After a long weekend of birthday joy, reflection, and rest, I’m back — and back with purpose.
On today’s episode of That Second Gen Life, I’m taking a moment to celebrate and honor a milestone that means so much to our diaspora community: the 10th anniversary of the African Diaspora Network and its flagship event, the African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS).
Tune in where I break down:
The four key ingredients that make ADN a successful diaspora-led organization
What visionary leadership actually requires — and how ADN built a real institution, not just an event
Why retaining volunteers, building partnerships, and staying open to risk are vital for diaspora nonprofits
The reason ADN’s inclusive, Pan-African approach is a blueprint for other diaspora spaces, and
Why every one of us should stop and honor what it takes to build something that truly lasts.
ADIS is truly a transformative experience and space. A living example of what it means to create the spaces we wish existed, and to build institutions that actually last.
I’ve had the honor of knowing Almaz Negash, ADN’s founder, for over 15 years. As Eritrean women working on African diaspora initiatives when few others were, we understood early on what it meant to lead from the margins and still dream boldly.
Since 2010, Almaz has stayed focused on one powerful mission: connecting African diasporas across the globe to invest their time, talent, and treasure in Africa’s future — with tech, entrepreneurship, finance, and innovation at the core.
ADN started locally in Silicon Valley. But it didn’t stay there. It grew because Almaz had a vision, and she followed it. With consistency. With clarity. And with community.
Whether you’re a founder, supporter, or someone just exploring diaspora work, I want you to know: you don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to do it all from scratch.
Sometimes, supporting existing spaces like ADN is the work. Because when one of us builds something that works, we all benefit — and we make room for the next idea, the next leader, the next generation.
🎧 Listen to this week’s episode to hear my reflections and a special clip from Almaz herself, where she reminds us that there’s no expiration date on your vision.
And if you’re in DC this week — I’ll be speaking at ADIS25 on Thursday alongside leaders from Ashoka, the Gates Foundation, and more, diving into diaspora policy and engagement. Come say hi.
With admiration, joy, and intention,
Semhar
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