Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative

Global Ties KC has facilitated the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) in Kansas City since its launch in 2015. The U.S. Department of State’s YLAI Fellowship Program empowers emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere to enable the full economic potential of its citizens. YLAI promotes U.S. business models, increases trade, encourages job creation, and builds lasting and sustainable networks of young entrepreneurs and business and social leaders across Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States.

Every year, Global Ties KC welcomes around 14 entrepreneurs on the YLAI program. The fellows live in Kansas City for a full month and are paired with businesses and organizations doing similar work. While at their organizations fellows are expected to work 32 hours a week on special projects, gaining a robust understanding of the organization's best practices and providing their own insights to the organization. Global Ties KC provides programming to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and gain valuable connections in the Kansas City community.