alumni

Ahmed Adetola-Kazeem on the Greatest Strengths of the Mandela Washington Fellowship

Written By Abigail Cox & Drew Precious

June 17, 2023

In 2017, Ahmed Adetola-Kazeem arrived at the Presidential Precinct as a Mandela Washington Fellow from Nigeria. Today, he continues doing the critical work in law and prisoners’ rights that he was already engaged in; running a full-service law firm and providing legal services and advocacy to incarcerated people through the Prisoners’ Rights Advocacy Initiative (PRAI) that he founded. When Ahmed isn’t working in law, he spends his time coaching underprivileged children in the taekwondo club he started and building on the connections made through his Fellowship experience. Ahmed recently completed his term as President of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN).

Nigeria boasts the largest number of Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni – currently uniting more than 500 MWFAAN members from seven Fellowship classes. Ahmed’s work with the association included overseeing the administration and operations of the organization, engineering new programs for members, and expanding the reach of the association. In this role, he focused on improving the association in a few specific ways. Foremost, he worked with alumni to strengthen existing programs before launching new ones, prioritizing programs with broad impact.

Ahmed has been particularly committed to uniting divided groups through the Association’s work – focusing on what can be done together instead of what separates people. His work with MWFAAN has been defined by a firm belief in the importance of the networks built through the Mandela Washington Fellowship experience – “the networks created amongst fellows across Africa and most importantly within the country”. Ahmed considers both of these networks alike as “the greatest gains from the Fellowship.”

Three people, looking at one another and smiling, in an outdoor parking lot — Ahmed with Fellowship Alumnus Emery Mudinga and a Williamsburg, VA police officer

As Mandela Washington Fellows depart their home countries each summer, the MWFAAN and other alumni associations across the African continent played an important role in preparing Fellows for their Fellowship experience. Ahmed recently shared with us a few pieces of advice that he believes will serve Mandela Washington Fellows well during their time in the U.S.

Ahmed, seated in a large outdoor crowd, wearing sunglasses and showing a peace sign with his right hand. — Ahmed attending July 4th festivities at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.

1. Consider everyone you meet a future collaborator, and invest in genuine connections.

Really, everyone! Ahmed believes that having a willingness to listen in all Fellowship environments makes future partnerships possible. This may mean applying for a Reciprocal Exchange with an Institute presenter, sharing resources with a community-based NGO, or bridging networks with other Fellows. And often times, Fellows must take time outside of scheduled programming to invest in these potential partnerships. With such a packed schedule, it might be easy to go on auto-pilot, but extra emphasis on this point can have a career-long payoff! It is amazing how far a casual conversation or introductory email can go.

“You will be the same person in five years save for the books you read and the people you meet.”

Ahmed, seated and smiling in a classroom with other fellows in the background. — Ahmed in academic session at James Madison’s Montpelier

2. Cultivate lasting relationships with other Fellows

Rarely can anyone sit in a room with representatives of 18+ different countries. While every Fellow’s work and experience may not be relatable, they do represent a strong pillar of your future network to cultivate and learn from.

Foremost among the Alumni Association’s projects is the Cross Cohort Collaboration Project. In our latest conversation, Ahmed named several Presidential Precinct Fellows who attended the Precinct’s Institute in different cohort years from his. While 25 Fellows have a shared experience through each Fellowship Institute, projects like this allow for shared experiences between many more.

“It feels good saying you have an international connection. But as much as you pay attention to connecting with your Institute, also pay attention to connecting with your other Fellows.”

Two rows of people, smiling for the camera, some holding certificates. — An awards ceremony for the MWFAAN’s recent mentorship program

3. Each Fellow experience will be unique – focus on making the best of your own!

While there can be a temptation to compare your own experience with that of the others in your cohort and at other Institutes, it is better to focus on your own story and network and avoid worrying about who has the best opportunities or makes the most connections. Putting energy into building the networks that will allow you and your colleagues to succeed in your work can also help you grow as a person and as a leader.

“Have an open mind. Don’t be selfish. Fellowship hosts are not the only ones doing the inspiring. The more you give, the more you take.”

Ahmed believes deeply in the value of the Mandela Washington Fellowship. He also insists that the Presidential Precinct offers a unique opportunity for Fellows through its inclusion of multiple sites and institutions. The historic sites (Precinct partners James Monroe’s Highland and James Madison’s Montpelier) had a particularly strong impact on Ahmed. He also believes the Precinct’s communication style is a true asset to Fellows, sharing the MWFAAN’s commitment to continued engagement with Fellowship Alumni far beyond their time in the U.S.

Thank you, Ahmed, for your continued investment in this Mandela Washington Fellowship community – working to support current Fellows and alumni alike. Because of leaders like you, these networks remain stronger than ever.