Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Alumna Patricia Nzolantima returned home after her exchange and started a micro finance program to help local entrepreneurs start medical supply stores. She provides microfinance assistance to women like Irene Mpoy who have gone on to open their own medical businesses. On May 3rd, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry visited Kinshasa to meet with YALI alumni and future participants. Accompanied by Patricia, he toured Irene’s store and commented on the leadership role that YALI alumni like her continue to play in their local communities.
The alumni website is currently undergoing changes, and we hope to back up soon. In the meantime, if you’re an exchange alumni, check out exchangealumni.state.gov to connect with fellow alumni, join groups and events, search for job opportunities, and more! And check out eca.state.gov to find out more about our exchange program opportunities.