About the YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship

As YALI’s flagship leadership program, the Mandela Washington Fellowship supports professionals ages 25–35 who are addressing critical challenges in economic growth, democratic governance, and peace and security across Africa. Since 2016, Drake has served as an Institute Partner, hosting the Leadership in Business Institute and connecting Fellows with faculty, staff, and community partners through workshops, projects, and local engagement in Greater Des Moines. Drake's partnership reflects the University's commitment to global engagement, intercultural exchange, and experiential learning.

Fellows also participate in a national summit alongside peers and leaders from across the U.S., with opportunities for additional professional experiences through placements with organizations nationwide.

Why YALI Matters

The Mandela Washington Fellowship and YALI embody a powerful commitment to cross-cultural leadership development, global collaboration, and community impact. Participation offers Fellows opportunities to refine their leadership skills, build international networks, and return home with strategies and experiences that contribute to lasting change in their communities.

Our Team

The 2025 Drake Institute team builds on administrative and faculty talent engaged in previous Institutes to support successful implementation of all program activities, and to engage meaningfully with the Fellows throughout their experience.

Additional support from across campus:

All seven academic colleges and schools across Drake’s campus are engaged with the Fellows in some capacity during the program – typically by providing faculty to lead relevant academic sessions or to serve as mentors.

Non-academic units, including Sponsored Programs Administration and Research Compliance (SPARC), Community Engaged Learning, and the Harkin Institute, also support the Drake Institute.

Senior leadership, including President Martin, Vice President John Smith, and Provost Sue Mattison, are strong supporters of the Drake Institute and meet with the Fellows during the program.