The California State Assembly convened on June 30, 2025, to celebrate the arrival of the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellows, a prestigious program aimed at empowering young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa. The meeting began with Assembly Member Wilson introducing the fellows, who were invited to stand and be recognized.

Established in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship initiative of the Young African Leaders Initiative. It focuses on providing young professionals, aged 25 to 35, with academic training, leadership development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This year, 24 fellows from 17 different countries in Sub-Saharan Africa will spend six weeks at the University of California, Davis, participating in the Leadership and Public Management Institute.

Assembly Member Wilson highlighted the significance of the program, noting its role in fostering economic growth, democratic governance, and peace across the continent. He introduced six of the fellows present in the chamber: January Sardina from Angola, Fahad Longman from Nigeria, Nazif Alas from Benin, Nadia Chambel from Mozambique, Mazabata Leizer from South Africa, and Eve Mimbowei from Zambia.

Following Wilson's remarks, the Majority Leader expressed pride in hosting the fellows and emphasized the program's impact over the past 11 years, which has seen nearly 7,200 young leaders participate. The Majority Leader also noted that UC Davis is the only California campus selected to host the fellowship, welcoming 226 fellows from 39 countries over the past nine years.

The assembly concluded with a warm welcome extended to the Mandela Fellows, underscoring the collaborative spirit of learning and leadership that the program embodies. The meeting highlighted California's commitment to international engagement and support for emerging leaders from around the world.