A Six-Week Academic and Leadership Institute
From June 21 to July 28, Fellows engage with a diverse group of BSU faculty as well as other professionals and community members for the Mandela Washington Fellowship Leadership Institute in Public Management.
Each week begins with a discussion facilitated by the Institute’s Academic Directors, Dr. Jabbar Al-Obaidi (Communication Studies) and Dr. Mia Ortiz (Criminal Justice), featuring distinguished guests such as the leaders of the Lewis and Gaines Center for Inclusion and Equity at BSU and the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Dr. Wing-kai To (Global Engagement) supports Institute logistics and the common leadership curriculum.
Over six weeks, Fellows participate in leadership development sessions, community service, professional networking, cultural activities, and discussion fora about asynchronous lectures prepared by faculty and practitioners from BSU and other universities hosting the Institute. In addition to group activities, each Fellow works with a mentor from BSU to develop an original Focus Project, which develops an action plan to create meaningful change in their home countries. The Institute also culminates with each Fellow producing an Ignite Talk about their visions for positive transformation in their home country.
With the completion of the Institute, Fellows will acquire knowledge and experience in public management and leadership. They will receive certification from both the Department of State and Bridgewater State University.