Emerging Public Leaders (EPL), a GDI-incubated initiative, has named President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (the former Liberian head of state) as Co-Chair, positioning Emerging Public Leaders as an influential driver of youth leadership in Africa. Through a two-year, highly...
Emerging Public Leaders announces its first Ghana class
Emerging Public Leaders (EPL), a GDI initiative, announced its first class of fellows in Ghana. The class includes 21 of Ghana’s brightest young leaders, chosen through a competitive process of more than 400 applicants. As part of EPL, these new fellows will be placed...

Betsy Williams recognized by H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for work in Liberia
GDI is pleased to share that Elizabeth (Betsy) Williams received National Honors from H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf during Liberia’s Independence Day celebrations today. Betsy has worked closely with GDI for several years in her roles as the co-founder...
Emerging Public Leaders expands PYPP model beyond Liberia
The Emerging Public Leaders (EPL), incubated by GDI, seeks to build a pan-African network of 500 young leaders in public service by 2021. Drawing on the model proven successful with the President’s Young Professionals Program of Liberia, the team hopes to create...
From graduates to government: success of Liberia PYPP verified in Princeton evaluation
Princeton’s Innovation for Successful Societies verified the success of the Liberia President’s Young Professionals Program in a recent report from their independent evaluation of the program. The case study tells the story of a newly-democratic country...
Convergence CEO Joan Larrea in ImpactAlpha
What is blended finance? Convergence CEO Joan Larrea admits she didn’t always know, and many others don’t either. When I meet counterparts from development banks, philanthropic institutions, and the private sector, I find there’s still confusion about what...