Jeremiah Thoronka, a participant in the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship class at the University of Nevada, Reno, has been spotlighted on the “Africa’s 30 Under 30 List” created by Forbes Africa to recognize business innovators and tech trailblazers shaping the continent’s future.
The highly competitive Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The College of Business and Northern Nevada International Center partnered to host the 2023 program at the University, marking its ninth year on campus.
Thoronka was selected from more than 1,000 nominees for the recognition by Forbes Africa.
An entrepreneur in his native Sierra Leone in western Africa, Thoronka has developed Optim Energy, which uses the kinetic energy from the vibration of traffic and pedestrians to generate power for homes and schools. He described his time at the University last summer as “exceptionally transformative."
During his five-week stay in Reno with the Mandela Washington Fellowship class, Thoronka was part of a hackathon team that brainstormed technological tools to provide health care for pregnant women and mothers of newborns in hard-to-reach corners of the world.
“Challenges like this allowed me to put my newfound leadership and problem-solving skills to the test,” Thoronka said. “The enabling environment of the campus facilitated our collective navigation of cultural shifts, tackling challenges and honing our leadership and problem-solving skills.”
He also learned from non-academic activities that ranged from attendance at a Reno Aces baseball game to a visit to Lake Tahoe and a tour of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
"Reno itself, with its vibrant community and dedication to service, quickly became a home to me,” Thoronka said. “The city's sustainability initiatives and the spirit of its people left a lasting impression.”
"The Mandela Washington Fellowship program makes lasting impressions on the University and community as well," said Jeremy Tiedt, academic director of the program and assistant dean of Undergraduate Student Success in the College of Business.
“People across the campus and local community gain transformative experiences through their interactions with Fellows,” Tiedt said. “Local families who host dinners often connect with individuals from countries they know little about, allowing Fellows to share their culture with new acquaintances. This mutual exchange leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved."
Tiedt noted that competition is exceptionally strong for positions in the Mandela Washington Fellowship program. Nationwide, only 750 positions are available in the 27 cohorts. Last year’s cohort at the University included 25 Fellows.
Even among those high performers, Thoronka stood out.
“His remarkable personality, passion for climate change and sustainability, and infectious enthusiasm
set him apart,” Tiedt said. “His positivity and leadership were key in creating a productive, enjoyable atmosphere. This most recent recognition by Forbes Africa is particularly well-deserved."
