That Second-Gen Life with Semhar

Tune into Episode #19 of That Second Gen Life with Semhar, covering the recent conference I went to in Washington, D.C., the Eritreans in Tech Summit.In it, I share what I saw, learned and really walked away with - and how we can take that energy into action. And yes, as a member of the Eritrean diaspora, I have to say, it was really nice to have this space created and in such a powerful way.So check it out - whether you’re Eritrean or not - I want you to give it a listen. This is definitely a blueprint to make a diaspora event a success, build community, and leave people wanting more.If you attended the Eritreans in Tech Summit, what did you think? Drop us a note and let us know! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit semhar.substack.comIn this episode of That Second-Gen Life, Semhar is back from an extended personal visit to Minnesota with a heavy, firsthand look at what’s actually happening on the ground.Forget what you’re seeing in the headlines. Semhar describes a community living under a "state of siege," where neighborhood streets have turned into a practice run for authoritarian force.From unlabeled SUVs staking out playgrounds to the incredible bravery of neighbors in green vests protecting local kids, this is a raw conversation about the fear, the resilience, and why what's happening in the North Star State is a wake-up call for the rest of the country.You won't want to miss this one. It’s a deep dive into how we show up for each other when things get real.

Hi everyone,I’m coming to you today with a bit of a heavy heart. This wasn’t a planned episode, but sometimes life—and the headlines—don’t wait for a production schedule.If you’ve been watching what’s happening in Minnesota lately, especially within the Somali diaspora and the broader immigrant community, you know it’s been a tumultuous couple of weeks. Between the increased targeting, the presence of ICE, and the fear rippling through our neighborhoods, it’s felt… a lot.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.I’ve been sitting here reflecting on the stories we carry as second-gen kids. Most of us are here because someone in our family took a massive, often dangerous risk to give us a life where we’re supposed to feel “safe.” But as we’re seeing right now, safety isn’t always a given—sometimes it has to be defended with knowledge.So tune in and listen to what you can do from where you are - to prepare, protect and support each other. I gathered resources—specifically scripts and “Red Cards” translated into various African diaspora languages including Tigrinia, Amharic, Somali, Afaan Oromo, Fulani, Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Swahili, Arabic and more —because I want us to be prepared, informed and empowered. Let’s keep looking out for one another, and stay safe and be kind to yourselves. Love always,Semhar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit semhar.substack.comRadical Honesty and Setting Intentions for the New YearIn this episode of 'That Second Gen Life with Semhar,' host Semhar Araia talks about the importance of radical honesty in self-assessment and intention setting as we enter the new year. She encourages listeners to review the past year, identify lessons learned, and understand their current commitments and obligations. Semhar also emphasizes creating an accountability framework to help achieve goals and aspirations. The focus is on holistic self-improvement rather than just setting resolutions. The episode serves as a guide for listeners, particularly those in the diaspora, to navigate their lives intentionally and effectively.00:00 Welcome ‌00:51 Introduction and New Year Wishes01:13 Reflecting on the Past Year02:44 Setting Intentions for the New Year05:53 Assessing Your Ecosystem11:50 Building an Accountability Framework17:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What helps you keep going when things get especially tough? As we close out 2025, I did a lookback and went much farther than I thought I would.What became a simple reflection over the year, took me into a lifelong journey of lessons and blessings.So I hit record to share a simple practice that has been fueling me lately: the practice of gratitude as a daily reset. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

After a whirlwind September, I sat down to record another podcast episode of That Second Gen Life with Semhar and I would love for you to tune in. Join me as I share a recap of our first week of the Diaspora Leadership Program and the surprising discover I had after teaching this course for 10 years. I share:* Why session one feels like an invitation to yourself* How defining your diaspora vision in module two sparks the big questions we deserve to ask* What I am seeing across our cohort, from recent grads to near-retirees, and how each person arrives at powerful clarity* A look ahead to sessions two and three, where we shape audience, message, and real-world strategy for impactYou will hear a candid recap, takeaways you can apply right away, and an energizing reminder to use your time, talent, and treasure for good. 🎧 Listen to the episode and let me know your favorite insight in the comments.If this episode resonates, add your name to the Diaspora Leadership Program waitlist for October 2026 and stay in the loop on upcoming TDA events, trainings and advisory sessions. We are creating the spaces we wish existed, together, and I thank you for joining us on this journey. With gratitude,SemharP.S. Curious about the Diaspora Leadership Program curriculum and modules? Visit thediasporaacademy.com/dlp for details and the waitlist. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit semhar.substack.comWhat happens when you stop waiting for permission and start building what your community truly needs?That’s the focus of today’s new episode of That Second-Gen Life with Semhar. I’m unpacking the core value that guides my work as a leader and advisor, to always create the spaces you wish existed.In this episode, I share how being born and raised by diaspora parents in America shaped my earliest lessons in diaspora agency, organizing, service, and coalition building. These experiences inspired me to create the Diaspora African Women’s Network (DAWN) and continue to shape the work of The Diaspora Academy today.Find out what “creating the spaces you wish existed” means for you, plus 3 burning questions you must be willing to answer to discover how you can create the spaces you wish existed. Tune in to the episode and discover:✅ How to recognize the gaps in your professional and community life✅ Questions that will help you define the role you want to play in building new spaces✅ Practical steps to move from vision to action✅ Why empathy and clarity are essential tools for sustainable leadership✅ How creating space leads to more inclusive, impactful solutions

