
The Moremi Initiative’s Leadership Development program identifies young African women with potential and passion for transformational leadership roles and prepares them through rigorous training to take such roles. Each year Moremi Initiative identifies a cadre of 25 extraordinary young African women between the ages of 19-25.Candidates are drawn from every region in Africa and the Diaspora through highly competitive processes and according to criteria that include demonstrated leadership potential, service to their community, and commitment to women's empowerment. As such, the resulting team of Fellows come with diverse social and professional backgrounds
Following selection, Fellows take part in a year-long training and mentoring program designed to build skills, strengthen networks, and give them knowledge of external supporting systems. Fellows then progress through three phases that include 1) identification and preparation through leadership development, networking, conferences, mentoring, and training, 2) promotion through media coverage and networking, and 3) support through career planning, management, and access to resources.
Fellows kick start the yearlong Fellowship with a three-week intensive residential institute in the summer, where they take classes and work on a development plan that identifies long-term career interests and community-based projects addressing critical issues. After the institute, Fellows’ transition into either mentoring, internships, or workplace exchange opportunities that help them build their skills and cultivate connections. These activities are substituted with long distance, mostly online courses that enable Fellows to participate while they remain full time students or workers. Upon completion of the program, Fellows transition into the MILEAD Fellows Network. Together they form a powerful and growing pan-African community of exceptional young leaders that can dramatically impact the future of the continent.
Objectives of the MILEAD Fellows Program
Program Benefits
We seek to increase the visibility of women and girls in African society, increase advocacy on women’s issues, and establish a strong international network to promote African women’s leadership. Benefits to selected candidates include: