Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center Welcomes Mandela Washington Fellows
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center Welcomes Mandela Washington Fellows
Baton Rouge, LA — The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) was honored to host 25 exceptional Mandela Washington Fellows — a prestigious cohort of young African leaders recognized for their innovation, entrepreneurship, and dedication to advancing agriculture across the continent.
Chosen from a pool of over 50,000 applicants, the 700 fellows selected for this year’s Mandela Washington Fellowship represent the brightest minds from across Africa. SUAREC, in partnership with Dr. Sarah Becker of Louisiana State University (LSU), proudly welcomed a select group of 25 agricultural changemakers to its campus for an intimate tour and engagement session highlighting the Center’s impactful research, outreach, and community-based agricultural initiatives.
On June 25, 2025, the visit began in the third-floor auditorium of T.T. Allain Hall, where the fellows were introduced to SUAREC’s mission and its commitment to agricultural education, innovation, and equity. The fellows — representing a wide range of agricultural expertise, including aquaponics, urban farming, specialty crop production, and beginning farmer training — shared insights into the work they are leading in their home countries, demonstrating a shared vision of sustainable and inclusive agriculture.
During the visit, the fellows engaged in thoughtful dialogue with SUAREC’s distinguished faculty and staff, including:
- Stephanie M. Elwood, Horticulture Specialist
- Mila Berhane, Senior Research Farm Associate
- Dr. Harold Mellieon, Chair, Department of Agricultural Sciences, and Assistant Professor of Agricultural Science
These interactions provided a meaningful platform for cultural and professional exchange, allowing the fellows to explore potential collaborations and deepen their understanding of agricultural research and extension practices in the United States.
“The opportunity to host these inspiring fellows from across Africa is a profound honor,” said Stephanie Elwood. “Their passion for sustainable agriculture and community empowerment mirrors the mission of our work here at SUAREC. We look forward to building bridges that continue beyond this visit.”
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, a flagship program of the U.S. Department of State’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), has become a transformative experience for young professionals, offering academic and leadership training at institutions across the United States. This visit to SUAREC underscores the global reach and significance of the work being done at the Center.
As global agricultural challenges grow increasingly complex, collaborations like these are vital to cultivating a new generation of agricultural leaders committed to food security, environmental stewardship, and economic development on a global scale.
