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#13: Three Truths From the Eritrean Diaspora Innovators Summit

What happens when second-gen voices take center stage? These three truths changed how I see our power, our healing, and our future.

It’s been just over a week since we wrapped the Eritrean Diaspora Innovators Summit, and I’m still taking it all in.

To everyone who registered, showed up, asked questions, sent DMs, or even just thought about it—you reminded me why this space matters. So I took to the mic on the latest episode of That Second Gen Life to share three powerful takeaways that have stayed with me since the summit.

Let me say this: we created something special, and it’s only the beginning.

Here’s a quick look at what I shared in the episode:

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  • We need to see ourselves—and each other—more clearly. Second-gen Eritreans don’t often get the chance to connect with each other, learn from one another, and reflect on what it means to live a hyphenated life. This summit gave us that space. And it made me realize just how hungry we are for more of it.

  • We need safe, affirming spaces to speak honestly. One of the most beautiful surprises of the summit was how open, calm, and candid our conversations were. There was so much kindness and authenticity. We weren’t just talking—we were being seen.

  • We’re sitting on a well of untapped resources. You don’t have to start a nonprofit to support one. Whether you’re great at design, accounting, writing, organizing files, or just showing up—you have something to give. And when we activate what we have, we strengthen our entire community.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt in-between, who’s navigating the beautiful complexity of diaspora life, and who wants to show up more fully—with clarity, confidence, and community.

🎧 Listen now on That Second Gen Life or wherever you get your podcasts.

📬 Want the list of Eritrean diaspora organizations we featured at the summit? Sign up for the newsletter and I’ll send them right to your inbox: http://www.thediasporaacademy.com/signup.

🎥 Missed the summit? You can still register to watch the full replay, including bonus resources and highlights: Watch it here.

Let’s keep creating the spaces we wish existed—together.

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