Walla Elsheikh is the co-founder and CEO of Birthright AFRICA, which is committed to providing a free educational trip to Africa for all youth and young adults of African descent in the US. She was born in Sudan and raised there as well as in Sweden and Uganda before immigrating to New York City. In this episode, Eugene speaks with Walla about what inspired her to embark on such an ambitious project, and why it is so important to know one's heritage.

For more on Birthright AFRICA: https://birthrightafrica.org/

Also on Instagram as @birthrightafrica

This conversation was recorded on July 7, 2020.

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Chapter Markers:

0:00-1:22 Paul introduces the episode

1:45 Eugene and Walla introduce Birthright Africa 

4:46 Walla discusses her own childhood and identity moving from Sudan to the United States 

9:14 Walla gives an overview of how Birthright Africa works 

12:27 Walla discusses how Birthright Africa is adapting to a digital format 

13:51 Eugene and Walla discuss how she pivoted from a career in finance to education and entrepreneurship

18:56 Walla and Eugene discuss the concept of Pan-Africanism in the context of Birthright Africa

22:10 Walla shares her hope for the narrative of Africa that shes hopes to portray through Birthright Africa 

24:13 Walla shares standout stories from Birthright Africa of belonging and solidarity

28:33 Walla and Eugene discuss how visiting one's motherland at a young age can serve as a touchstone memory for the future

32:43 Walla shares her hopes for Birthright Africa and message for serving the future