Save the date!
SpanDNA Families Annual International Transatlantic Genealogy (TAG) Summit
24-25 May 2025 Atlanta, GA, USA
THEME
Portals of Possibilities
The possibilities for our individual and collective wellness, our acquisition of knowledge, our abilities to contribute to the advancement of our communities are limitless if we search, collaborate, and take the steps.
“Our ancestors are the roots of our family tree; discovering them nourishes the branches we extend into the present and the future”
– Adwoa Ulzen Setrakian
ABOUT
SpanDNA Families
Welcome to spanDNA Families, a community of individuals who have taken commercial DNA tests to uncover previously unimaginable ancestral connections. Our founding members, who are of African descent, share roots in Ghana and a commitment to exploring the ties that bind us together.
One of our remarkable connections involves our Ghanaian-Canadian-American founder and her African-American cousin, who discovered their shared lineage through the DNA of her Ghanaian-born great aunt and his American-born great-great uncle. Such stories illustrate how, by delving into our shared histories, we transcend the hyphens in our identities and embrace our deepest connections as souls whose material identities are rich with endless intersections.
SpanDNA Families Collective
A pioneering initiative dedicated to an integrated body, mind, and soul approach to exploring individual and collective past, present, and future. At the heart of our collective lies a commitment to exploring interconnectedness through the arts, the sciences, spirituality, and community engagement.
A movement towards embracing our collective heritage and forging meaningful connections. By integrating the arts, sciences, and spirituality, we embark on a journey to explore our origins and the essence of what it means to be part of the human family.
Elmina-Java Museum
The Elmina-Java Museum is established as a philanthropic project in culturally sustainable tourism. Income derived from the Java Museum and Guesthouse will support philanthropic projects in the fields of general education, public health and the arts. Scholarships for higher education will be awarded to deserving youth from the Elmina area. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, youth from other parts of Ghana and Africa may be indeed be considered.
At spanDNA Families we invite you to join us as we discover and develop strong family ties… Ebusua Pa.
Presenters, Facilitators, Speakers
Adwoa Ulzen Setrakian
Presenter
Owner and founder of Human Temple Therapeutics who believes “the betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds…” and strives to bring coherence to service, occupation, family, and wellness for herself and others. She’s the cousin you just haven’t met yet!
Thaddeus Ulzen
Born in Ghana, he became Ghana’s youngest physician at the age of 22. He is the Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the University of Alabama and the author of Java Hill.
Sallie Ann Robinson
Keynote Speaker
“The Gullah Cooking Diva,” is a sixth-generation Gullah native of Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, celebrated for her culinary prowess and deep knowledge of Gullah culture.
Malii Watts Witten
Malii [May-Lee] Watts Witten of EngageBetween, holds 20+ years’ experience partnering with people to develop organizational culture from the inside-out.
Misty Lynne Cauthen
Misty Lynne, a comprehensively Certified Pilates teacher, is the owner and director of Dragonfly Pilates LLC and a Principal Educator with Balanced Body Inc.
PANELS
At a Glance
Cousin Panel
Christopher Smothers (Ulzen)
Stephanie Miller (Mensah)
Kimberly Washington (Arhin)
Lena Buckle
Raphael Buckle
Ekua Mensah
Thaddeus Ulzen
Mercy Arhin Ferguson
Artists
Masud Olufani
Atlanta-based actor, mixed media artist, and writer. His diverse practice delves into the resonance of memory, African and African American folklore, and the resilience of marginalized communities. Through a variety of materials and methods, he examines how objects connect with both personal and collective history.
Ekua Mensah
The London-born French and piano teacher grew up in Ghana, Zambia, and Uganda. She has shared her appreciation for Ebibi Ndwom (Traditional Fante Spirituals) through musical compositions and was a co-founder of a Toronto-based Ghanaian children’s choir.
Nanseera Wolff
The London-born singer-songwriter grew up in Uganda and Ethiopia, moving to the United States for her secondary and tertiary education. Her 2022 debut album, American Odyssey, loosely follows a road trip with friends and a journey of personal discovery.
Whole Wellness Team
Misty Lynne Cauthen
Thaddeus Ulzen MD
Adwoa Ulzen Setrakian
Become a Vendor/Exhibit Hall
If you have tools, services, resources, or products to benefit our attendees, express interest using the button below.
Become a Sponsor
Does your organization have a social accountability department? Is your corporation looking for ways to actively, meaningfully, and practically contribute to the physical, mental, spiritual well-being of people and communities of color? Be a part of supporting the spanDNA Families Collective.
