News

This summer, Lehigh University’s Iacocca Institute is hosting 25 of Africa’s brightest emerging business leaders as part of the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

Over the next several weeks, we will spotlight several of these talented young innovators and entrepreneurs, showcasing the impactful work they are doing in their home communities, as well as their experiences during the six-week program at Lehigh.

Among these young leaders is Chan Mendy, co-founder, principal, and trainer at Ida’s Ideas Fashion Design Training Institute, the first international fashion design school in The Gambia in West Africa.

Can you describe your current professional role and share what inspired you to pursue this career path?

I wear many hats at Ida’s Ideas Fashion Design Training Institute. I’m responsible for everything from curriculum development and operations to management and national accreditation. I also run my own clothing line, CM by Ida’s Ideas, and I also design for clients. Alongside this, I conduct volunteer training and institution assessments in fashion, collaborating with the Gambia’s National Accreditation for Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA).

I also mentor aspiring fashion designers both within my institution and through various networks, and serve as the PR and Secretary for the Association of Fashion Designers of the Gambia. I hold an Higher National Diploma (HND) in Fashion and Textile from William’s College in London My commitment lies in enhancing the capacity and quality of the fashion design sector while promoting Gambian-made products and skill development.

My inspiration to become a fashion designer comes from my mother, who has been a fashion designer for over 35 years. She is the CEO of Ida’s Ideas Fashion LTD and has trained many successful designers in The Gambia, including myself. Her dedication to building a reputable fashion brand in The Gambia is a legacy I am determined to carry forward. My goal is to elevate our family business to new heights while sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation of fashion designers.

How has your experience at Lehigh and the Iacocca Institute been? Are there any particular moments or experiences that have stood out to you?

Coming to Lehigh University has been one of the best experiences in my life. I thought it was going to be difficult having to build relationships with 24 strangers in one house, but it turned out to be very interesting and fun. I really enjoyed getting to know each one personally and learning so much from each fellow.

Understanding our cultural differences and diverse backgrounds has been a big eye opener, and we’ve learned so many lessons every day. That is the best part about being here. The Iacocca Institute staff has also taught us a lot and are very welcoming, and our guide Diana Namases is the best and has made the whole experience 10 times better.

How do you plan to apply the knowledge and skills you've gained here to your work back home?

I have developed a lot of ideas that I will take back, along with a broader mindset on a lot of things regarding leadership in business. I definitely believe that by the time I leave here, I will be a new person with a lot of knowledge and experience, especially in dealing with people and interpersonal relationships