A Week of Leadership Begins at the International Leadership and Business Program!

The 2026 International Leadership and Business Program officially kicked off the new week on Sunday as interns from across the world arrived at Georgetown University, eager to begin a week of leadership and collaboration. Throughout the week, interns will work with businesses in Bauchi State, Nigeria, alongside experienced mentors and professionals, developing solutions that create meaningful impact for entrepreneurs and their communities.

After checking into their dorms, interns gathered for the program's official welcome. Marshall Bailly, Leadership Initiatives' Executive Director, opened the week with a keynote address, sharing the vision for the program and encouraging interns to make the most of every opportunity throughout the week.

Following the keynote, interns met Eli Seiden and Zac Clark, Directors of the International Leadership and Business Internship Program, Assistant Directors Annie Jin and Anisha Buxi, and Junior Assistant Director Danielle Saborio. During orientation, participants were introduced to their consulting teams and the Nigerian business partners they will be supporting throughout the program. Umar Muhammad, Leadership Initiatives' Nigeria Country Director, also spoke with the interns, providing valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs in Nigeria and the importance of developing practical, sustainable business solutions.

To end the evening, interns headed out for Exploration with their teams all across Georgetown. As they explored the neighborhood surrounding campus, they had the chance to get to know one another, discover local shops and restaurants, and become familiar with the area before the busy week ahead.

With the first day complete, interns have already begun forming new friendships, meeting the leaders who will guide them throughout the program, and taking the first steps toward making a meaningful impact. The week is officially underway, and there is plenty more to come.