It Takes a Village Initiative
Empowering Communities. Building Bridges. Helping Families Thrive.
Join us for this annual national gathering designed to uplift African immigrant families, professionals, and advocates through a powerful mix of dialogue, connection, and celebration.
Our Vision
“It Takes a Village” is AfriThrive’s annual national gathering designed to uplift African immigrant families, professionals, and advocates through a powerful mix of dialogue, connection, and celebration. Grounded in the African proverb that inspires its name, the conference is a space for African immigrants and immigrant-serving partners to forge meaningful partnerships and equip participants with tools to build thriving, equitable communities.
Whether you’re an educator, health professional, policymaker, business leader, or community advocate, this event invites you to learn, collaborate, and act.
What the Conference Offers
Whether you’re an advocate, a professional, an educator, or a community member, this conference offers a unique platform to contribute to shaping a more equitable future. Come, be part of the change and leave empowered with resources and insights to make a tangible impact in your community.
It’s a conference you won’t want to miss!
What to Expect
- Participate in interactive sessions with industry experts, community leaders, and cultural ambassadors.
- Connect with like-minded professionals to build collaborative partnerships and foster long-term relationships.
- Real-world case studies from across the African diaspora with opportunities to co-create sustainable change with peers from across the nation
- Get equipped with the knowledge and tools to proactively transform structures and practices.
- Explore AfriThrive’s initiatives in cultural farming and the importance of partnerships in sustaining immigrant communities through agriculture.
Year Round Learning and Support
The Village Doesn’t End After the Conference.
We believe that meaningful change requires sustained engagement. That’s why our commitment to uplifting African immigrant families, youth, and service providers continues all year long through practical resources, community-centered programs, and shared learning.
- Stay connected with conference attendees, speakers, and changemakers for idea-sharing and collaboration throught the National Peer Network
- Monthly virtual sessions on parenting, mental health, education advocacy, immigration updates, and more.
- Gain access to a Resource Library & Tools for culturally relevant toolkits, research briefs, and practical guides for educators, families, and service providers.
- Participate in local Volunteer & Engagement Opportunities at AfriThrive’s cultural farm activities focused on food justice initiatives, youth mentorship, and advocacy campaigns.
- Be the first to hear about upcoming conferences, panels, and leadership opportunities to share your voice.
SPONSOR OUR CONFERENCE PROGRAM
$10, 500
Goal : $50,000
It Takes a Village Conference brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and professionals from various industries and organizations working with African Diaspora communities and immigrant families.
Join us as we explore opportunities for networking and collaborative learning strategies to dismantle barriers and enhance belonging in our community.
Call for Speakers + Panelists
We’re looking for dynamic, knowledgeable, and passionate voices to lead the conversation at the It Takes a Village Conference.
Whether you're a professional, parent, educator, youth leader, or changemaker with lived experience, we invite you to apply or nominate someone to speak.
Support Year-Round Impact as a Sponsor
Sponsors don’t just power the conference, they fuel the movement. By partnering with AfriThrive, your brand becomes a champion of long-term community transformation. Sponsorship supports ongoing educational access, family services, and leadership development that continues well after the event ends.
F. A. Q's
Your Guide to the It Takes a Village Conference
This FAQ provides key insights for making the most of this empowering, culturally relevant, and solution-focused gathering.
The It Takes a Village Conference is a two-day national gathering hosted by AfriThrive, focused on empowering African immigrant families and equipping the professionals who serve them. Through expert-led panels, practical workshops, and networking sessions, participants will explore real-world solutions that advance equity, well-being, and opportunity.
Exact dates will be announced soon.
Location: Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Hotel
Address: 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
The conference is open to all who are passionate about supporting African immigrant families and communities, including:
Nonprofit leaders & community organizers
Social workers & case managers
Educators & school administrators
Healthcare & mental health professionals
Public sector & policy advocates
Immigrant families & allies
Students, researchers & youth leaders
You’ll gain access to:
Culturally responsive strategies for service delivery
Insight into food justice, education equity, and youth empowerment
Tools for building wealth in immigrant communities
Knowledge on navigating the U.S. immigration and school systems
Meaningful connections with like-minded professionals
Panel and session topics include:
Food & Environmental Justice
Mental Health & Identity in the Diaspora
Navigating Immigration Systems
Parenting & Educational Advocacy
Wealth Building & Financial Literacy
Public Policy and Collective Power
Youth Leadership and Professional Growth
Visit www.ittakesavillageconference.org to register. Early registration is recommended, as space is limited.
Yes! Free onsite childcare will be provided for registered participants. Please indicate your interest during registration to help us plan appropriately.
Yes. We welcome diverse voices from all backgrounds — including professionals, youth, and lived-experience experts. Email your topic and a short bio to [email protected].
This year's conference is primarily in-person. However, limited livestream access to select sessions may be available. Stay tuned to our email updates.
Absolutely. Organizations can showcase their programs or resources with a display table during the conference. Space is limited. Email [email protected] for availability.
Follow us on social media and subscribe to the AfriThrive email list for all updates.
📧 Email: [email protected] with any questions
📱 Social: @afrithrive.inc on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn