2022 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program
Don’t wait for change. Create it.
This summer, the Vermont Council on World Affairs (VCWA) had the honor of once again welcoming international entrepreneurs to Vermont as part of the U.S. Department of State's Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI).
This Fellowship Program empowers emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere to enable the full economic potential of the region's citizens. Funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and implemented by IREX, YLAI promotes U.S. business models, increases trade, encourages job creation, and builds lasting and sustainable networks of young entrepreneurs, businesses, and social leaders across Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States.
While in Vermont, the VCWA connected fellows to leaders in businesses and organizations across Vermont to exchange knowledge, culture, and best practices. In addition to their month-long placements with their host organizations, fellows had the opportunity to attend numerous workshops and meetings with business experts, further expanding their professional development and networks. From Martin Wolf, the Director of Sustainability and Authenticity at Seventh Generation, to a meeting on intellectual property rights with lawyers from Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC, these opportunities contributed to the work these young leaders are doing to create positive change in their communities.
Following their time in Vermont, fellows traveled to Washington D.C. to spend three days attending workshops and connecting with YLAI fellows from other cities across the country to share what they learned, reflect on their unique experiences, and compete in the 2022 Pitch Competition. A special congratulations to Burlington’s fellow Khadija Karima Assales, who stood out among the 244 YLAI participants to win this year's YLAI business solution pitch competition!
Now, as Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Alumni, these entrepreneurs will bring what they have gained from this program back to their home communities and businesses to expand their impact and networks for positive change.
We are grateful for the host organizations and home hospitality volunteers who gave their time to support this important program and help fulfill VCWA's mission of bringing Vermont to the world and the world to Vermont.
Meet the 2022 YLAI Fellows
"This experience has changed my life and the way I will act from now on. I learned to act with purpose - the most important thing is to work with impact." - Priscila Catherine Aguilera (2022 Fellow with Big Heavy World)
"My host organization here in Burlington is Shelburne Farms. From them, and also from people in Vermont, I have learned to have a holistic view of the business in order to take into account the social impact of our decisions and activities. Now, I return to my home with Burlington in my heart and I will always remember all the people who selflessly helped me." - Luis Garita (2022 Fellow with Shelburne Farms)
