Get to Know the Visionaries Behind ADA Global Studies𖦹
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MEET THE FOUNDERS
Our Story
Moriah Ray and Jasmine Hall, childhood friends, founded ADA Global Studies to provide authentic, meaningful study abroad opportunities centered around the African Diaspora. After their own eurocentric study abroad experiences failed to reflect Afro-Indigenous cultures, they were inspired to create programs that celebrate and connect Black communities globally.
ADA Global Studies emphasizes solidarity rather than charity by working with grassroots organizations and communities. The founders envisioned an organization that empowers students to explore their cultural heritage while supporting local economies and fostering long-term global partnerships.
Rooted in the belief that education should be impactful and globally connected.
Our Purpose
For Students
ADA’s programs offer BIPOC students a chance to explore their roots and feel a sense of belonging.
For communities
Our partnerships center grassroots efforts, ensuring that the communities we visit benefit equitably from tourism.
What We’ve Achieved
Here are some incredible milestones we’ve reached since our founding in 2015:
100+ Students
Empowering the next generation of leaders across the African Diaspora with immersive and transformative study abroad programs.
Specialized Study Program
Our programs offer in-depth, culturally relevant learning experiences tailored to diverse fields of study, with a focus on African Diasporic communities.
Over 50+
We've cultivated over 50 partnerships with educational institutions and grassroots organizations to create long-term, impactful study abroad opportunities.
What We Stand For
01
We prioritize creating sustainable, respectful partnerships with local communities.
Ethical Travel
02
We believe in the power of global experiences to transform both students’ lives and local economies.
Global Education
03
Ensuring our impact strengthens the communities we visit by amplifying their voices and supporting their development.
Supporting Indigenous Economies
meet our founders
meet our founders
Co-Founder + CEO
Jasmine Hall
Jasmine is the CoFounder of The African Diaspora Alliance and holds a masters in Public Health from The Keck School of Medicine of The University of Southern California. In her work with The African Diaspora Alliance, Jasmine has co-created an African Diaspora centered curriculum that has been taught throughout the U.S. She has co-facilitated several transnational events and exchanges between Cuba, Colombia, Costa Rica and the U.S.
Jasmine has traveled to over 30 countries, spending substantial time living, working, and building with grassroots community organizers and artists throughout the African Diaspora. Jasmine has studied photography and journalism at The University of Havana, University of the Arts (ISA), and San Alejandro de Los Artes in Cuba.
Jasmine produced an award winning documentary titled "Youth of the Diaspora: Havana, Cuba" which highlighted the story of 10 young people from Baltimore who traveled to Cuba through her organization.
Jasmine is a published author focusing on African and Black Diaspora Studies and Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies.
MORIAH RAY
Co-Founder + CEO
Moriah Ray is a fluid writer, researcher, and transnational anti-racist organizer. Ray has been the CoFounder and Executive Director of The African Diaspora Alliance since 2016 and the Director of Morgan State University's Office of Study Abroad since 2023. Her background is uniquely shaped by academic field research and experiences curating and leading study abroad programs for hundreds of high school and college students throughout the African Diaspora.
Ray completed her undergraduate career at the University of Maryland College Park where she studied Government and Politics with a minor in International Development and Conflict Management.
Ray earned her Masters from New York University in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She has had various travel opportunities throughout the globe studying and researching the African Diaspora including Barbados, Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, South Africa, and various other countries.
Ray has had the opportunity to share her passion through various publications including NPR Latino and African and Black Diaspora: An International Journal.
YOUTH OF THE DIASPORA AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY
Capturing the life-changing experience of ten Black youth from Baltimore on a cultural immersion journey in Cuba, this film highlights the transformative power of our study abroad program, fostering critical thinking and deep connections with African Diaspora communities while addressing systemic issues like racism and health disparities.
Take the first step towards a transformative journey that connects you to the world and empowers you to make a lasting impact.
Your path to global understanding and cultural exchange starts here—where every experience brings you closer to the change you seek.
Speak Directly to Our Founders
Book a one-on-one discovery call with the ADA Global Studies founders to discuss how our programs can align with your institution's goals. If you're looking to enrich your curriculum, enhance student global engagement, or create a long-term partnership, we’re here to help guide you through the opportunities we offer!
