Young SKN Entrepreneurs Stand Out at US-Sponsored YLAI

Two dynamic young entrepreneurs from St. Kitts and Nevis, Shane Browne and Janeel Boone, are making their mark in the United States as part of the prestigious Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program, sponsored by the U. S. Department of State.

Alongside peers from the Caribbean and Latin America, Browne and Boone embarked on a transformative four-week experience from September 20th to October 23rd, aimed at sharpening their entrepreneurial skills and establishing networks to boost their ventures back home.

The YLAI programme empowers emerging leaders by providing them with valuable exposure and training at renowned U. S. businesses and civil society organisations, equipping them to drive economic and social change in their communities.

Speaking from Detroit, Michigan, Browne and Boone underscored their enthusiasm for bringing new strategies and insights back to St. Kitts and Nevis to contribute meaningfully to the island’s economic development.

Through hands-on fellowships across the U.S., the YLAI participants connect with experienced mentors, gain real-world business insights, and forge enduring partnerships. According to a YLAI spokesperson, “This initiative is designed to build strong networks that can facilitate investments and strengthen local economies across the Americas.”

Alongside Browne and Boone, thirteen other participants from countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines were a part of this year’s cohort. Each participant brought their unique entrepreneurial ambitions and experiences, making the programme a diverse melting pot of ideas and innovation.

YLAI continues to pave the way for young leaders like Browne and Boone to elevate their impact in St. Kitts and Nevis, where they are expected to leverage this international experience to foster growth and resilience in local businesses.

Photo: Shane Browne (left) and Janeel Boone.