Young leaders of the Americas visit KC

On Nov. 4, Global Ties KC held its Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Pitch Session, where fellows presented their projects to a panel that selected a winner.

Andres “Gamba” Rios took the crown with his project “Elige Tu Deporte,” which is a company that fights against the effects of a sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity and provides information about public and private facilities and sports initiatives in Costa Rica.

Andres was born in Colombia and he currently lives in San Jose, Costa Rica. He has degrees in Digital Animation and Sports Management and is the co-founder and COO of “Elige Tu Deporte.” He is also the sports manager of the Costa Rican Surf Federation, has been an active member of the Costa Rican Network of Physical Activity and Health (RECAFIS) since 2014, and has been working with the government on the project entitled "State of Sports and Recreation in Costa Rica".

The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) is a Presidential Initiative that is currently engaging over 250 young leaders from Latin America & the Caribbean in one month long mutually beneficial fellowships with organizations and businesses across America.

Among the participants were: Maria Alexandra Roper, Mi Maid Xpress, Panama; Jennel Fraser, College Mania Tv, Trinidad & Tobago; Gustavo Díaz, El Cantaro, Paraguay; Valery Moise, Diagnostik Group, Haiti; Josymar Rodríguez, Incursiones, Venezuela; Murillo Sabino, Projeto RUAS, Brazil; Monique Lemosis, Universe of Possibilities, Brazil; and Miguel Yi, Helud, Venezuela.

The fellowship hosts included: Syed Shabbir (Cerner), Katy Crow (City of Lenexa), Bethany Spilde (iRise Above), Luke Wade (KC Crew), Matt Ziegenhorn (Mind Drive), Tim McMahon (Restart), Peggy Hinzman (Summit Tech), and Angee Simmons and Carla McCabe (KC Public Television).

If you are interested in knowing more about this and other programs, contact Courtney Brooks, at Global Ties KC, at (816) 421-4242 or visit their website ww.globaltieskc.org