Sponsorship Opportunities
w/ in-kind option for gift bags (150)
$5,000 – 3 available
- If in attendance – address the audience for 3 min
- 2 complimentary guest passes to event
- Opportunity to include product/flyer/coupon in guest gift bags (may need 150)
- All-day check-in station (table in main check-in stations)
- Verbal mentions at welcome, throughout the day and closing sessions
- 1 Logo and website link on Summit event page
- 1 Logo and website link on Summit event articles
- 1 Member email newsletter mention – Logo and website link
- 1 IG, 1 LinkedIn, and 1 FB post mention (featured /named on event line-up)
- 1 dedicated IG and 1 FB post
- 1 Promo on Digital notice board in space
$2,500 – 2 Available
- 1 expert to join panel discussion – Wellness Panel
- Verbal mentions at welcome, during the day and closing sessions
- 1 Logo and website link on Summit event page
- 1 Logo and website link on Summit event articles
- 1 Member email newsletter mention – Logo and website link
- 1 IG, 1 LinkedIn, and 1 FB post mention (featured /named on event line-up)
- 1 dedicated IG and 1 FB post
- 1 Promo on Digital notice board in space
- 1 complimentary guest pass to event
$1,500 – 2 Available
- Verbal mentions at welcome, at start and close of Pilates, Ghanaian Dance, and closing sessions
- 1 Logo and website link on Summit event page
- 1 Logo and website link on Summit event articles
- 1 Member email newsletter mention – Logo and website link
- 1 IG, 1 LinkedIn, and 1 FB post mention (part of event line-up)
- 1 dedicated IG and 1 FB post
- 1 Promo on Digital notice board in space
- 1 complimentary guest pass to event
$500 – 4 Available
- 1 Logo and website link on Summit event page
- 1 Logo and website link on Summit event articles
- 1 Member email newsletter mention – Logo and website link
- 1 IG, 1 LinkedIn, and 1 FB post
$300 – 2 Available
- 1 Logo and website link on Member platform event page
- 1 Logo and website link on Member platform monthly event article
- 1 Member email newsletter mention – Logo and website link
- 1 IG, 1 LinkedIn, and 1 FB post mention (part of event line-up)
Request an invitation to the TAG Summit
Save with “Early Bird” rates. Take advantage of registering individually, with a guest, or as a family group. Give yourself adequate time to prepare with DIY resources or bundled services for “Early Bird” registrants.
Click in the button to request your invitation. Once submitted, your connection will be confirmed and you will receive a an invitation.
Have any questions about our conference?
Use our chatbot here to find your answers. If you have further questions get in touch.
How can I join one of the pre-TAG 2025 summit webinars?
To join one of the pre-TAG 2025 Summit webinars, you must first complete the registration process for the summit. Once you have registered and indicated your intent to attend the summit, you will receive an invitation to the pre-Summit webinars. Here’s how you can proceed:
1. Visit the registration page for the TAG 2025 Summit: TAG 2025 Summit Registration.
2. Complete the registration form with your details and select the appropriate registration option based on your relationship to a nucleus cousin or the DNA matches.
3. Ensure you provide accurate contact information and express your interest in joining the pre-Summit webinars.
4. Once your registration is confirmed, you will receive an invitation to the pre-TAG 2025 Summit webinars.
5. Participate in the webinars to gain valuable insights and prepare for the summit experience.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
When is the deadline to register?
Registration Deadline
The registration deadline for the spanDNA Families Transatlantic Genealogy 2025 Summit is when all 100 spaces have been filled. It’s important to secure your spot as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out on this unique gathering.
If you’re interested in registering, you can do so by visiting the registration page here: Registration Page. Let me know if you need any further assistance with the registration process!
Are there discounted registration rates?
Absolutely! There are discounted registration rates available for the TAG 2025 Summit. These rates are listed on the registration page along with the associated deadlines and types of registrations that qualify for the discounts. Make sure to check out the registration page for more details on the discounted rates.
If you’re interested in learning more about the registration process or if you have any specific questions about the discounted rates, feel free to ask!
Do I have to take a DNA test to come?
To attend the spanDNA Families Transatlantic Genealogy 2025 Summit, having taken an Ancestry DNA test and matching with one of the four Ghanaians identified as nucleus cousins is the main criteria for receiving an early and personal invitation. If you haven’t taken a test yet, you can still register as a guest of someone who has. This summit aims to connect individuals who share DNA and ancestral ties, so having taken the test is crucial for participation. If you have any more questions or need assistance with the registration process, feel free to ask or visit the registration interest and support form [here].
Who can tell me how I'm related to the nucleus cousin(s)?
To determine how you are related to the nucleus cousin(s) identified through your Ancestry DNA test, you can follow these steps:
1. Analyze Your Ancestry DNA Test Results:
- Look for shared DNA matches between you and the nucleus cousin(s).
- Pay attention to the amount of shared DNA and any shared ethnicity estimates.
2. Build Your Family Tree:
- Create a family tree on Ancestry or other genealogy platforms.
- Add information about your known relatives and ancestors.
3. Compare Family Trees:
- Compare your family tree with the family trees of the nucleus cousin(s).
- Look for common ancestors, shared surnames, or geographical connections.
4. Consult with Genetic Genealogists:
- Consider seeking help from genetic genealogists or experts.
- They can provide insights into interpreting DNA results and identifying shared ancestors.
4. Engage in Collaboration and Research:
- Collaborate with other relatives who share DNA with the nucleus cousin(s).
- Share information, documents, and stories to piece together the family connections.
Remember, the preparation and research you do ahead of the TAG 2025 Summit will enhance your experience and understanding of your familial connections. If you have any specific questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask!
