Popular Sierra Leonean female farmer, Rugiatu Kanu who is popularly known as Slay Farmer has completed her participation in the 2023 Mandella Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.

After the completion of her fellowship, she was awarded a special certificate by the Clark Atlanta University upon recommendation by the School of Business Administration.

She was also awarded a Prestigious Certificate by the Government of the United States of America, upon the successful completion of the Mandella Washington Fellowship for Young Africans.

Kanu join other 700 leaders from across Africa who were hosted in leadership institutes by 28 U.S. educational institutions in 20 states and the District of Columbia.

After receiving her certificate of Completion, she states, “I am profoundly grateful for the incredible and transformative journey with #MWF. This experience has ignited a fire within me, unearthing the depths of my true potential. Every moment has been a revelation, unveiling not only new facets of myself but also a profound understanding of the individuals around me and the vast resources at our disposal.
Empowered by this journey, I stand ready to conquer new horizons, embracing challenges with unwavering determination. The veil of limitations has been lifted, revealing a realm of endless possibilities and innovative solutions. With every step, I am propelled by a fervent desire to contribute to the growth of Africa and the world we envision.

As I embark on the next chapter of my life, my focus sharpens on accelerating my career in agriculture. This is not merely a profession, but a calling to nurture the very soil that sustains us. Moreover, my heart is dedicated to championing the cause of women farmers, empowering them to shine as beacons of change. With #MWF and YALI Regional Leadership Center West Africa as my foundation, I am armed with the strength to make a lasting impact and play my part in shaping the future we aspire to create.
I am still here in the US on my professional development experience program with #Globalstratos in Washington.”

The six-week Institutes, hosted by college and university campuses across the United States, supported the development of Fellows’ leadership skills through academic study, workshops, mentoring, networking with U.S. leaders, and collaboration with members of the local community.