The East AfricanCollaboration Circle
A bi-weekly, high-trust cohort for East African diaspora leaders and professionals who want to rebuild trust, collaboration, and real partnerships
On November 24th, diaspora leaders across the U.S. named the same core challenge: we lack a trusted, cohesive infrastructure to collaborate, support each other, and access opportunities together. The January 2026 Collaboration Circle is our first step toward building exactly that.
Limited to 8-10 founding members
What Happens in Session 1: The Truth Session
Monday, January 6, 2026 - Our first cohort session sets the foundation for authentic collaboration
Time
7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET
Duration
90 minutes
Format
Zoom video call
Session Agenda
Welcome & Ground Rules
Setting expectations for authentic, judgment-free dialogue
Deep Introductions
Your story, your work, and what brought you to this cohort
The Truth Exercise
Honest discussion: What's really stopping us from collaborating as a diaspora?
Session 2 Preview & Homework
What to prepare for our next session on January 20th
What You'll Gain from Session 1
Deep understanding of each cohort member's work and goals
Shared clarity on the root challenges we face as diaspora professionals
Foundation of trust through vulnerable, honest conversation
Clear roadmap for the remaining three sessions
What You Will Gain
By participating in the January 2026 Cohort, you'll develop concrete tools and partnerships to advance your work.
A Collaboration Map
Clarity on your strengths, lane, and partnership patterns.
A Shared Collaboration Charter
Principles and norms we create together to guide diaspora partnerships.
One Real Partnership
You will form one concrete collaboration to pursue in February/March 2026.
Clarity for February
As a group, we choose which focused sprint to launch next.
Why We're Testing This
"After interviewing 18 East Africans in the diaspora, I learned something crucial: people don't need more content or generic networking—they need trusted circles where real challenges get real support. That's why I'm starting with this Discovery Session. I want to build exactly what you need, not what I assume you need."
Kasisi Johnson Kĩriakũ Kĩnyua
Founder
Lake Elsinore, California
"I've tried LinkedIn groups, professional associations, even church networks—but nothing addresses the specific challenges of building a business as an East African in the diaspora. When Kasisi invited me to help shape this from the ground up, I said yes immediately. This is what I've been looking for."
MKMary K., Los Angeles, California
Founding Pilot Member
Built on Real Research
This network is informed by:
- 18 in-depth interviews with East African diaspora professionals
- 3 years of running Radio Kenya United (faith & culture community)
- Direct experience navigating visa challenges, credential barriers, and cultural isolation
We're not guessing. We're listening.
Community Vote: Meeting Rhythm
During the November 24th session, the group voted on meeting frequency:
- Bi-weekly (every 2 weeks): 7 votes
- Once a month: 3 votes
- Every week: 2 votes
- Not sure: 0 votes
Based on this, the January 2026 Collaboration Circle will follow a bi-weekly rhythm.
What Participants Said
"We don't collaborate — everyone starts their own thing."
— Participant, Nov 24
"Trust is our biggest challenge as a diaspora."
— Participant, Nov 24
"Other communities work together. We need to learn from them."
— Participant, Nov 24
January–February 2026 Schedule
The cohort meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays for 90 minutes:
- Session 1: January 6, 2026 — The Truth Session
- Session 2: January 20, 2026 — Collaboration Skills for Diaspora Leaders
- Session 3: February 3, 2026 — Building the Collaboration Charter
- Session 4: February 17, 2026 — Partnership Lab
Be a Founding Member
January 2026 Founding Cohort
We're starting small and intentional—8 to 10 committed professionals forming the first East African Collaboration Circle.
Why This Cohort
During our discovery session, people repeatedly raised the same issues: mistrust, fragmentation, duplication, lack of collaboration, and feeling shut out of opportunities. This cohort is our first step toward real unity and partnership across the diaspora.
The 4-Session Journey:
Session 1: The Truth Session (January 6, 2026)
Share authentic challenges and build initial trust
Session 2: Collaboration Skills (January 20, 2026)
Learn proven frameworks for diaspora partnerships
Session 3: Build the Charter (February 3, 2026)
Co-create principles and norms for collaboration
Session 4: Partnership Lab (February 17, 2026)
Form one concrete collaboration to pursue together
Rolling admissions - Apply now to secure your spot
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Monday's Discovery Session
Join the January 2026 Cohort
This cohort is limited to 8–10 committed participants. If you'd like to join, add your details below.
Join the January 2026 Cohort
January - February 2026 Founding Cohort
This cohort is limited to 8–10 committed participants. If you'd like to join, add your details below.
Bi-Weekly Tuesdays, 90 Minutes
What You'll Gain:
A Collaboration Map
Clarity on your strengths and partnership patterns
Shared Charter
Principles we create together for diaspora partnerships
One Real Partnership
Form one concrete collaboration to pursue
Clarity for February
Choose which focused sprint to launch next
Based on November 24th Discovery Session: The group voted for bi-weekly meetings (7 votes), making this cohort intentionally small and high-trust.
Applications close December 20, 2025