If you’re a second-generation diaspora, you know the feeling.

* Balancing heritage with the realities of your family in a new homeland.

* Moving between cultures.

* Figuring out where you fit.

* Daring to dream far beyond what others want for you and trying something new.

No matter where you’re from - you know what I’m talking about.

But here’s the thing - do you realize you are taking the dreams of your immigrant parents and community, and turning them into real-world impact? Even though there’s limited support, guidance or resources to contribute to second-gen impact, you’re still doing it.

Embracing your diasporic identity as a second-generation doesn’t have to be a struggle—it’s a superpower.

You have the ability to move between worlds, build connections, and see things from multiple perspectives. These are strengths, not obstacles.

Second-gens shape industries, policies, and communities in ways the world can’t ignore. It’s time to recognize that—and to make sure you get the support you need.

Want to hear more? Listen to the latest episode of That Second-Gen Life to explore how second-gens are making an impact—and how you can find or offer support.

Have you ever wondered if you’re part of a diaspora or whether it matters to anyone else but you? Or maybe you’ve heard the term but aren’t sure what it really means? In this episode of That Second-Gen Life with Semhar, we break it all down.

At The Diaspora Academy, we rely on the IOM’s 2013 definition, which was first introduced at the Diaspora Ministerial Conference. It defines diasporas as “emigrants and their descendants who live outside their country of orgin or ancestry but maintain material and affective ties to their country of origin.”

These ties can take many forms—visits, language, culture, remittances, traditions like food and music, or even starting diaspora organizations, businesses, and campaigns. Whether you’re a first-generation immigrant, a second-gen balancing multiple identities, or even a fifth-generation descendant reconnecting with your roots, maintaining these connections keeps heritage alive.

But diaspora identity is deeply personal—it’s not something assigned to you, but something you claim when you recognize your desire to develop or maintain ties to an ancestral homeland.

This experience isn’t limited to one community or region; diasporas exist across cultures, shaping economies, politics, and societies globally.

One of the greatest strengths of the diaspora experience is its ability to foster innovation and cross-cultural understanding. Living between cultures provides a unique perspective that can drive change, whether through entrepreneurship, advocacy, or community-building.

Want to explore your own diaspora journey? Sign up for the Diaspora Leadership Program or register for a TDA Starter Course to deepen your understanding and take actionable steps toward meaningful engagement.

And don’t forget to subscribe to That Second-Gen Life with Semhar for more conversations on diaspora journeys, culture, and leadership!

What does it mean to live in the in-between? To grow up with one foot in your family’s homeland and the other in the country you live in? Where do you find your ground and sense of belonging? It’s not here or there.

For second-generation immigrants, this is more than just a question—it’s a daily reality. And yet, despite the challenges of navigating multiple cultures, there’s a power in being second-gen that is often overlooked.

That’s exactly what we’re diving into in the first episode of That Second Gen Life. This podcast is a space for diaspora leaders, changemakers, and anyone who has ever felt like they exist in the “hyphenated” space between cultures. And in this inaugural episode, I share my own journey—one that begins with my Eritrean roots and the deep sense of responsibility that comes with being part of a global diaspora.

The Story That Started It All

I was born and raised in the U.S., but my connection to Eritrea was never distant. I spoke Tigrinya before I learned English, and my home was filled with stories of Eritrea’s fight for independence. But it wasn’t until I was 14—when I visited Eritrea for the first time—that I truly understood what it meant to belong to a homeland I had never seen. Walking through the streets of Asmara, I felt an unshakable connection to a place that had shaped me, even from thousands of miles away.

That trip changed my life. It set me on a path of global engagement, conflict resolution, and diaspora leadership. Over the years, I’ve worked in 46 countries, advised world leaders, and built spaces for diasporas to connect and lead. And now, through this podcast, I want to share what I’ve learned—because our experiences as second-generation immigrants are not just unique, they are powerful.

Why This Matters

Second-gen life comes with its own set of challenges. The expectations of our families often differ from the realities we face in the workforce, in our communities, and in our personal journeys. We are asked to carry culture, tradition, and language while also carving out new paths in places where we may not always feel fully accepted.

But here’s the truth: being second-gen is a superpower. It makes us bridge-builders, innovators, and connectors across cultures. It allows us to navigate different spaces with ease, to bring unique perspectives to industries, and to create meaningful change in both our ancestral homelands and our adopted countries.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

* The hidden strengths of being second-gen

* How my first trip to Eritrea shaped my global perspective

* Why navigating dual identities is an opportunity, not a burden

* How diasporas contribute to global change beyond remittances

* Practical ways to embrace and own your identity

Join the Conversation

I want to hear from you! Did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts, tag me on social media, and let’s build this conversation together.

📩 Subscribe & Listen: That Second-Gen Life with Semhar🌍 Join the Diaspora Community: The Diaspora Academy📢 Follow & Connect: Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | Threads | Facebook

This is just the beginning—welcome to That Second Gen Life. I can’t wait to go on this journey with you! 🚀

I’m Semhar - a second-generation Eritrean-American, entrepreneur, diaspora engagement expert, and most importantly, a mom, sister, and community member. My life has been about navigating cultures, bridging identities, and turning those experiences into impact. Through my work in diaspora engagement, leadership development, and global advocacy, I’ve helped others harness their unique journeys—and now, I’m bringing that conversation here.

That Second-Gen Life is a space for us—children of immigrants, members of the diaspora, and anyone balancing multiple identities. We’ll talk about career paths, family expectations, navigating racism, and finding confidence in who we are. Whether you’re figuring out your next step, struggling to communicate with your parents, or just need to hear that you’re not alone, this podcast is for you.