
Ms Annette Anta Camara one of the Gambian participants to the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship express his happiness following the awards of her credentials.
The charismatic senior women journalist and president of the Women Journalist Association of the Gambia posted on her timeline that the journey has been nothing short of transformational.
“After six unforgettable weeks of learning, unlearning, stretching and strengthening, I am immensely proud to share that I have successfully completed the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders 2025 under the ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ
track at Wayne State University Detroit.
This journey has been nothing short of transformational. Itโs been six weeks of relentless growth academically intense, emotionally grounding, sometimes exhausting, always empowering. I showed up smart some days, barely holding it together on others but I showed up, and ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ญ.
This Fellowship has not only sharpened my leadership lens but helped me realign priorities, unlock deeper purpose, and build bridges with 24 exceptional African changemakers from 19 different countries. The lessons, partnerships, and bonds forged here will stay with me for life.
To the U.S. Department of State: Bureau of African Affairs thank you for investing in Africaโs emerging leaders. To IREX , your coordination and unwavering support shaped our success. To @Wayne State University , youโve given us a home filled with knowledge, warmth, and wisdom. And to the U.S. Embassy Banjul, The Gambia U.S, your belief in my potential brought me here thank you.”