{"id":3381,"date":"2025-10-30T22:59:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T22:59:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/?page_id=3381"},"modified":"2026-03-25T21:39:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T21:39:42","slug":"welcome-from-scu-president","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/welcome-from-scu-president\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome from SCU President"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3381\" class=\"elementor elementor-3381\" data-elementor-settings=\"{&quot;ha_cmc_init_switcher&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5772627 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5772627\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52e339b elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-heading\" data-id=\"52e339b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"elementskit-heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ekit-wid-con\" ><div class=\"ekit-heading elementskit-section-title-wraper text_left   ekit_heading_tablet-   ekit_heading_mobile-\"><h2 class=\"ekit-heading--title elementskit-section-title \">Welcome from the SCU President<\/h2><div class=\"ekit_heading_separetor_wraper ekit_heading_elementskit-border-divider ekit-dotted\"><div class=\"elementskit-border-divider ekit-dotted\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db7ffae e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"db7ffae\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-afa07c4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"afa07c4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b7b147 elementor-nav-menu__align-center elementor-nav-menu--stretch elementor-nav-menu__text-align-center elementor-nav-menu--dropdown-tablet elementor-nav-menu--toggle elementor-nav-menu--burger elementor-widget elementor-widget-nav-menu\" data-id=\"4b7b147\" data-element_type=\"widget\" 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menu-item-home menu-item-has-children menu-item-3177\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">ADIS26 Home<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3665\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/welcome-from-adn\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Welcome from ADN<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3386\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/welcome-from-scu-president\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Welcome from SCU President<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-5531\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/commendation-from-la-mayor\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Commendation from LA Mayor<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3392\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/networking\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Networking<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6176\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/publications\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Publications<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3398\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/press-releases\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Press Releases<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3404\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/visa-request\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Visa Request<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3420\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-3376\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/venue\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">The Venue<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-4953\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/where-to-stay\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Where to stay<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6113\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ADIS26-Know-Before-You-Go-Guide.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Know Before You Go Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2815\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/adis26-agenda\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Agenda<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-5674\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/topics\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Topics<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-5302\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/gc-adea-acceleration-workshop\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Day One: GC-ADEA Workshop<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-2868\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Day Two: Bridging Africa &#038; Silicon Valley<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2875\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/connecting-the-dots\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Connecting the Dots<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2874\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/capital-for-impact\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Capital for Impact<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2873\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/partnerships-for-africa\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Partnerships for Africa<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2872\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/the-future-of-work-is-african\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">The Future of Work is African<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6009\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#breakout1\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Breakout Session 1: Health in Your Hands<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6013\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#breakout2\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Breakout Session 2: Finance and Investment<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6017\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#breakout3\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Breakout Session 3: The Future of Work is African<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-2869\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Day Three: Action-Oriented Workshops<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2871\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/ai-for-africas-future\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">AI for Africa\u2019s Future<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2870\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/advocacy-in-action\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Policy in Action<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6021\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-creation1\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Co-Creation Session 1 Health in Your Hands<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6022\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-creation2\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Co-creation Session 2 &#8211; Finance: Impact Investment and Returns<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6023\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-creation3\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Co-Creation Session 3: The Future of Work<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6024\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-designA\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Co-Design Session A: AI for Africa\u2019s Future<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6025\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-designB\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Co-Design Session B: Diaspora Influence in Policy<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3426\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/speakers\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Speakers<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-3428\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Awards<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3433\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/barka-awards\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Barka Awards<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3439\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/luminaire-awards\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Luminaire Awards<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-5076\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Get Involved<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-5075\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/sponsors\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Sponsors<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-5079\"><a href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ADIS26-Sponsorship.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Sponsorship Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-5613\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/ecosystem-partners\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Ecosystem Partners<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3446\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ADIS26-Ecosystem-Partner-Opportunities.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Ecosystem Partner Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-6136\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/media-partners\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Media Partners<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3447\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ADIS26-Media-Engagement-Opportunities.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Media Partnership Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-menu-toggle\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Menu Toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"elementor-menu-toggle__icon--open e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-menu-bar\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M104 333H896C929 333 958 304 958 271S929 208 896 208H104C71 208 42 237 42 271S71 333 104 333ZM104 583H896C929 583 958 554 958 521S929 458 896 458H104C71 458 42 487 42 521S71 583 104 583ZM104 833H896C929 833 958 804 958 771S929 708 896 708H104C71 708 42 737 42 771S71 833 104 833Z\"><\/path><\/svg><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"elementor-menu-toggle__icon--close e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-close\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M742 167L500 408 258 167C246 154 233 150 217 150 196 150 179 158 167 167 154 179 150 196 150 212 150 229 154 242 171 254L408 500 167 742C138 771 138 800 167 829 196 858 225 858 254 829L496 587 738 829C750 842 767 846 783 846 800 846 817 842 829 829 842 817 846 804 846 783 846 767 842 750 829 737L588 500 833 258C863 229 863 200 833 171 804 137 775 137 742 167Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<nav class=\"elementor-nav-menu--dropdown elementor-nav-menu__container\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul id=\"menu-2-4b7b147\" class=\"elementor-nav-menu\"><li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-home menu-item-has-children menu-item-3177\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">ADIS26 Home<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3665\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/welcome-from-adn\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Welcome from ADN<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3386\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/welcome-from-scu-president\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Welcome from SCU President<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-5531\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/commendation-from-la-mayor\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Commendation from LA Mayor<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3392\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/networking\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Networking<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6176\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/publications\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Publications<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3398\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/press-releases\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Press Releases<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3404\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/visa-request\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Visa Request<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3420\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-3376\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/venue\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">The Venue<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-4953\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/where-to-stay\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Where to stay<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6113\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ADIS26-Know-Before-You-Go-Guide.