Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative
JUNE 9–11, 2026
Belize City, Belize
As a YLAI alumna, Maddie continues to build on the connections, ideas and opportunities created through the program. The 2026 Regional Alumni Event brought her together with entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the Americas for continued learning, collaboration and growth.
YLAI Regional Alumni Event · Belize City · 2026
A community built around growth and connection
As a YLAI alumna, Maddie remains connected to a wider community of entrepreneurs and business leaders whose experiences extend across countries, industries and borders. In June 2026, that community came together in Belize City for the YLAI Regional Alumni Event.
The gathering brought together 32 YLAI alumni and two U.S. business partners to recognize a decade of YLAI's impact, strengthen regional connections and continue building relationships that can create new possibilities for entrepreneurs throughout the Caribbean and the Americas.
32 YLAI ALUMNI · 2 U.S. BUSINESS PARTNERS · BELIZE CITY
Ideas begin around the table
For Maddie, being part of the YLAI alumni community means continuing to learn from entrepreneurs whose businesses, markets and experiences may look very different from her own. During the Regional Alumni Event, those differences became opportunities for conversation — a chance to compare experiences, ask questions and consider new ways of approaching growth.
Maddie and fellow alumni shared their experiences of building cross-border relationships and explored the role that stronger U.S.–Caribbean partnerships can play in creating economic opportunity. They also heard directly from U.S. business partners about developing relationships that last beyond an introduction or a single event.
YLAI Regional Alumni Event · Knowledge Exchange · Belize 2026
Bringing the experience home
Maddie came away from the YLAI Regional Alumni Event with expanded networks, innovative ideas and practical tools and skills that can continue to inform her journey as an entrepreneur and the growth of MB Cosmetics BZ.
The value of an alumni community is not limited to the days spent together. It continues through the relationships built, the perspectives exchanged and the opportunities that can emerge when entrepreneurs remain connected across borders.
For Maddie, YLAI is part of a continuing story of learning, connection and possibility — experiences that return with her to Belize and become part of what comes next for MB Cosmetics BZ.
