From Boarding the Plane to Becoming a Better Leader: My YYAS Journey | Dama Favour

When I entered that plane to Kenya, I wasn’t just carrying a big blue Valise filled with dresses and shoes. I was carrying dreams, questions, and a deep sense of curiosity. Although I knew Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) would have a very big impact on me, I must accept that nothing could have prepared me for how it would build my leadership, my voice, and my vision for impact.

From the moment I stepped into the tall gates of Brookehouse school for the program, the energy of possibility surrounded me like a shield. The days were intense and busy, each day packed with workshops, seminars, uni guidance, family time and leadership training that pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. We weren’t just learning — we were challenged to deeply think about the future of Africa, about the systems around us, and about our own responsibility as young leaders.

The Design for Impact sessions (D4I), where we needed to move from ideas, from concepts to practical solutions to solve urgent problems in Africa. At the beginning, it felt overwhelming and unrealistic. I wondered how we could, in just a few hours, propose something meaningful. But after it all, I learned that leadership is all about asking the right questions, paying close attention, listening kindly, and not being scared to try out different things. 

The seminar discussions were equally powerful. In one session, I found myself defending a point passionately, only to realize later that what mattered wasn’t “winning” an argument but opening myself to perspectives different from mine. YYAS taught me that true leadership is rooted in empathy — in seeing through another’s lens while holding firm to your values.

Outside of the classroom, the magic of YYAS was in the friendships. Our family time bond, Conversations at dinner tables, laughter during breaks, and late-night reflections reminded me that leadership isn’t a solo journey, as they often say, “go alone if you want to go fast and go with people if you want to go far”. Leadership is built on community, on voices that challenge and uplift you. By the end, my peers were no longer just fellow scholars — they became a family that I know will continue to inspire me across borders.

The cultural night was one of the best parts of the trip. Everyone wore beautiful and unique traditional clothes, and we shared music, stories, and dances from all over the continent. It wasn't just a celebration of diversity; it was a reminder that our shared humanity is beautiful. That night, I was very proud to be African and to be part of a generation that sees differences as a strength instead of something to make fun of. And there was a party afterwards. After days of hard work, it was nice to just dance, laugh, and celebrate everything we had learnt. It was more than just having fun; it was about joyfully ending a chapter, knowing well that the lessons will last for a very long time 

In retrospect, YYAS served as a mirror in addition to being an academic enrichment program. It reflected the leader I am growing into, strong, sympathetic, and dedicated to helping others. I discovered that no dream is too big if it has a purpose, that obstacles are chances for creativity, and that humility is just as important as confidence. I came back with something much bigger. I brought with me a community spanning the continent, a vision honed by education, and a revitalized faith that my story is still being written.

Leadership begins when you have the courage to dream. But then, it develops when you turn those dreams to reality and action. And that is exactly what I intend to do.

• Dama Favour | The Jumbam Family Foundation