National Conference 2026

About The Conference
April 24-25, 2026 | Washington, DC @ JHU | Hosted by NAfSA and JHU Student Chapters
Culture, Advocacy, Connection
Venue
John Hopkins University

Amplifying Impact Through Unity

Agenda Brief

The theme of the 2026 conference, “The Diaspora Call: Cultivating a Culture of Changemakers,” will spark a movement of bold, visionary leadership among young Africans. Attendees will leave not only inspired but equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks to become active change-makers.

Our goal is to empower attendees to:

  • Become Changemakers: Armed with a reimagination of the possibility and power that lies in the Diasporan identity and their ability to spark lasting impact on our communities and systems
  • Advance Advocacy: Equipped with the skills and knowledge to challenge narratives, influence decision-makers, and amplify grass root solutions and demands for positive change
  • Showcase and appreciate: the incredible impact that African student groups have on local communities, highlighting how they foster leadership, cultural awareness, and social change.
  • Invest your time, talents, and resources: in shaping the African Diaspora’s future, whether through advocacy, innovation, or community engagement.

By combining thought-provoking discussions, hands-on training, and cultural celebrations, the conference will inspire a new generation of leaders ready to take on Africa’s most pressing challenges. This is your moment to step up, connect, and be part of the change that’s already underway.

Africa's Development & Movement Building

Friday

Alone a youth runs fast, with an elder slow, but together they go far. — Luo proverb

Step into a world of visionaries and changemakers as we embark on an extraordinary day dedicated to discussing the development of Africa and nurturing a vibrant diaspora movement. In the heart of this event, passionate minds will converge, igniting dynamic conversations about empowering the continent, fostering sustainable growth, and harnessing the immense potential of its people.

Through thought-provoking discussions, innovative ideas will take flight, weaving a tapestry of collaboration and solidarity across the African diaspora. We’ll explore ways to bridge gaps, celebrate diversity, and leverage the collective talents of those who carry Africa’s spirit within their hearts, no matter where they are in the world.

Africa's Development & Movement Building

Friday

Member Development & Celebration

Saturday

“An empty stomach has no ears” – Haitian Proverb

A powerful movement begins with investing in our members’ personal and professional growth. By focusing on removing barriers in their personal and professional journey, we can ensure their long-term focus is on the movement. Additionally, by nurturing their skills and passions, we cultivate a community of driven individuals who lead with purpose and inspire others to join our cause. Together, we build a strong foundation for lasting impact, where every voice matters, and each member becomes a catalyst for positive change. Join us on this journey of empowerment and watch as our collective dedication transforms lives and shapes a brighter future for all.

Member Development & Bonding

Saturday
Past Conference Speakers
  • Mary Abodo

    President/Founder, NexoAfrica | Financial Analyst, Capital One.
  • Fatiah Touray, Esq

    Executive Director of Inclusion and Equity @ NYU Abu Dhabi
  • Hamse Warfa

    Chief Executive Officer, World Savvy
  • Simo Kubheka

    Chief Executive Officer, AVUKE Group Executive Chairman, New Vision Films Studios Africa
  • Wanjiru Kimani

    VP of Marketing/Story Telling
  • Dr. Fortune Onwuzuruike

    Senior Security TPM, Microsoft
  • Mary Omatiga

    Journalist - NBC Sports | Host of By Way of Africa
  • Prof Yaw Nyarko

    Director of NYU Africa House
  • Derreck Kayongo

    Entrepreneur and Human Rights Innovator
  • Sampson Kofi Adotey

    Director of Communications, Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS)
  • Motaz Attala

    Senior Program Officer, Engagement on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Dr. Donaldon Conserve

    Associate Professor - George Washington University
  • Chiké Frankie Edozien

    Site Director of NYU Accra
  • Ken Kungania

    Chair, Board of Directors
  • Dr. Lisa Coleman

    Senior Vice President, Global Inclusion and Strategic Innovation @ NYU
  • Semhar Araia

    CEO and Founder of The Diaspora Academy
  • Dr. Senait Kebede

    Global Health Professional & Pediatrician, Emory University
  • William Pruitt III

    Associate Vice President, NYU Global Programs
  • Danielle Okonta

    Product Manager and Culture Leader for Tribaja
  • H.E Amb. Martin Kimani

    Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York
  • Dr. Thomas Pogge

    Director of the Yale Global Justice Program
  • Deborah Denis

    Research Initiatives Manager
  • Clifford Owusu

    Ghanaian American Comedian and Entertainer
  • Diadji Diawara

    National President
  • Nnamdi Nwaigwe

    Technical Program Manager at Google
  • Hon. Cristina Duarte

    United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Special Advisor on Africa
  • Dr. Danika Tynes

    Founder, Sustainable Access Foundation
  • Dr. Leo Douglas

    Clinical Assistant Professor at Liberal Studies
  • Renée Blake

    Associate Professor of Linguistics And Social & Cultural Analysis
  • Boum III Jr

    CEO, Daba Finance
OFFICIAL PARTNERS
PARTNERS
  • Other A
  • Other B
“Umuthi ugotshwa usemanzi”

Activating the Diasporic Voice

From the Southern Bantu language isiZulu comes a saying “Umuthi ugotshwa usemanzi” which translates to “a tree is bent while it is still wet”. The meaning of this proverb is that wisdom and behavioural influences are instilled when a person is still young.

If we intend to create thought leaders, action-takers, and change-makers, we need to make sure that we teach our youth and the next generation the significance of what it means to have the future in their hands while they are still young, to empower them to become the next generation of world leaders. “

– globalcitizen.org

Message from Angola Vice President, H.E Esperança da Costa

The Conference you have been waiting for.

We are devoted to cultivating a high-quality, thought provoking and engaging conference that will leave all attendees and stakeholders yearning for more in order to see a sustainable development agenda for our nations with the diaspora’s involvement.

24Apr

National Conference 2026 – Washington DC

12:00 AM - 11:59 PMWashington, DC