Asad el Malik, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, is a visionary leader in intercultural engagement and academic exchange. He holds a doctorate in Intercultural Relations from Columbia International University and has dedicated his career to fostering connections between African American communities and the African continent. His work focuses on creating impactful opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange that resonate across borders.

As the Project Director of the Diaspora Project at the African Center for the Study of the United States, Asad plays a key role in shaping the center’s mission to connect African American institutions, organizations, and individuals with Africa. Under his leadership, the project has expanded its scope to include innovative programs and partnerships that strengthen ties between the African diaspora and the continent. His strategic oversight has guided intercultural engagement initiatives that promote collaboration and deeper understanding between the two regions.

One of his most notable achievements is the creation of the African Summer for Academic Development Program, a transformative two-week study abroad experience in South Africa for HBCU students.

In addition to his leadership and academic achievements, Asad is the author of Find Home Again: My Journey from the United States to South Africa, a powerful memoir that chronicles his personal exploration of identity and belonging. His work continues to inspire and empower students, educators, and professionals to explore the rich connections between Africa and the African diaspora, fostering a greater understanding of intercultural relations and global perspectives.