Leadership Impact Award

The Leadership Impact Award annually recognizes the individual achievements of one outstanding member of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network.  Ideal candidates for the Leadership Impact Award are Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni who have freely and consistently committed their time and expertise to the needs of others—whether inside or outside of work—by promoting inclusion, innovation, and access in their personal and professional communities.

Institute Partners, Reciprocal Exchange Awardees, U.S. Embassies and Consulates, and Professional Development Experience Host Organizations may nominate Fellowship Alumni for the Leadership Impact Award.  Fellowship Alumni who are nominated for the Leadership Impact Award are invited to submit an online application.  Nominees are evaluated on the impact of their work, their service as ambassadors for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the quality of their advice to current Mandela Washington Fellows, and their professionalism and English proficiency.

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. Relevant expenses are covered by the Fellowship as appropriate.

Leadership Impact Award Winners

2023
Jamila Mayanja, 2015 Fellowship Alumna, Uganda
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Candid photo of a woman with long locs sitting in a chair on a stage, smiling

2022
Marie Christina Kolo, 2017 Fellowship Alumna, Madagascar
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2021
Ian Tarimo, 2019 Fellowship Alumnus, Tanzania
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Man in a white shirt smiles for the camera outdoors

2020
Ibrahima Kalil Gueye, 2018 Fellowship Alumnus, Guinea
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Black woman speaks at a podium. She is wearing an orange and teal patterned dress.

2019
Adepeju Jaiyeoba, 2014 Fellowship Alumna, Nigeria
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