Three distinguished young entrepreneurs from Antigua and Barbuda have been selected to join the 2026 cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program, as officially announced by the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The selected representatives include Raena Bird of Chattabox Co., Joshuanette Francis of Good Humans 268 Inc., and Canice James of Cyber Hawk Solutions.
This competitive program assembles over 250 emerging leaders from across the Western Hemisphere, creating transformative opportunities through professional placements with U.S. host organizations and businesses. The fellowship is strategically designed to enhance entrepreneurial capabilities, cultivate advanced leadership competencies, and amplify community impact through practical experience and mentorship.
According to the U.S. Embassy, the YLAI Fellowship provides participants with critical tools, expansive professional networks, and hands-on experience necessary to drive meaningful socioeconomic change in their home communities. A core objective of the initiative is to establish enduring people-to-people connections and sustainable business relationships throughout the Americas.
The inclusion of Antigua and Barbuda in this year’s cohort positions the nation’s representatives within a diverse regional network focused on innovation, social impact, and economic development. This selection recognizes the growing entrepreneurial talent within the Caribbean nation and provides a platform for cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange that extends beyond the program’s duration.