araia's main area of focus has been on providing accurate information and clarifying misconceptions regarding the horn of africa region and its diaspora. she has also encouraged expatriates to re-invest in africa's development through leadership, organizations and especially the remittance system. in this capacity, she founded and serves as the executive director of the diaspora african women's network (dawn), a non-governmental organization based in washington, d.c. whose mission is to develop and support talented female immigrants from africa. it presently has 180 members representing various places around the world.