Zain Patel (left), a student assistant with Global Affairs, spent his summer with 25 Mandela Washington Fellows, including Sévérin Ekpe (Benin, 2023) (right), as they participated in a six-week fellowship at UC Davis. (TJ Ushing/UC Davis)
Student Assistant Zain Patel Shares His Experience Working with the 2023-2024 Mandela Washington Fellows
by Zain Patel, student assistant
Global Affairs Student Assistant Zain Patel spent his summer with the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellows as they explored, shared ideas and connected with the UC Davis, Davis and Sacramento communities. Below, he discusses his experience working with and getting to know the Fellows and explains how they inspired him through their passion for change and exemplary leadership, as we highlight some of the activities the cohort participated in during their fellowship this summer.
The 2023-2024 Mandela Washington Fellows gathered outside the International Center for their Welcome Event at UC Davis. This cohort of 25 young professionals from Sub-Saharan Africa were part of the six-week fellowship from June to July. (TJ Ushing/UC Davis)
"My experience working with the Mandela Washington Fellows was an enriching and transformative journey that left a profound impact on both my personal and professional growth."
Jabura Muwonge (Uganda, 2023) (middle) and Angellah Kiiza Kyomugisha (Uganda, 2023) (right) connected with the Davis community during a special welcome event to introduce the cohort to campus. Fellows were made honorary citizens of Davis and extended a lifetime membership to the International House-Davis. (TJ Ushing/UC Davis)
"As a member of the team responsible for organizing and supporting their fellowship program, I had the privilege of witnessing the incredible potential and passion of these young African leaders. Working with the Mandela Washington Fellows provided me with a unique opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds across Africa."
After taking a tour of the California State Capitol, the Fellows participated in a networking lunch with Senator Steven Bradford where Tala Kasapila is seen shaking hands with him (Zain Patel/UC Davis).
"Each Fellow brought their distinct experiences, perspectives, and ideas, contributing to a rich tapestry of knowledge and understanding. Through meaningful interactions and discussions, I learned about the challenges and opportunities faced by their respective communities."
The Fellows gather around the UC Davis welcome sign for their tour of the campus (Zain Patel/UC Davis).
"Learning from the cohort fostered a profound sense of empathy and opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of global issues. The Fellows' stories and aspirations transcended borders, highlighting the universal desire for positive change and social impact."
The Fellows spend a fun day visiting the Tahoe Environmental Research Center along with enjoying time together by the lake (Jennie Konsella-Norene/UC Davis).
"Interacting with the Mandela Washington Fellows offered a firsthand glimpse into their exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering determination."
The Fellows paid a visit to California ISO to meet with the president and CEO, Elliot Mainzer (middle), who oversees one of the largest and most modern power grids in the world. (Photo courtesy of Mary McDonald)
"These young leaders have demonstrated remarkable resilience and tenacity. Listening to their stories of transformative change in their communities motivated me to be more proactive and steadfast in my own pursuits."
The cohort gathered outside the Tesla Fremont Factory after taking a tour of the renowned automotive company. (Photo courtesy of Fillemon Aupokolo)
"My experience working with the Mandela Washington Fellows was an extraordinary journey that deepened my understanding of global issues, leadership, and the transformative potential of cross-cultural collaboration. Witnessing the Fellows' passion, resilience, and dedication to making a difference in their communities left an indelible mark on my heart."
Belinda Mligo (Tanzinia, 2023) (left) shakes hands with UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May (right) at a networking reception held at the Chancellor's residence. During the event, Chancellor May celebrated the cohort's achievements during their fellowship, and Faith Mdhluli (South Africa, 2023) delivered a passionate speech about equality in African countries. (Zain Patel/UC Davis)
"The conversations I had with the Fellows, both professional and personal, have inspired me to continue advocating for positive change and to be a catalyst for creating a more constructive and compassionate world.
The cohort of Fellows took a trip to Sacramento where they met with the Secretary of State, Shirley Weber, for an interactive discussion. In addition, they met with Division Chiefs to further their professional leadership skills (Zain Patel/UC Davis).
"As I carry the lessons learned from this journey forward, I am committed to being an advocate for social impact and to fostering meaningful connections across borders. Thanks to this program, I know without a doubt I will not be alone in pursuit of this endeavor."
The cohort paid a visit to the Leland Stanford Mansion in Sacramento, where they attended a presentation from the California Energy Commission. The California Energy Commission is the primary energy policy and planning agency for the state. (Zain Patel/UC Davis)
"Although I’m sad to see them leave, I am comforted by the fact that I now have friends all over the African continent, and I cannot wait to see what these exceptional leaders accomplish in their communities and countries."
As they completed their six-week program, the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellows attended a farewell event where the Fellows received awards for their accomplishments and celebrated the end of their time at UC Davis. The event took place at International House-Davis, across the street from the main Davis campus. (Zain Patel/UC Davis)