Every time I sit down to record an episode, I think of you.You might be the daughter or son of immigrants, trying to figure out how to hold your family's story and still make room for your own. Maybe you're a second-generation leader feeling stuck or unsure of what’s next. Or maybe you're someone who’s quietly carrying the weight of your community, doing your best to keep everything and everyone together.This week’s episode is straight from the heart. It was one of my weekly IG lives, which I’m doing for the month of July, but I wanted to share it with you, our TSGL community. 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.I know many of you may feel like you’re being pulled in multiple directions or facing pressure from too many different points. We show up, we give, we serve. But we don’t always know how to take care of ourselves in the process.So I share some of the reasons why the diaspora life is actually a personal journey, including: * The pressure of family and cultural expectations* What it looks like to listen to your own voice* The difference between honoring your community and losing yourself* And how to lead with love, not fear“Pursuing your own journey has to be done as honestly to who you are as possible.”If you’ve been holding your breath, trying to do it all, sit back and consider what I’m saying. You cannot do it alone, perfectly or how everyone else wants you to do it. In the diaspora, we listen, we don’t judge. 🎧 Listen to the newest episode of That Second-Gen Life with Semhar and let me know what speaks to you.#TDADiasporas #CreateTheSpaces #ThatSecondGenLife #DiasporaLeadership #Diaspora This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

On today’s episode of That Second Gen Life, I’m taking a moment to celebrate and honor a milestone that means so much to our diaspora community: the 10th anniversary of the African Diaspora Network and its flagship event, the African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS).Tune in where I break down:* The four key ingredients that make ADN a successful diaspora-led organization* What visionary leadership actually requires — and how ADN built a real institution, not just an event* Why retaining volunteers, building partnerships, and staying open to risk are vital for diaspora nonprofits* The reason ADN’s inclusive, Pan-African approach is a blueprint for other diaspora spaces, and* Why every one of us should stop and honor what it takes to build something that truly lasts.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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

What does it mean to honor your roots while building your future? What happens when a phone call changes everything you thought was just a dream?In our latest episode of That Second Gen Life, I’m getting deeply personal. I hit record while out of town during a powerful weekend—one filled with meaning, memory, and movement. It’s not just Memorial Day for me. It’s a Pan-African, Independence Day, and birthday weekend all rolled into one.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.May 24 is Eritrea’s Independence Day, and for me, it will always be marked by the moment I heard my mother say, “Eritrea is free.” I was just 13, when I received a phone call from my mother that I would never forget. I didn’t know then how much those words would shape me, but they did—and they still do.Then comes May 25: Africa Day.Established in 1963 with the founding of the Organization of African Unity, Africa Day is about more than flags and declarations. It’s a celebration of freedom. Of sovereignty. Of global connection. And in 2012, when the African Union officially recognized the African diaspora as the sixth region of the continent, it affirmed something we already knew: we are part of this story, and this story is part of us.In this episode, I reflect on:* The legacy of Eritrea’s hard-won independence—and why it matters globally.* The evolution of Africa Day, from continental unity to a global celebration of African people and power.* The AU’s groundbreaking recognition of the diaspora and what that means for our collective future.* The under-told history of the Pan-African Women’s Organization, which predates the AU and reminds us that African women have always led.This episode isn’t just for Eritreans. It’s for every member of the African diaspora who wonders where they fit, what their role is, and how to reconnect with heritage in a meaningful way. From east to west, north to south, and across oceans—Africa Day touches us all.🎧 Listen now to this powerful Africa Day episode of That Second Gen Life with Semhar. Let it remind you of your place in our shared story.If you’re ready to explore your own diaspora path and take action, sign up for Diaspora Leadership Program at www.thediasporaacademy.com/dlp. Let’s help you create the spaces you wish existed.#TDADiasporas #CreateTheSpaces #Diaspora #AfricaDay #DiasporaLeadership #EritreaIndependence #PanAfricanism #DiasporaPhilanthropy #SecondGenVoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

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 nowLet’s keep building the spaces we wish existed — together. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

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! 🚀 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit semhar.substack.comThe 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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

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! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

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 AllI 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 MattersSecond-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 identityJoin the ConversationI 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 | FacebookThis is just the beginning—welcome to That Second Gen Life. I can’t wait to go on this journey with you! 🚀 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe

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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe