Eight Jamaicans earn spots in 2026 YLAI Fellowship Programme

Eight young Jamaicans have been selected for the 2026 cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Programme, the United States Embassy in Kingston has announced.

The fellowship, a flagship exchange programme, promotes entrepreneurship and economic growth across the Western Hemisphere by equipping emerging leaders with the tools, networks, and mentorship needed to expand their businesses and strengthen their communities.

Since its launch, the YLAI Fellowship has helped thousands of young leaders from the Americas gain practical skills, develop professional connections, and bring innovative ideas back to their home countries.

This year’s programme, which runs from November 2025 to May 2026, will bring together approximately 250 emerging leaders from across the region. Jamaica’s eight fellows were selected from more than 1,200 applicants, reflecting a highly competitive process that recognises the most promising entrepreneurial talent.

“You are not just participants in a programme; you are joining a growing network of entrepreneurs across this hemisphere,” said Michael Lavallee, public affairs attaché at the US Embassy in Jamaica on Tuesday. “The relationships you build during this fellowship may lead to new partnerships, new markets, new investments, and new ideas that benefit communities here in Jamaica and across the Americas.”

Lavallee added that people-to-people connections drive innovation and economic growth.

“By connecting young leaders with mentors, resources, and peers throughout the hemisphere, the YLAI Fellowship creates opportunities that extend far beyond the programme itself,” he said.

DIVERSE REPRESENTATION

The Jamaican cohort represents a diverse range of sectors, highlighting the country’s growing entrepreneurial landscape. Participants work in areas such as entertainment, digital marketing, childcare, healthcare and wellness, fashion, film and media, energy, and agriculture. Their selection underscores not only their individual talent, but also the breadth of innovation emerging across Jamaica.

The selected fellows are Travis-John Bailey of Wengi Kofia Consultancy Ltd (entertainment); Kingsley Harrison of Target Technologies (digital marketing); Michka Harrison of Granny Nanny 24 Hour Childcare Service (education); Kimberley Johnson of Skyn by Dr Kym Ltd (healthcare and wellness); Ava Gay Lewis of Aveena Beauty Salon Limited (fashion); Claude-Michael Pringle of Jik Reuben (film and media); Damani Thomas of Carbon Neutral Initiative (energy); and Toni-Ann Williams of Mosa Estate (agriculture).

Through the fellowship, these young leaders will participate in tailored training, mentorship sessions, and professional exchanges designed to help them scale their ventures, expand their networks, and implement practical solutions in their communities. Alumni of the programme often return home with new ideas for business growth, stronger leadership skills, and access to regional partnerships that can foster local economic development.

The YLAI Fellowship Programme forms part of broader efforts by the US Department of State to foster innovation, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen ties among countries in the Americas. For Jamaica, the programme offers a platform for the next generation of entrepreneurs to showcase their talent, contribute to the country’s economic growth, and create opportunities that can have lasting impact across communities.

By joining the 2026 cohort, Jamaica’s fellows will not only gain exposure to regional best practices in business and leadership, but also serve as ambassadors of innovation and enterprise, bringing their experiences back to inspire others and contribute to sustainable development.

corey.robinson@gleanerjm.com