That Second-Gen Life with Semhar

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:

That Second-Gen Life with Semhar is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

* 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.

The inaugural Eritrean Diaspora Innovators Summit (EDIS) just wrapped, and I’m so grateful.

Over two days, we gathered virtually — across generations and time zones — to connect as second-gen Eritreans and allies in a way many of us have never experienced before.

This wasn’t a Zoom or a conference. It was an interactive, intentional summit built for us — with 17 speakers, 14 panels, and spaces like the Merhaba Hall, Gezana Stage, Digital Diaspora Stage, Mebrahti Sessions, and Shim Shim Rooms. We even featured a powerful digital art exhibit with our partners at Eri.treanArchives.

We explored leadership, belonging, career growth, mental health and community collaboration - all through the lens of second-gen diaspora life. And what became clear is this: our stories matter, and we need more spaces like this to feel seen, heard, and connected.

If you registered, the full replay drops May 15. Jigna VIPs will receive bonus resources on May 19.

And if you missed the summit? Good news — we’re opening replay registration to everyone in just a few days.

🎧 Want more?Tune in to That Second Gen Life for the full recap, behind-the-scenes reflections, and a glimpse at what’s next.

🔗 Listen now

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

This episode of That Second-Gen Life is personal. I’m sharing the heart behind the Eritrean Diaspora Innovators Summit (EDIS)—a dream I’ve had for over a decade. EDIS is the first virtual summit created by and for second-gen Eritreans—those of us raised in immigrant households, navigating multiple cultures, and asking: Where do I fit in?

Growing up in the U.S. during Eritrea’s independence movement, I witnessed powerful community organizing. But in over 40 years, we’ve never had a space centered on our second-gen experience. Not that I know of, anyway. That changes now.

That Second-Gen Life with Semhar is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

EDIS is happening online on May 9–10, and it’s all about celebrating who we are and what we bring to the table—our leadership, our creativity, our questions, and our growth. From professional development to mental health, and community collaboration, this summit is a space to reflect, connect, and level up.

We’ve got dynamic speakers, toolkits, coaching, and a built-in community waiting for you. Whether you’re second-gen, multi-gen, or a first-gen raised abroad, you belong here.

🎧 Tune into this episode of That Second-Gen Life to hear why I launched EDIS, what you can expect, and why this space matters now more than ever.Available wherever you listen to podcasts: Spotify, Apple, YouTube.

And don’t wait! Register today at www.edis2025.com. Let’s build this, together.

With love and purpose,Semhar

You Belong. You Have Options. Let’s Talk About It.

In this episode of That Second-Gen Life, I’m breaking down what so many of us are feeling right now: uncertainty. Between policy shifts, breaking news, and rising tension, it’s easy to feel like everything about your life—your status, your rights, your future—is up in the air.

But let me be clear: you are not the “other.” You belong. And no matter where you’re from, how you got here, or where you are now, you have rights. You have choices. And you have power.

I’m walking you through some hard but necessary questions: Are you prepared for different scenarios? Do you know your legal and financial options? Have you thought about what community really means for you right now?

This isn’t about panic—it’s about preparation. I’ve spent years working in conflict zones and policy spaces, and one thing I’ve learned is this: clarity is power.

🎧 Tune in to this episode for practical steps, honest reflection, and real talk.

📍 Then head to thediasporaacademy.com to download my free guide: 100 Ways to Build Community. It’s full of things you can do today—right where you are.

Have you ever wondered how your actions—big or small—contribute to diaspora impact? Whether you're preserving culture, advocating for change, or building businesses, your work is shaping communities in powerful ways.

But what does diaspora impact actually look like, and where do you fit in?

In this episode of That Second Gen Life, I answer one of the most common questions I get: What does diaspora impact really mean?

At first, I wasn’t sure if we needed an entire episode on this. But the more I thought about it, the clearer it became—we can’t fully engage in diaspora work without understanding the big picture.

Tune in to discover the three most powerful ways diasporas are making impact from where they are.

Each of us play a role in at least one of these areas—whether we realize it or not. This episode helps you identify where you fit and how to maximize your influence.

🎙 Listen now to gain clarity on your role in diaspora impact!

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

Let’s build something meaningful together. Where do you see yourself? DM me, comment, and let’s keep the conversation going! 🚀

The global development world is shifting fast, and diasporas are leading the way. In this subscriber-only episode of That Second-Gen Life with Semhar, I break down how diasporas are filling critical gaps in global development, investing in our homelands, and shaping policy— a role that’s even more urgent now as the development community tries to navigat…

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.