Ask them two questions to learn more about what they are interested in. Get your business cards, focus on your professional goals, practice your 30 second introduction and meet at least 3 people at each event. Mayor’s Office on African Affairs, a number of private businesses, major companies and media groups, diaspora organizations, and the broader Africa and international affairs community. Our Community Calendar is intended to capture as much as we can to help you find the right opportunity. DAWN wants to help you find out where to go. The power of networking cannot be overstated. As women of the diaspora, it’s even more important we show up because there aren’t enough of us in the room. SA: The best thing any professional who wants to maximize this moment is to show up. In every way.į2FA: As a women-focused organization, what are some words of advice you would give to women in the diaspora seeking to navigate the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and maximize it as a professional opportunity? We must be willing to show how committed we are to the agenda by engaging and influencing. We must present ourselves with an agenda that is clear, relevant, and useful for stronger partnerships.Īnd we must always, always, always show up for the next conversation. Because at the end of the day, if we want that seat at the table where decisions about our countries are being made, then we must be willing to show up and own that seat. To be taken seriously in any sector, we need to establish our presence as sustainable organizations, businesses, and institutions. That requires that we show up and present ourselves as the stakeholders that we are. SA: The most important aspect to our role is that we are informed, active participants in all conversations about US-Africa relations. What is or should be the diaspora’s role in each and is one more important than the other as it relates to the diaspora? The idea is for citizens around the world, including the diaspora, is to say what they think the agenda at the summit should be.į2FA: There are different conversations going on during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit - those that involve policy and trade at the public sector level but also those at the private sector level. So one of the things we did was create a social media guide for people to send tweets about the #USAfrica Summit in support of ongoing Africa-focused campaigns, such as #TheAfricaWeWant and #WeAreAfrica. And we want them to be engaged in the conversation, even if we cannot be at the official gathering itself. We want diaspora leaders to have access to as much information about the summit. and African decision makers who will be participating in the week’s events. SA: DAWN has been actively engaged in conversations leading up to the Summit, and we have to introduce our agenda and priorities to U.S. We have different experiences, but we all come from communities that are directly affected by the policies and developments in our homelands, both near and far. We should be involved in the conversation between Africa and the United States and DAWN is trying to create those opportunities.į2FA: How has DAWN been involved in conversations leading up to the summit and what immediate impact do you think this has had on your membership and the broader diaspora community in the United States? Our lives have changed once we leave home, but we are still a part of both places. Although the official summit program is between heads of state, there are a number of side events and additional opportunities to shape the agenda. The diaspora play an important role in that relationship because we are the people, both here and there. Semhar Araia: This summit is a huge opportunity to strengthen relations between the United States and Africa. Why do you think it’s important for the diaspora to be actively involved in the summit? Face2Face Africa: DAWN has been actively sharing information and promoting the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
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