University of Iowa (UI) International Programs (IP) was pleased to host the Mandela Washington Fellows for a reception in their honor on July 11. The U.S. Department of State fellowship, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, brings young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training.
Russ Ganim, associate provost and dean of IP, welcomed the group, emphasizing the importance of the work they are doing, and how IP was truly honored to host them.
“International Programs is always eager to partner with the Tippie College of Business in supporting the Mandela Washington Fellows program,” expressed Ganim. “The Fellows strengthen the University of Iowa’s partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa and allow the UI to learn about entrepreneurship and start-up culture in this part of the world. IP is proud to welcome the Fellows into our global community and considers them to be an important part of our international alumni network.”
This year’s cohort includes participants from the fields of business agriculture and eco-tourism to cosmetics and green business, among others.
Ondela Mlandu hails from Cape Town, South Africa, and is a corporate communications specialist. She is passionate about the media landscape, and leading social change for girls and women at the grassroots level.
Mlandu is also a leader in the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, where she provides support to 20 community-based hubs in Southern Africa which conduct projects, recruitment and governance to develop young people on the continent.
"One of my career goals is to leverage the power of storytelling and communications for organisations,” said Mlandu. “I want to enhance my business writing and communications strategy skills, so I can work alongside government and international organisations to design and implement laws, policies, programmes, and services that will enable the youth to expand their opportunities across the continent. Through the Story Lab sessions with UI Associate Professor Nick Westergaard, for example, I've learned that storytelling is a superpower for any business or entrepreneur.”
Samson Genya, a Tanzanian entrepreneur, co-founded Endlesstec in 2014 while a sophomore studying software engineering. The company builds custom mobile applications and web-systems for clients, providing subscription-based enterprise software, and consulting on emerging technologies. Around seven years ago when faced with a lack of skilled people, Genya started an internship program to develop talent.
"I get excited thinking about the impact that each of us will make in our communities and the ripple effect that will create for our countries."
“We opened our small office for training on computer and digital skills to whoever wanted to come - high school graduates, college dropouts, people who hadn't gone to school, computer science majors – anyone,” said Genya. “Because of how successful our program has been, including our graduates landing jobs with the likes of Google and Microsoft, we were asked to give a talk on it during Tanzania's Innovation Week 2022.”
Genya came to Iowa for guidance and coaching to further develop his project. Through the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Venture School, he learned about the importance of delivering customer-centric solutions and the crucial role of building partnerships to drive success.
The impact of the fellowship goes beyond the actual program, as many of Genya’s and Mlandu’s favorite moments have come from experiencing everyday Iowa.
“The most impactful part of my visit to Iowa is the culture of appreciation for someone's contribution to the community,” said Genya. “From buildings to walkways, to chairs at City Park, to rooms in buildings, Iowa embraces and celebrates its people, both those who are gone, and those who are alive. People come together to celebrate and take part in things together whether it be the Summer Jazz Festival, or 4th of July fireworks.”
“Much of our time has been about getting acquainted with local business owners, community members, and university staff and faculty,” said Mlandu. “I've been blessed to meet some incredible people in Iowa City, who have embraced us and made us feel like we are at home.”
“I get excited thinking about the impact that each of us will make in our communities and the ripple effect that will create for our countries,” said Mlandu. “The intention is to return home and serve - through the learnings from the University of Iowa and then as individuals, we will create and build opportunities for our communities.”
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.