Welcome to Week Two of the International Leadership and Business Program!

On Sunday, we welcomed a new cohort of interns from across the country to Georgetown University’s campus for another week of learning, collaboration, and personal growth. As they stepped into this experience, interns began a journey filled with opportunity, transformation, and the start of lifelong connections.

Throughout the week, interns will work alongside businesses from Bauchi State, Nigeria, and gain insights from distinguished leaders across the U.S. and Nigeria. Guided by mentors, interns will support Nigerian business partners through strategic collaboration and innovative problem-solving.

Once everyone arrived and settled into their dorms, the program kicked off with a powerful keynote from Marshall Bailly, Executive Director of Leadership Initiatives, who outlined the essential expectations and core values that guide intern success. 

Interns also had the privilege of hearing from Sarah Stiles, whose keynote address on “Empowering Tomorrow’s Young Leaders Today” offered a meaningful response. Professor Stiles emphasized the importance of civic engagement, global awareness, and empathetic leadership, inspiring interns to recognize their ability to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

Interns were then introduced to Zac Clark, Director of the International Leadership and Business Program, as well as the Assistant Directors Annie Jin and Eli Seiden. During these introductions, teams met their assigned team leads and team members, setting the foundation for a meaningful week ahead. Interns also had the opportunity to hear from Umar Muhammad, Leadership Initiatives’ Nigeria Country Director, who provided a global perspective on the challenges facing small businesses in Nigeria and the importance of development work around the world.

To close out an energizing first day, interns boarded buses to the National Mall, where they visited the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. The excursion encouraged thoughtful reflection on leadership and legacy, while also giving interns a chance to bond with their teams before their first meeting with project coordinators and business partners tomorrow.

After a full day of travel, team-building, and inspiration, day one of Week Two wrapped with enthusiasm and high expectations, laying the foundation for an exciting week ahead.