Festival of the Diaspora 2025: Uniting Communities, Celebrating Inclusion
Now more than ever, it is vital to unite people to collaborate and co-create. The 2025 Festival of the Diaspora in Medellín, Colombia, embodied this spirit, weaving a collective experience into a celebratory tapestry of shared experiences and culture.
LINK participated for its fourth year, continuing our support since the festival’s launch. Our goals included helping our partners and clients expand globally from the education sector to cultural exchange and sporting events, launching LINK’s translation and cultural competency services, and engaging in meaningful conversations about the diaspora’s challenges and successes.
During the four-day visit, LINK President Michael Akin spoke in two conference sessions, working alongside Chief of Staff Jamal Holtz to foster partnerships and international engagement. Our Multimedia Director Ihamna Cubillos Valencia led photography and video production, working with LINK Associate Paola Wallace Asprilla, who served as a translator and cultural competency leader.
On the first day, Michael designed and moderated the “Inclusive Innovation, Multi-Generational Leadership & Belonging” session alongside our partners and friends, including Angie M. Gates (President & CEO, Events DC), Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette (President Emeritus, Huston-Tillotson University), Rashad Young (Senior Vice President for Administration and Chief Administrative Officer, Howard University), Gary Officer (CEO & Founder, CWI Labs), and Tameka Young (Founder & CEO, Kidpreneurs). They explored how inclusive innovation and intergenerational leadership foster a culture of belonging, sharing best practices for building an environment where individuals feel valued and empowered. These conversations highlighted strategies for creating pathway opportunities and supporting growth, ensuring that everyone has a chance to thrive and contribute to a collaborative and thriving workplace.
On the final day, Jevin Hodge (Chief Executive Officer, The Amplify Global Impact Group) moderated “The Power of Storytelling: From Mission to Message,” with panelists Jaci Quincy (Senior Experience Manager, verb.), Andrea Gonzaga (Senior Content Manager, Ser Tendencia), and our president, Michael Akin. They interacted with attendees, exploring storytelling’s role in mobilizing communities and inspiring action. Paola reflected, “When we share our journeys, we uplift each other and shake things up—ensuring everyone is seen, heard, and valued.”
Before departing, Team LINK toured Comuna 13, where their guide highlighted the resilience and cultural contributions of the Afro-Colombian community, which are deeply woven into Medellín’s identity. Of the experience, Ihamna said, “As an Afro-Colombian woman, seeing my people empowered and striving for more—like equal opportunity in spaces we’re often excluded from—was exactly what I needed.”
Jamal added, “It was more than a conference. It was real diplomacy, social impact, and cross-cultural connection. The authenticity, warmth, and commitment to collaboration made it unforgettable.”
“LINK fundamentally believes in the power of hyperlocal engagement in a global context,” said President Michael Akin. “Be it on the stage, in the community, or through personal dialogue, the Festival of the Diaspora continues to be one of the best forums for people-centered global engagement. We leave this conference with a renewed sense of purpose and many opportunities that we will continue to foster with the great people of Medellín.”
