Four Scholars Present their Research at the African Diaspora Investment Symposium in Washington, DC

Ashinaga USA is proud to have renewed our partnership with the African Diaspora Network! In May 2025, we marked four years of partnership with four Ashinaga Scholars volunteering and presenting their research at the African Diaspora Investment Symposium on the theme "Beyond Remittances" in Washington, DC. We are so grateful to the ADN team, especially under the inimitable leadership of Almaz Negash. Read our Scholars' reflections on this powerful event:

Lakshanah (Tufts University) presented her research, "Advancing Mental Healthcare in Mauritius through Artificial Intelligence (AI).”

"I would say that it was it was an enriching experience. It was the first time that I attended a conference, and I met highly qualified people, like PhDs and people who have businesses and they talk in millions. Being in that circle did feel great, and I was manifesting... one day, I'm going be like that. It was great."

Faith (Union College) presented her project, "Bridging the Biomedical Equipment Gap in Rural Healthcare Centers in Malawi.”

"I enjoyed coming up with captions for pictures [as the social media volunteer]... I was able to be in the room, it was inspiring. At first, networking was hard for me, it was the very first networking conference I've ever attended, but I got more confident in talking to people as the days went on."

Monwabisi (Bucknell University) presented the organization he founded, "LIDDO Initiative Africa: A Youth-Led Vision for Health Equity, Literacy, and Leadership in Lesotho."

"Throughout the symposium, I was moved by conversations and meeting with inspiring leaders... A recurring truth echoed across sessions: Investment in Africa is not new — but much of it has not always been good. This symposium challenged that narrative. It redefined investment not as something that flows only from the West, but as something we — the African diaspora — must lead with purpose and proximity. Just as the theme urged, we must go "Beyond Remittances."...The symposium renewed my commitment to this work and strengthened my belief that investing in Africa means investing in its young people."

Serena (University of Miami) presented her research, "From Crisis to Creation: An Exploration of Transformed Neonatal Care in Cameroon."

"I'm happy of the volunteer role I got, because it gave me the opportunity to be in the sessions and listening to what the speakers were saying, and it was very inspiring. For a moment I did pause, and I was like, wow, these are the people who actually make things happen. They're over here talking about how they're making things work, and the work they are currently doing."

ADIS25 also brought together our Scholars and two new board members! We enjoyed a team breakfast with Akwasi Peprah, and Chike Nwoffiah met with all the Scholars to see their research posters. We look forward to the next African Diaspora Investment Symposium!

To learn more about the Ashinaga USA Professional Development Initiative, click here.