About

NICE TO MEET YOU

I'm Semhar Araia

Growing up the daughter of Eritrean activists in the United States, I was keenly aware of the commitment and role diaspora communities have in supporting their homelands.  Both there and here. I struggled to balance both sides of my cultural identity as an Eritrean and American, and wanted to give back the best way I could. 

Now, after years of learning and working around the world as a lawyer, public policy advocate, and diaspora engagement technical advisor, I'm here to share what I've learned.  I've worked with world leaders and local changemakers, I've learned that you must always create the spaces you wish existed and embrace your full hyphenated self. 

I'll show you how to take your diaspora ideas and dreams and make them into a reality - whether that's a business idea, an organization you want to start or a cause you want to organize around. Diaspora impact is real and you are exactly where you need to be to make it happen!

My Story

Raised in a Black, African, Eritrean, immigrant household during the time of revolutionary struggle, the anti-apartheid movement and Eritrea's fight for independence, I learned firsthand the importance of advocacy, representation, coalitions and organizing.  

I pursued the traditional American dream with an Eritrean foundation. Get a good education,  learn as much as you can, and remember you will succeed against all odds.  Despite my commitment to helping make the world better, I never felt like I was maximizing my skills and perspectives as an Eritrean and as an American. As a daughter of immigrants. And as a Black woman with global roots. 

It wasn't until I started living and working abroad and having a completely different experience than my counterparts that helped me understand the power of diasporas in development. 

I had a fuller, richer, and more authentic experience as a leader and team member when I leaned into my hyphenated self.  What I thought was originally a weakness actually ended up being my superpower!  And I'm here to help you unlock your superpower - as a diaspora changemaker and as a partner who wants to work with diasporas.  Let's go! 

• Click here for Semhar's bio

• Click here for Semhar's Speakers Kit 

Why I Do It 

When you set out to make an impact in this world, you might think about getting a great job, a world-class education, or reaching a certain social status for reach and influence.    

But what if I told you the secret to your power is you?  Exactly as you are - with your lived hyphenated experiences, your immigrant ties, your ancestral and adopted homelands, and your beautiful, bright, powerful mind? Diaspora leadership is a secret skill no one talks about, because too often, we're told we have to choose one or the other. 

I'm here to tell you that your cultural competency skills, commitment to servant leadership, global and local mindset, and your emotional IQ all shape your ability to be a diaspora leader.  You don't have to navigate a tightrope anymore.  You don't have to feel like you're longing to belong. You can make impact exactly from where you are if you are willing to dive deep, do the internal work with me and pursue your diaspora dreams with an open mind!