Evelia is passionate about creating experiences for herself and others that celebrate, discover, connect, and empower Africa and the diaspora. Her passion for Africa and the diaspora started in undergraduate college while attending the University of California at Berkeley and taking African American Studies classes. The seed was planted to learn more about her roots and Africa's rich culture and history. Her dream of traveling to Africa was fulfilled in 2012 when she traveled to South Africa and Zambia. The moment she set foot on African soil and the first person told her, “Welcome Home Sister,” an unbreakable connection was realized. She returned to Africa in 2019 for the Year of the Return in Ghana and has traveled to Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Egypt, and Morocco. The seed planted many years ago grew into the Diaspora Collective, a space for the community (jamaii) to connect, taste the flavors (Latha Restaurant & Bar) of Africa and the diaspora and shop a market (Soko) of goods made and designed by Black artisans. She believes creating an inclusive space for the collective to celebrate and experience the food, drink, and culture empowers them to shape our narrative. It takes a collective!