts and the emotions that were still very much on high alert when I got back to my home country Senegal.
I never thought I would be blown away like this by this fellowship because after having lived in so many countries and worked for the best companies in the world, one becomes less impressionable.
Since the very beginning of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, I keep surprising myself as I became very open with others and on top of that, it came so naturally.
Meeting hundreds of strangers for the first time in the same environment can be very intimidating and uncomfortable but I felt like I was home with my friends and family.
Cracking jokes and just talking about things like life, our countries and business of course.
Not very common right? Well that’s what you get when you camp 500 young leaders in the same environment. Lots of energy , excitement, ambition and I would say the most important of all a COMMON VISION for AFRICA. That’s definitely what bonded us.
I had so many highlights during this experience along the way but I can easily share with you what I consider to be my TOP 3.
- It has to be meeting with 499 other fellows from other African countries . I definitely learned more about Africa here in the United States. Ironic right?
From a human point of view it is so enriching but then even business wise, I have been able to connect with key people in countries where I know my business can thrive.
- Meeting with Obamas. Yes Obamas! I was highly privileged and honoured to meet President Barack Obama and his amazing wife, Michelle. To be honest, I’m still in my little bubble, relishing those special moments.
- And then having the opportunity to pitch my business idea and get funding for it . That was just mind blowing! I know I was prepared to pitch to anyone but having to experience it and getting the YES is something very humbling and a major confidence booster.
Just to tell you a little bit about the project that brought me to this program and is allowing me to live my entrepreneurial dream. I created a beauty company named LYVV COSMETICS. The first line is all about make up by a woman of color for woman of color. So my target lives in Africa and outside as well.
I had so many key moments in the last 3 months but at least with these you can understand better the impact that the Fellowship had on me personally and professionally. And I am serious when I talk about this Fellowship as a life changing opportunity. You can tell why.
To my fellows I thank you so much for this priceless experience that we shared together. This is only the beginning anyway and I’m excited about the future and all the projects happening now and those that are going to happen soon.
To everyone else there is just one thing to do, grab a chance at this wonderful opportunity by doing one simple thing: APPLY!
Applications go live from the 1st of October here :
https://youngafricanleaders.state.gov/washington-fellowship/apply/
