K-State welcomes 2023 Mandela Washington Fellows to Manhattan

The 2023 class of Mandela Washington Fellows arrived in Manhattan this week. An opening ceremony was held Friday at the Staley School of Leadership.

The 25 leaders from sub-Saharan Africa will take part in a 6-week program under K-State’s Institute in Civic Engagement.

Program Academic Coordinator Jess Ramirez says the program is an opportunity to collaborate, network and find creative solutions.

Associate Director Trish Gott says the program teaches the fellows to build relationships within the cohort to work on solving issues unique to their countries.

Dean of the Staley School of Leadership Mary Tolar has been with the K-State program since the beginning. She says one of the most exciting parts of the program is never knowing what to expect and what will come from the connections built.

Among the more than two dozen fellows is Farah Isse, who says he’s looking forward to building connections and bringing the knowledge back to his community in Somalia.

Isse is a veterinarian back in his community and helps the local people look after their livestock. He says hopes to take his new knowledge back to Somalia and better educate livestock owners.

Program Academic Director Chance Lee says this year’s goal is to provide enough support for the fellows to connect with each other and the people of Manhattan.

Lee encourages the community to come out and interact with the fellows during their time in Manhattan, which continues through the end of July.

A networking event is planned Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Staley School of Leadership. A graduation ceremony will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. July 27 also at the Leadership building.

The Mandela Washington Fellows will continue to host events within the community throughout the program. For more information visit the K-State Staley School of Leadership website.