Mandela Washington Fellowship
海角社区 is proud to have been selected as an Institute Partner for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. During the summer semester of 2024, 海角社区 hosted 25 of Africa鈥檚 bright, emerging Civic Engagement leaders for a six-week Leadership Institute sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
During their six-week visit to 海角社区, the Mandela Washington Fellows established meaningful professional networks in Louisiana. Through both classroom discussions and hands-on projects, Fellows engaged with locals on the topics of community development, advocacy and social change, leadership, and collaboration. The goal of the six-week Institute was to provide mutual learning: 海角社区 supported the Fellows鈥� leadership development and learned from their valuable expertise, experience, and cultural context.
Meet the Fellows
The Mandela Washington Fellows who visited 海角社区's campus hail from twenty African countries. They are trailblazers in technology, art, and sustainability. They advocate for the rights of women, of people with disabilities, and of those struggling with their mental health. They care for people facing addiction, youth incarceration, and serious medical concerns. And they are shaping the future of agriculture, science education, and opportunities for youth. In the face of humanity鈥檚 most pressing needs, they take action 鈥� as leaders and problem-solvers. 海角社区 is deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to connect and collaborate with this remarkable group of Fellows.
Institute Planning Team
The Office of Global Engagement and 海角社区's Center for Community Engagement, Learning and Leadership (CCELL) led the programming for the Mandela Washington Fellows' visit and collaborated with many 海角社区 departments, colleges, and institutes; Southern University leaders and academic units; and a network of Baton Rouge community programs.
The 海角社区 faculty and staff members who directed the program are Dr. Sarah Becker, Academic Director; Laura Dean, Administrative Director; and Dr. Oliver Crocco, Leadership Director (pictured).
The is a program of the with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX. For more information about the Mandela Washington Fellowship, visit and join the conversation at #YALI2024.