Michigan State University (MSU) hosted 24 Mandela Washington Fellows over the summer for a six-week fellowship. The fellows came from over 20 different African countries to work on their unique focus projects while also having the opportunity to learn, share and network with Michigan professionals. The Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) started in 2014 as the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) with the intention to empower young (25 – 35yr old) African leaders who are making a positive impact in their local communities. To learn more about this program and its mission please visit the MWF website.

The Center for Global Learning and Innovation staff members, Luna Lu (Senior Innovation Officer) and Leticia Cherchiglia (Global Teaching and Learning Specialist), served as Networking Activities Coordinators in this year's fellowship program. They successfully scheduled networking opportunities, group dinners, and supported the fellows throughout their journey to make their experience as enriching as possible. A summary of the fellow's journey is explained below.

Networking Workshop

Leticia and Luna facilitated a networking workshop with the fellows to introduce them to opportunities for engagement and capacity building through the Center for Global Learning and Innovation’s current and future work. Additionally, networking tips were provided, including information on how to manage expectations during the fellowship program, how to create a networking plan, and how to best utilize unstructured networking time.

Speed Networking Session

A Networking session led by Luna and Leticia invited the fellows to participate in a speed networking session with MSU faculty and staff. This interactive session had six, ten-minute rounds which allowed the fellows to give one-minute elevator pitches about their area of focus. Followed by a networking dinner that allowed for further collaboration between fellows and staff, this event welcomed:

• Aklilu Zeleke, Professor in the Department of Statistics & Probability
• Jeff Conroy-Krutz, Associate Professor and Chair of Comparative Politics
• Jennifer Marcy, Director of the Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures and Social Enterprise Online Programs
• Jon Debling, Senior Technology Manager
• Stephen L. Esquith, Professor of Political Philosophy, Global Ethics, and Peace and Justice Studies
• Trixie Smith, Professor in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures at Michigan State University

Professional Development Hour

A professional development hour offered a chance for a select few fellows to present and engage with staff from the Center for Global Learning and Innovation. This opportunity allowed the fellows to practice and receive feedback on their presentations as well as making additional connections with the university. Three fellows shared presentations:

• "Democracy and Civic Engagement in Africa" by Daberechi Kingsley Ekejiuba from Nigeria
• "How Storytelling can Empower Change" by Beatus Ble Msamange from Malawi
• "Empowering Women Through Literacy" by Mulalo Nemataheni from South Africa

International Youth Day 2025 - Innovation Collaboratory

We were very excited to welcome back many of the fellows to present at this year’s Innovation Collaboratory which recognized International Youth Day celebrated on August 12th. Fellows Olufunmi Olaosun from Nigeria, Daberechi Ekejiuba from Nigeria, Mulalo Nemataheni from South Africa, Zacharie Mulumba from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and alumni Calvin Manika from Zimbabwe, gave presentations and shared their ideas for the future of global youth learning. This event allowed the fellows to further network with young leaders from around the world and receive feedback from experts attending the event. 

Closing Remarks

The Center for Global Learning and Innovation is thankful for the opportunity to empower young African leaders who are making a difference in their communities and worlds. Additionally, we are thankful for all the work done by MSU faculty/staff, program partners and fellows themselves that made the experience so rewarding. We are looking forward to working with the Mandela Washington Fellows in the future!