THE United States of America Embassy in Guyana, on Monday announced its 2023 cohort for the US Department of State Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Programme.

The embassy, via a press release, shared that four young Guyanese entrepreneurs will take part in this year’s programme, which will bring together 280 young leaders from 37 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.

This year’s candidates are Akeem McDonald, Onicak Hinds, Pearlita Richardson and Shondell Rodrigues, who were all shortlisted from 1,800 applicants.
The 2023 YLAI Fellowship Programme, which is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, was launched in December with a virtual Fellowship Leadership Curriculum and orientation.

According to the release, fellows, in May, will split into cohorts and travel to 19 cities across the United States for four-week professional placements with U.S. businesses. They will collaborate with their peers to address shared business challenges, as well as engage in virtual and in-person events and cross-cultural activities.

Since 2015, more than 1,240 YLAI Fellows have built connections with 900+ U.S. fellowship placement organizations; 84 per cent of these Fellows attracted new resources within one year of completing the programme.

MEET THE CANDIDATES:
Akeem McDonald works in the business services sector leading the Professional Janitorial Services. During the host placement, Akeem hopes to build new relationships, network with people that share common interests, and learn about the operations of different systems and sectors, marketing, e-commerce, product development, administration, and management. Coming into the YLAI Fellowship, his top business challenge is finance.

Onicak Hinds works in the education sector at Step-by-Step Foundation, leading as a senior tutor to provide intervention services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During the host placement, Hinds hopes to learn how to further establish and expand the Step by Step Foundation, as well as increase the business’ impact in society. Coming into the YLAI Fellowship, her top business challenge is finance.

Pearlita Richardson is an experienced creative designer who works in the Artisan Products sector, leading La Vie Guyana and carving a niche for ready-made clothing in the Guyanese fashion industry. During the host placement, Richardson hopes to learn how to employ the right principles in the company and brand, hire the right people, and create the right products and environment to have a lasting, positive impact on the lives of women, whether they are employees, customers, or beneficiaries of the community. Coming into the YLAI Fellowship, her top business challenge is finance.

Shondell Rodrigues works in the agricultural and animal care sector, leading Alana’s Fresh Organic Produce. Shondell is a kitchen garden and small-scale vegetable farmer with six years of experience.

During the host placement, Rodrigues hopes to learn about strengthening business and leadership from successful entrepreneurs to improve business ideas and contribute to her community’s economic development. Coming into the YLAI Fellowship, Shondell’s top business challenge is marketing and sales.