We are the generation carrying the torch, inheriting the spirit of resilience, and the Eritrean Diaspora Innovators Summit is our strategic meeting point—our Baito – a powerful assembly of visionary innovators, next-gen leaders, creators, professionals, and young professionals from every corner of the world. We are all connected by the beautiful, bold threads of our shared culture, experiences and ancestral heritage.
Join us for this incredible 2-day event of guidance, inspiration and connection. Like the spirit of our ancestors, the unstoppable drive of the Eritrean diaspora transforms into concrete impact, inspiration and roadmaps – for you and our entire generation.
EDIS is your space to learn from one another, create lasting diaspora connections, and ensure the next chapter of our collective diaspora story is the most impactful one yet.
This summit will help you:
Are you ready to join us and create the spaces we wish existed?
Why I Created the Eritrean Diaspora Innovators Summit
And Why You Should Be There!
What does it mean to be second-generation Eritrean living in the diaspora?
If you’re like me, you know it means pride, layers of discovery and strength—and questions. How do we honor our heritage while navigating the expectations of the countries we now call home? How do we build community when our lives span generations, languages, cultures, and time zones?
The future is calling. Are you ready?
Join us virtually on Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, from the comforts of your home, office or wherever you are. Let’s build together.
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The Eritrean Diaspora Innovators Summit is open to all – and specifically designed for:
EDIS is your space to get grounded, find like-minded inspiration, and consider new ways to consider your .
Attendees will:
New to the space? This is your entry point. Get the inspiration, access, and energy you need to get started.
New to the space? This is your entry point. Get the inspiration, access, and energy you need to get started.
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the Eritrean Diaspora Innovators Summit.
If you still have questions, feel free to reach out, we’re happy to help!
The Eritrean Diaspora Innovators Summit (EDIS) is a two-day virtual gathering created for Eritrean diasporas, by Eritrean diasporas. It is designed for second-generation and diaspora-born Eritreans who are navigating hyphenated identities while building leadership, careers, and community.
Our goal is to create a space where you feel seen, validated, and empowered to lead, innovate, and collaborate in ways that honor both your heritage and your aspirations.
EDIS is proudly hosted by Semhar Araia, Founder and CEO of The Diaspora Academy. Semhar is an experienced diaspora leader, advocate, and innovator who has spent her career supporting diaspora changemakers around the world.
Through The Diaspora Academy, Semhar and her team provide diaspora leadership training, advisory services, and community spaces that honor the unique contributions of diasporas.
EDIS is for Eritreans in the diaspora, especially:
Second-generation Eritrean diasporas (born or raised abroad)
Diaspora professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, scholars, organizers, and change-makers
Young professionals, students, and emerging leaders ages 18 to 45
Anyone ready to lead with a Mebrahti Mindset, balancing clarity, purpose, and heart
EDIS will be held in English to accommodate all generations. We know you do not have to speak fluent Tigrinia or be fully “plugged in” to Eritrean culture to belong here. If you care about your roots and your future, you are in the right place.
Yes EDIS is open to all!
While EDIS is designed with the Eritrean diaspora experience in mind, it is open to all who are connected to, interested in, or invested in the growth and empowerment of Eritrean diasporas around the world.
Whether you are a second-generation Eritrean born or raised abroad, or a first-generation, a parent of a second-gen child, or someone passionate about supporting Eritrean diaspora leaders, you are welcome here.
Here is what you can expect over two transformational days:
All sessions are held virtually and will be recorded. EDIS is designed to feel engaging, supportive, and practical, with chat rooms, networking breakout sessions and resources for you.
By attending EDIS, you will:
Your journey continues after EDIS with:
You will leave EDIS feeling proud, prepared, and connected to a growing community of changemakers around the world.
Yes – EDIS will happen again!
Absolutely! EDIS is an annual event! We look forward to welcoming you next year on May 1 and 2, 2026!
If you’d like to join the EDIS planning team, sign up to become a volunteer, affiliate partner or sponsor!
We cannot wait to build the next EDIS with passionate Haweys and Hafteys like you!
Reach out to the EDIS team at edis@thediasporaacademy.com and we will be happy to assist you.
We cannot wait to build with you, Hawey and Haftey!
