Why I Created the Eritrean Diaspora Innovators Summit
And Why You Should Be There
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What does it mean to be second-generation Eritrean living in the diaspora?
If you're like me, you know it means pride, complexity, strength—and questions. How do you honor your heritage while navigating the expectations of the countries we now call home? How do we build community when our lives span languages, cultures, and time zones?Â
Hi, I’m Semhar Araia
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Founder and CEO of The Diaspora Academy, and I'm inviting you to join me in a bold and beautiful new space we’ve created: the Eritrean Diaspora Innovators Summit (EDIS).
This isn’t just another event. It’s a declaration. A celebration. A reflection. And most importantly, a homecoming for second-generation Eritrean diasporas, those of us raised abroad, speaking English at school and Tigrinia at home (sometimes), learning how to make injera with our moms on weekends and balancing sineserat with Slack messages at work.
What is EDIS?
EDIS is a two-day virtual summit happening May 9-10, 2025, created for second-generation Eritreans and anyone passionate about our stories, talents, and power. Whether you were born in the diaspora or came at a young age, this summit is for you.
We’re not just gathering to talk. We’re here to amplify, connect, and affirm what we’ve always known: we may be small in number, but we are mighty.
Why Am I Hosting EDIS?
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Because I was that Eritrean kid at demos, at Tigrinia school every Saturday, singing in Keyih Embaba, raised to advocate, hustle, and love deeply.
Because I lived in Eritrea, worked in international affairs, and came back to help others bridge that space between Adi and abroad.
Because I believe in our stories. I believe in you.
And because we don’t have to choose between being Eritrean and being from wherever we are now.
We are both *and* more.
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Why Now?
Because we need it.
Because so many of us are navigating careers, culture, language, and leadership without a blueprint.
Because second gens are doing incredible things—but don’t always get seen or supported.
Because it's time for us to create the spaces we wish existed.
And that’s what this is.
Four Powerful Themes. Endless Inspiration.
Over two days, we’ll dig into four essential areas:
Over two days, we’ll dig into four essential areas:
- Diaspora Leadership:Â What does it mean to be a changemaker, rooted in Eritrea and thriving abroad?
- Professional Development:Â Career paths that break the mold and amplify our talents, beyond traditional titles.
- Mental Health + Wellness: Let’s talk boundaries, balance, and how we care for ourselves while doing “the work.”
- Community Collaboration:Â Innovation in how we show up, organize, and build together, both online and IRL.
Our lineup of speakers includes trailblazers across industries, and every session is curated to speak directly to our hyphenated experiences.
What You Get
Two types of tickets:
Hizbi Ticket: General access to the full summit + replays
Jigna Ticket: Everything in Hizbi, plus a 1-hour coaching session with me, professional development toolkits, and lifetime discounts for all Diaspora Academy courses and trainings.
Designed for:
- Eritrean second gens
- Parents raising Eritrean youth abroad
- Community members, dreamers, organizers, and leaders
- Allies and fellow diasporas curious about our experiences
