The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program is a 5-week exchange program for entrepreneurs and civil society leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean. Sponsored by @ECAatState and administered by @MeridianIntl. The Stories in this publication represent the opinions of the author and not necessarily of the U.S. government, the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program, Meridian International Center, or its partners. As valued alumni, YLAI Professional Fellows have access to the International Exchange Alumni website with benefits like grants opportunities, free access to periodicals and research databases, and networking with other alumni across the globe. For more information please visit: www.alumni.state.gov