That Second-Gen Life with Semhar

#19 Why Eritreans in Tech Summit Was a Success

Tune into Episode #19 of That Second Gen Life with Semhar, covering the recent conference I went to in Washington, D.C., the Eritreans in Tech Summit. In it, I share what I saw, learned and really walked away with - and how we can take that energy into action. And yes, as a member of the Eritrean diaspora, I have to say, it was really nice to have this space created and in such a powerful way. So check it out - whether you’re Eritrean or not - I want you to give it a listen. This is definitely a blueprint to make a diaspora event a success, build community, and leave people wanting more. If you attended the Eritreans in Tech Summit, what did you think? Drop us a note and let us know! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe [https://semhar.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

#23: What I Saw In My Minnesota: It's Still Intense & Not Over

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit semhar.substack.com [https://semhar.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_7] In this episode of That Second-Gen Life, Semhar is back from an extended personal visit to Minnesota with a heavy, firsthand look at what’s actually happening on the ground. Forget what you’re seeing in the headlines. Semhar describes a community living under a "state of siege," where neighborhood streets have turned into a practice run for authoritarian force. From unlabeled SUVs staking out playgrounds to the incredible bravery of neighbors in green vests protecting local kids, this is a raw conversation about the fear, the resilience, and why what's happening in the North Star State is a wake-up call for the rest of the country. You won't want to miss this one. It’s a deep dive into how we show up for each other when things get real.

#22: Why Diasporas (And Everyone Else) Need To Know and Understand Their Rights

Hi everyone, I’m coming to you today with a bit of a heavy heart. This wasn’t a planned episode, but sometimes life—and the headlines—don’t wait for a production schedule. If you’ve been watching what’s happening in Minnesota lately, especially within the Somali diaspora and the broader immigrant community, you know it’s been a tumultuous couple of weeks. Between the increased targeting, the presence of ICE, and the fear rippling through our neighborhoods, it’s felt… a lot. That Second-Gen Life with Semhar is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. I’ve been sitting here reflecting on the stories we carry as second-gen kids. Most of us are here because someone in our family took a massive, often dangerous risk to give us a life where we’re supposed to feel “safe.” But as we’re seeing right now, safety isn’t always a given—sometimes it has to be defended with knowledge. So tune in and listen to what you can do from where you are - to prepare, protect and support each other. I gathered resources—specifically scripts and “Red Cards” translated into various African diaspora languages including Tigrinia, Amharic, Somali, Afaan Oromo, Fulani, Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Swahili, Arabic and more —because I want us to be prepared, informed and empowered. Let’s keep looking out for one another, and stay safe and be kind to yourselves. Love always, Semhar This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe [https://semhar.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

#21: Setting Your Diaspora Intentions for 2026

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit semhar.substack.com [https://semhar.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_7] Radical Honesty and Setting Intentions for the New Year In this episode of 'That Second Gen Life with Semhar,' host Semhar Araia talks about the importance of radical honesty in self-assessment and intention setting as we enter the new year. She encourages listeners to review the past year, identify lessons learned, and understand their current commitments and obligations. Semhar also emphasizes creating an accountability framework to help achieve goals and aspirations. The focus is on holistic self-improvement rather than just setting resolutions. The episode serves as a guide for listeners, particularly those in the diaspora, to navigate their lives intentionally and effectively. 00:00 Welcome ‌00:51 Introduction and New Year Wishes 01:13 Reflecting on the Past Year 02:44 Setting Intentions for the New Year 05:53 Assessing Your Ecosystem 11:50 Building an Accountability Framework 17:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#20: This Diaspora Mindset Move That Helps You Keep Going in Hard Seasons

What helps you keep going when things get especially tough? As we close out 2025, I did a lookback and went much farther than I thought I would. What became a simple reflection over the year, took me into a lifelong journey of lessons and blessings. So I hit record to share a simple practice that has been fueling me lately: the practice of gratitude as a daily reset. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semhar.substack.com/subscribe [https://semhar.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]