Entrepreneur duo agrees to continue giveback initiative on a quarterly basis
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The US Embassy in Nassau recently highlighted two more young Bahamian entrepreneurs who are a part of the US Department of State’s prestigious Alumni Network: Shavonne Saunders, head of “We Life Foundation”, a local NGO; and Philip Poitier Jr, owner of the “Gourmet Lunchbox” organization.
They both participated in the 2020 Young Leaders of the Americas (YLAI) Virtual Fellowship Program earlier this year. The program took place virtually, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In April, Saunders and Poitier teamed up over the Easter holiday weekend to demonstrate the true spirit of the YLAI initiative to bring families together for a day of recreation at the Yellow Elder Park on New Providence.
The duo coordinated givebacks of grocery vouchers and provided hot meals and games for the kids in the community. In total, some 100 families were able to benefit from the donations and much-needed assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative also received the support of other local businesses, demonstrating the importance of volunteerism and community engagement.
Saunders noted that it was a team effort to make the day of events an overwhelming success.
“During my experience in the YLAI program, I was able to connect with Philip Poitier of Gourmet Lunchbox, who donated hot meals for the community giveback. Philip and I have agreed to continue this partnership long-term to continue assisting as many families as possible on a quarterly basis.”
Saunders and Poitier were selected to represent The Bahamas along with hundreds of other young entrepreneurs from throughout Latin America, Canada and the Caribbean. They were among the best and brightest emerging entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the Western Hemisphere who participated in an intensive three-month virtual entrepreneurial leadership development program.
To learn more about the Young Leaders of the Americas Fellowship Program, visit https://ylai.state.gov/fellowship.
