NAfSA x SAIS BSU African Diaspora Student Conference - April 24-25, 2026
The Diaspora Call: Cultivating a Culture of Changemakers
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The National African Student Association (NAfSA) and Johns Hopkins University SAIS BSU are pleased to host a national African diaspora student conference, bringing together 200+ undergraduate and graduate students, as well as young professionals from across the African diaspora on April 24-25, 2026 in Washington, D.C.
This year’s theme, "The Diaspora Call: Cultivating a Culture of Changemakers," focuses on empowering diaspora youth as changemakers, providing a platform to share ideas, cultivate leadership, and translate vision into impact across the continent and globally. This is not your typical conference—it is designed to challenge your thinking, expand your skills, and empower you to drive meaningful change.
Across the diaspora, young leaders are already shaping the future through launching organizations, building movements, influencing policy, and creating innovative solutions that bridge communities across borders. Yet, too often, these efforts happen without clear roadmaps, resources, or support systems.
We aim to address this gap.
Through immersive workshops, dynamic panels, skill-building sessions, and interactive strategy labs, participants will gain the tools, networks, and insights needed to move from ideas to impact. Together, we will explore what it means to lead across borders, navigate identity and responsibility, and build sustainable pathways for change across Africa and its global communities.
Whether you are just beginning your journey or already a seasoned leader, this conference is for you. Designed by diaspora youth, for diaspora youth, this conference will highlight our shared experiences, diverse perspectives, and collective power.
Join us. Answer the call!
The Diaspora Call: Cultivating a Culture of Changemakers
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The National African Student Association (NAfSA) and Johns Hopkins University SAIS BSU are pleased to host a national African diaspora student conference, bringing together 200+ undergraduate and graduate students, as well as young professionals from across the African diaspora on April 24-25, 2026 in Washington, D.C.
This year’s theme, "The Diaspora Call: Cultivating a Culture of Changemakers," focuses on empowering diaspora youth as changemakers, providing a platform to share ideas, cultivate leadership, and translate vision into impact across the continent and globally. This is not your typical conference—it is designed to challenge your thinking, expand your skills, and empower you to drive meaningful change.
Across the diaspora, young leaders are already shaping the future through launching organizations, building movements, influencing policy, and creating innovative solutions that bridge communities across borders. Yet, too often, these efforts happen without clear roadmaps, resources, or support systems.
We aim to address this gap.
Through immersive workshops, dynamic panels, skill-building sessions, and interactive strategy labs, participants will gain the tools, networks, and insights needed to move from ideas to impact. Together, we will explore what it means to lead across borders, navigate identity and responsibility, and build sustainable pathways for change across Africa and its global communities.
Whether you are just beginning your journey or already a seasoned leader, this conference is for you. Designed by diaspora youth, for diaspora youth, this conference will highlight our shared experiences, diverse perspectives, and collective power.
Join us. Answer the call!
ABOUT THE NATIONAL AFRICAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION, INC.
Since inception, NAfSA has represented a growing coalition of African student groups at 60+ university campuses across the USA representing over 4000 members. Members are composed of international African youth and first-generation Americans of African descent. By uniting, NAfSA members can be empowered to become leaders for the progress of the African continent and their communities. The opportunities and resources NAfSA works to provide will ensure they excel socially, culturally, academically, and professionally. We pride ourselves with how intentional we are in our events and initiatives, where we focus on 5 core tenets: chapter development, career development, cultural awareness, transition assistance, and community service.
The National African Student Association (NAfSA) is a 501(c)(3) (EIN: 82-2181428) non-profit association.
Good to know
Highlights
- ages 18+
- In person
- Doors at 9AM
Location
Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center
555 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20001
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
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