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Know Before You Go Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2815\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/adis26-agenda\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Agenda<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-5674\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/topics\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Topics<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-5302\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/gc-adea-acceleration-workshop\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Day One: GC-ADEA Workshop<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-2868\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Day Two: Bridging Africa &#038; Silicon Valley<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2875\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/connecting-the-dots\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Connecting the Dots<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2874\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/capital-for-impact\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Capital for Impact<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2873\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/partnerships-for-africa\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Partnerships for Africa<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2872\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/the-future-of-work-is-african\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">The Future of Work is African<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6009\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#breakout1\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Breakout Session 1: Health in Your Hands<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6013\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#breakout2\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Breakout Session 2: Finance and Investment<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6017\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#breakout3\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Breakout Session 3: The Future of Work is African<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-2869\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Day Three: Action-Oriented Workshops<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2871\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/ai-for-africas-future\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">AI for Africa\u2019s Future<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2870\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/advocacy-in-action\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Policy in Action<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6021\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-creation1\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Co-Creation Session 1 Health in Your Hands<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6022\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-creation2\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Co-creation Session 2 &#8211; Finance: Impact Investment and Returns<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6023\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-creation3\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Co-Creation Session 3: The Future of Work<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6024\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-designA\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Co-Design Session A: AI for Africa\u2019s Future<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6025\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-designB\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Co-Design Session B: Diaspora Influence in Policy<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3426\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/speakers\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Speakers<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-3428\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Awards<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3433\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/barka-awards\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Barka Awards<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3439\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/luminaire-awards\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Luminaire Awards<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-5076\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Get Involved<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-5075\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/sponsors\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Sponsors<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-5079\"><a href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ADIS26-Sponsorship.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Sponsorship Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-5613\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/ecosystem-partners\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Ecosystem Partners<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3446\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ADIS26-Ecosystem-Partner-Opportunities.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Ecosystem Partner Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-6136\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/media-partners\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Media Partners<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3447\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ADIS26-Media-Engagement-Opportunities.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Media Partnership Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c38d057 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c38d057\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b650c78 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b650c78\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f207e3 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6f207e3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-639e597 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"639e597\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-618293b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"618293b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/elementor\/thumbs\/President-Sullivan-Headshot-Official_2025-rfkgij2hw5imkr94vxbougqbvatyuji2xbe2ymsuc8.jpg\" title=\"President-Sullivan-Headshot Official_2025\" alt=\"President Sullivan\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d40b21b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d40b21b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-38a1051 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"38a1051\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDear Distinguished Guests,\n\nOn behalf of Santa Clara University (SCU), it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS26). Our university, rooted in the Jesuit tradition of advancing social mobility, global collaboration, and meaningful innovation, is honored to support this important gathering of diaspora leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers.\n\nLocated at the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University is inspired by both place and purpose. A place of dynamic innovation that calls us to seek the common good and build bridges across communities and continents.\n\nThis year\u2019s symposium anchors itself on the theme \u201cBridging Africa &#038; Silicon Valley: Shaping the Future of Innovation, Investment, and Inclusive Growth\u201d I believe this is more than timely. The diaspora\u2019s capacity to catalyze sustainable economic development, to enable entrepreneurship, and to foster impact across Africa and beyond has never been stronger, nor has the need for building networks, leveraging innovation, and bridging capital, culture and community.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-661a56a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"661a56a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>As we gather in March of 2026, at SCU\u2019s vibrant campus, you will engage in deep dialogue, bold visioning, and meaningful connections, with fellow attendees and with Silicon Valley\u2019s ecosystem, the university\u2019s scholars and students, and the many partners committed to inclusive growth and cross-continental partnerships.<\/p><p>\u00a0I encourage you to make full use of this opportunity: share your insights, raise questions, explore new collaborations, and envision how your work can help shape the future of Africa and the global diaspora in partnership. The impact of your engagement here goes beyond today; it ripples through regions, generations, and sectors.<\/p><p>\u00a0Thank you for being part of this important journey. I am confident that together we will generate ideas, partnerships, and momentum that move beyond discussion into action. I look forward to welcoming you to our campus and to witnessing the rich achievements that will emerge from this symposium.\u00a0<\/p><p>With warm regards,<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2acd36 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c2acd36\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/elementor\/thumbs\/SCU-president-sign-rfkgy9uxz33s0vzbqmt5o9czt35uk9eo58ytwcb3rs.png\" title=\"SCU-president-sign\" alt=\"SCU-president-sign\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-266b5c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"266b5c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>Julie Sullivan, Ph.D.\u00a0<\/b><\/p><p>President<br \/><span style=\"letter-spacing: 0px; word-spacing: 0em;\">Santa Clara University<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ed4747 elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7ed4747\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/Mission-Drive-Way-cropped.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-4422\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/Mission-Drive-Way-cropped.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/Mission-Drive-Way-cropped-300x128.jpg 300w, https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/Mission-Drive-Way-cropped-1024x436.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/Mission-Drive-Way-cropped-768x327.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome from the SCU President Dear Distinguished Guests, On behalf of Santa Clara University (SCU), it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS26). Our university, rooted in the Jesuit tradition of advancing social mobility, global collaboration, and meaningful innovation, is honored to support this important gathering of diaspora [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-3381","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3381","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3381"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3381\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6267,"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3381\/revisions\/6267"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}