National Conference

About The Conference
August 31st - September 3rd @ NYU
In Partnership with Africa Mbele, NYU Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation, NYU Africa House

Amplifying Impact Through Unity

Agenda Brief

This conference will bring together hundreds of African diaspora youth from across the country to discuss building a movement that will champion Africa’s future.

Through collaboration with Africa Mbele, NYU Africa House and NYU Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation (NYU OGI), we hope to emphasize that regardless of their location or age, as a united force they have the power to make an impact they want to see. Attendees will gain from the panel discussions, breakout sessions, career opportunities, networking activities, research presentations, and vendors we have planned for that weekend.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse array of distinguished guests, including prominent figures, subject matter experts, political leaders, business executives, and numerous other high-profile individuals. Additionally, attendees are invited to submit abstracts for research posters in five areas impacting the development of the African continent: Technology, Healthcare, Education, Economics, and Politics.

Africa's Development & Movement Building

Friday Sept 1st

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 Sept 1st
  • Opening Remarks
  • Keynote Address by Dr. Lisa Coleman
  • Keynote Panel on “Africa’s New Rising Leadership Star: Women.”
  • Context Presentation (Statement of the Problem)
  • What is a Movement? | Leadership Models | Accountability
  • Demonstration Exercise: “Opening to Creative Possibilities”
  • Workshop: “No Barriers. No Limitations. Define the Movement.”
  • 3-minutes: “Power of Gratitude”
  • Closing Remarks
Together

Member Development & Celebration

Saturday Sept 2nd

“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 & Celebration

Saturday Sept 2nd
  • Opening Remarks (Member Development)
  • Call to Action by Thomas Pogge
  • Bridging the gap: Connecting the African Diaspora, African-Americans and Continental Africans (Transition Assistance & Cultural Awareness)
  • Workshop Sessions A
  • Workshop Sessions B
  • Career Development Fair & Networking
  • Vendor Fair
  • Student Presentations Fair
  • GALA: Awards & Presentations
Conference Speakers
  • Dr. Lisa Coleman

    Senior Vice President, Global Inclusion and Strategic Innovation @ NYU
  • H.E Amb. Martin Kimani

    Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York
  • Renée Blake

    Associate Professor of Linguistics And Social & Cultural Analysis
  • Derreck Kayongo

    Entrepreneur and Human Rights Innovator
  • Chiké Frankie Edozien

    Site Director of NYU Accra
  • William Pruitt III

    Associate Vice President, NYU Global Programs
  • Dr. Thomas Pogge

    Director of the Yale Global Justice Program
  • Dr. Danika Tynes

    Founder, Sustainable Access Foundation
  • Prof Yaw Nyarko

    Director of NYU Africa House
  • Clifford Owusu

    Ghanaian American Comedian and Entertainer
  • Fatiah Touray, Esq

    Executive Director of Inclusion and Equity @ NYU Abu Dhabi
  • Dr. Donaldon Conserve

    Associate Professor - George Washington University
  • Wanjiru Kimani

    VP of Marketing/Story Telling
  • Yilin Frion-Lee

    Quantum Reiki Grandmaster/Shaman
  • Dr. Leo Douglas

    Clinical Assistant Professor at Liberal Studies

Angola Vice President, H.E Esperança da Costa, Congratulates NAFSA and Africa Mbele

Her Excellency, the Vice-President of the Republic of Angola, congratulates the National African Student Association and Africa Mbele in this initiative. She also sent her affection and desire to contribute to ensure that the African generation of young people who live and/or study abroad can receive the necessary resources and connections to help the growth and development of their countries, the African continent and their communities.

OFFICIAL PARTNERS

Africa Mbele is an organization that is working to identify and create pathways for global asset recovery and to end safe havens for stolen assets and resources obtained by kleptocrats and criminals. This is through private-public partnerships, research, resource mobilization, social oversight, advocacy, and justice.

NYU Africa House
SPONSORS
  • NYU Office of Global Inclusion and Strategic Innovation
  • NYU Africa House - Center for Technology and Economic Development (CTED)
  • NYU Abu Dhabi Office of Inclusion and Equity
  • NYU Accra
  • NYU African Graduate Student Association
  • NYU Office Of Global Programs
  • NYU, Stern Business School
  • Kawi Energy Group
  • NYU African Student Union
“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

Arrivals & Networking

Thur Aug 31st

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

 

Africa's Development & Movement Building

Friday Sept 1st
  • Arrival of Traveling Attendees
  • Networking

Community Impact & Tours

Sunday Sept 3rd

“An empty stomach has no ears” – Haitian Proverb

 

Community Impact & Tours

Saturday Sept 2nd
  • Community Service Activity
  • Organized tours to sites of significance to African diaspora

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.