Alumni Opportunities

Fellowship Alumni continue to build on the skills and connections developed during their program through access to ongoing professional development, networking, and collaboration opportunities with support from the U.S. Department of State and affiliated partners.  Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni form a vibrant network of African leaders with the skills and motivation to spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa. 

Alumni Activities 

Reciprocal Exchanges

The Reciprocal Exchange component of the Fellowship provides opportunities for American professionals to travel to Africa to continue collaborative work with Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni on the continent.  Through joint projects, Americans and Alumni form lasting partnerships, expand markets and networks, and increase mutual understanding between the United States and countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.  Learn more about Reciprocal Exchanges.

Leadership Impact Award   

The annual Leadership Impact Award celebrates the individual achievements of an outstanding member of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni network.  Selected based on their record of servant leadership and advocacy on behalf of the Fellowship, Leadership Impact Award recipients are invited to share a message of advice and inspiration with current Fellows and be featured in various Fellowship activities. Learn more about the Leadership Impact Award.

Catalyst Grant

Through a partnership with D-Prize, a non-profit organization that works to distribute and scale proven technologies to benefit people in extreme poverty, up to five Fellows will be selected to receive grants to fund new social ventures or initiatives. Alumni may apply annually through an open competition. Learn more about the Catalyst Grant.

Alumni Professional Development Experience (PDE)

Fellowship Alumni who have not previously participated in a PDE may apply for a six-week opportunity to further hone their professional skills and connect with U.S. professionals working in their industries through a flexible, accessible, and robust virtual placement. Alumni PDEs are open to all Alumni in good standing. Learn more about PDEs.

Virtual Programming

The Fellowship leverages stakeholder expertise to deliver a suite of virtual programming for Fellowship Alumni to support their leadership development and strengthen their access to networks and resources.  Learn more about Virtual Programming.

Stay in Touch with the Fellowship

Do you have exciting news to share? Contact the Fellowship Alumni Team at MWFAlumni@irex.org.

Questions?

Contact the Fellowship Alumni Team at MWFAlumni@irex.org.

Return to Fellowship Overview

Other Opportunities through the U.S. Department of State

U.S. Department of State seal: eagle with blue and red and white stripe shield with an olive branch in its left claw and arrows in the right. White stars on a blue background with scalloped edge are above the head of the eagle. Dark blue border says Department of State United States of America.

Connect with International Exchange Alumni

Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni are also part of a larger community of over 2 million ExchangeAlumni from around the world! Fellowship and Reciprocal Exchange Alumni will be invited to register for the ExchangeAlumni portal where they can:

  • Connect with a network of ExchangeAlumni representing all regions of the world
  • Access a variety of subscription-only newspapers, magazines, and scholarly journals online for free
  • Boost their entrepreneurial ventures using entrepreneurship guides and toolkits
  • Share news about their successes and accomplishments, and read about the achievements of other ExchangeAlumni

Connect with Your Local U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassies and Consulates across Sub-Saharan Africa want to hear about Fellowship Alumni’s experiences and contribute to their personal and professional development for years to come.  It is important to connect with the alumni coordinator at your U.S. Embassy/Consulate to learn more about resources and opportunities available to you as ExchangeAlumni! Some of these opportunities include:

  • Inquire about alumni associations (not in all countries) and the process for joining
  • Be considered for Post-funded opportunities and invited to alumni events

To learn more about opportunities with U.S. Embassies and Consulates, visit the website of your local U.S. mission at usembassy.gov.