The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) empowers Latin American entrepreneurs to advance their business knowhow and build their venture (business or enterprise) through exposure to the Chicago entrepreneurial ecosystem. Entrepreneurs are placed in four-week fellowships at start-ups, small enterprises, small business groups, and NGOs, where they spend time job shadowing, work as part of a team on a project, join client meetings, and do industry-specific research.
Chicago host organizations have the opportunity to travel aboard to their fellow’s community to implement a joint-project for broader impact in the region.
Through my fellowship, I learned more about my industry and started partnerships with museums and stores with the aim of selling toys and games in Chicago, helping to educate and inspire positive images of Mexico on both sides of the border.
Sofia, Mexico, YLAI Pro Fellow 2017, CEO of Puercomonte
WorldChicago is proud to implement this program on behalf of Meridian International and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.
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