Gelila Puck shares her immigration story and reshaping the narrative of Africa and diaspora

November 7th, 2023

Gelila Assefa Puck, a fashion designer, philanthropist and founder of Dream for Future Africa Foundation, discusses her ongoing work to rebrand the narrative about Africa and her efforts help Georgia State University students from Africa and the African diaspora stand in their culture and core values to reach their goals. (photo courtesy of Gelila Assefa Puck)

Gelila Assefa Puck can still remember arriving in the United States from Ethiopia as a teenager. Fast forward to today, the renowned philanthropist, fashion designer and founder of the Dream for Future Africa Foundation, is using her love for education, history and culture to build opportunities for others.

Puck is on the advisory board of the Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora (CSAD) at Georgia State University. According to the website, the mission of the CSAD is “focused on increasing worldwide understanding of people from Africa and the African diaspora and their ongoing contributions to the world.”

Puck has also said that addressing matters that affect Africa and its diaspora and finding solutions to build a world that is fairer and just are causes close to her heart.

On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Puck talked with show host Rose Scott ahead of her visit to Atlanta about her ongoing work to rebrand the narrative about Africa. She’s also putting her efforts towards helping students from Africa and the African diaspora stand in their culture and core values to reach their goals.