Tsudoi 2023: Networking in Africa
This year for Tsudoi, our annual student conference meaning "gathering" in Japanese, was on the theme of Networking in Africa. We had some fantastic guest speakers, a productive webinar on impact and purpose, and inter-cohort discussions about networking and problem-solving on the continent.
We also announced the new Conference in Africa Prize! Scholars now have the opportunity to apply for funding to attend an in-person conference in Africa related to their academic and professional interests. This is in addition to our existing opportunity for Scholars to apply to attend the annual African Diaspora Investment Symposium.
Patrice Tanaka, Founder & Chief Joy Officer of Joyful Planet, hosted her webinar "Discover Your Life & Leadership Purpose" for our current Scholars, incoming Scholars, and Graduates. Patrice generously worked with the students individually to tailor a statement that articulates their life purpose, as it relates to their goals and professional development. One Scholar said that "I was challenged to rethink my life's purpose and what exactly I can do to make an impact on the world;" another said that "the session with Patrice was really powerful as it got me to think deeper and explore more about my life purpose."
The mission of the Ashinaga Africa Initiative is that our Scholars will return to the continent after graduating and have lasting impact within their home communities. Our two guest speakers exemplify this model, and shared their personal and professional journeys as they both studied in the US and have returned to their home countries to become change makers in their industries. Rahmat Muhammad, PhD, is the Founding Partner and Managing Director of Triple-E Consulting (Nigeria). She spoke with the Scholars about the balance of self-care and professional development opportunities in Africa, including networking and for founding a start-up company on the continent. Tayib Fall is the Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Baobab Consulting (Senegal). Tayib studied abroad through both the Fulbright program in the US and the Chevening Scholarship in the UK, and has returned to work as an international civil servant on the continent. Our Scholars benefitted from the discussions with Rahmat and Tayib, saying they were "easy to relate to and allowed me ask questions that helped me make a decision" and "very insightful and had great pieces of advice that would help me in my journey."
Our current Scholars and Candidates joined our Graduate speaker session to hear from four students, two of whom have returned to work and begin fulfilling their commitment to making change in their home country. The Graduates discussed a variety of topics, from their experiences as international students in the US, advice on looking for and applying to graduate school programs, and providing insight on the job market. Alex (Kenya) graduated with a BA and MS from Clark University, and is now working at Bank of America in London; Daren (Mauritius) studied economics and computer science at Northwestern University and now works in finance in New York City. Pepe (Eswatini) attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is now working at Royal Eswatini National Airways Coorporation; Gorata (Botswana) completed her BA and MA at the University of Notre Dame and is a Program Manager at The Lady Khama Charitable Trust. About this session, one Scholar said, "I liked listening to their stories and they all gave great advice. It was also nice seeing old familiar faces." Indeed, the Ashinaga USA Graduate speaker session has become a tradition at tsudoi for Scholars to see their friends and for younger Scholars to seek out advice and mentorship.
We are so grateful to our guest speakers for their wisdom and generosity in sharing their stories, their advice, and their expertise. Thank you to our Scholars for another successful and enriching tsudoi!