While we facilitate approximately 40 exchange programs a year, we have always had a soft spot in our heart for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI). That is why we always jump at the opportunity to host these amazing entrepreneurs from across the Americas, and this year is no different.
In mid-May, we welcomed a dozen amazing fellows from across the western hemisphere (Mexico (2), El Salvador, Venezuela (2), Dominican Republic (2), Costa Rica, Peru, Paraguay, Panama, and Brazil) who are spending 32 hours a week with businesses and organizations in their industry from across the city. On Fridays, they engage with Global Ties KC to participate in cultural and entrepreneurship activities.
Since its launch in 2015, the U.S. Department of State’s YLAI Fellowship Program has empowered emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere to enable the full economic potential of the region’s citizens. More than 1,200 YLAI Fellows from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada have expanded their leadership and entrepreneurial experience through collaborations with U.S.-based organizations.
The 2023 Kansas City YLAI fellows come from a variety of backgrounds and are running a variety of organizations in their home countries, including anti-violence, youth empowerment, and anti-corruption NGO’s, conservation, education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion organizations, and technology, event venue, and legal services companies.
We are so appreciative of everyone in the community that has made Kansas City such a welcoming place for these fellows!
Many thanks to the twelve Kansas City businesses and organizations who are hosting these amazing individuals:
- Wyandotte County Prosecutors Office
- Urban Hikes KC
- Unbound
- Broadmoor Bistro
- SnapIT Solutions
- Teach For America Kansas City
- Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri
- Re.Use.Full
- Bridging the Gap
- Heartland Conservation Alliance
- We Code KC
- Hispanic Development Economic Corporation
If you are interested in hosting a fellow in the future, please reach out to Justin at jkeehler@globaltieskc.org.