In this presentation, Adwoa Ulzen-Setrakian, founder of spanDNA and Human Temple Therapeutics LLC, explores how genetic genealogy has become a powerful tool for families of African descent to reclaim their histories and restore connections severed by displacement, migration, and historical traumas. Through a family-centered approach, Adwoa demonstrates how commercial DNA testing can do more than uncover personal ancestry—it can reconstruct the bonds of kinship across generations and continents. Drawing from real-life case studies, Adwoa will share stories of how African-descended families are using genetic genealogy to facilitate reconnecting with lost relatives, restoring collective memory, and explore opportunities for healing from intergenerational wounds. Attendees will learn about the unique challenges faced by these families, especially when traditional records and oral histories fall short, and how spanDNA’s method helps bridge the gaps using DNA analysis, compassionate research, and a collaborative, community-based approach. A key focus will be the culmination of these efforts at gatherings such as the upcoming Transatlantic Genealogy Summit 2025, where families who have reconnected through DNA will come together to celebrate their shared heritage, foster deeper connections, and continue building their family legacies. Attendees will walk away with: Insight into how genetic genealogy can be a transformative tool for family legacy-building, particularly within the African diaspora. Practical knowledge of how to use commercial DNA testing platforms to connect with genetic relatives and uncover ancestral histories. A better understanding of how family reunions and summits, such as the Transatlantic Genealogy Summit, can serve as a powerful culmination of genealogical research and DNA connections. Real-life examples of success stories and the emotional impact of restoring long-lost family ties. This presentation may inspire families to see themselves as protagonists in their own stories, capable of uncovering veiled memories and reclaiming their place within the larger, interconnected human family.
The webinar Family Legacies Reclaimed: Building Family Ties Through Genetic Genealogy, presented by professional genealogist Adwoa Ulzen-Setrakian, explores the transformative role of genetic testing in reconnecting African-descended families across continents. Framed within the broader context of the African Diaspora and historical displacement, Ulzen-Setrakian combines personal experience, case studies, and community-driven research to show how DNA can serve as a powerful tool for healing, identity formation, and historical reclamation. Drawing from her own Ghanaian-Canadian heritage and the work of spanDNA, she shares a deeply human, multi-generational journey that illustrates how science and storytelling merge to rewrite the narrative of African ancestry.
Genetic Genealogy as a Bridge Across Time and Trauma
Ulzen-Setrakian emphasizes how DNA testing can fill the gaps left by colonial erasure, slavery, and migration, especially when traditional records fall short. Through projects like the Transatlantic Genealogy Summit, descendants from Ghana, the Americas, and beyond are uncovering familial ties once severed by historical trauma.
The Power of Community-Driven Research
The webinar showcases how Ulzen-Setrakian’s approach goes beyond the individual to foster collective discovery. Through collaboration with family members, DNA matches, and fellow genealogists, she creates safe, supportive environments where shared history can be explored with empathy, especially when confronting sensitive or unexpected findings.
Centering the Matriarchal Narrative
One of the most compelling themes is Ulzen-Setrakian’s call to honor often-overlooked female ancestors. She challenges the traditional, patriarchal lens of genealogy by advocating for mitochondrial DNA testing and storytelling that acknowledges the resilience and agency of African women across generations.
This insightful presentation is a must-watch for anyone seeking to deepen their genealogical practice through inclusive, ethical, and emotionally intelligent methods. Ulzen-Setrakian’s work not only redefines how we trace our roots but also models how to build meaningful connections across cultural and national boundaries.
Explore the full webinar to witness how real families have rediscovered lost kinship, reclaimed narratives, and built bridges across the Atlantic. For genealogists at any stage, the accompanying syllabus offers additional resources, tools, and frameworks to begin or enhance your own research journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leader at the forefront of global, community-centered genealogy.
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Syllabus
A good presentation!
Thank you so much for joining and for your warm encouragement. It was a pleasure to share.
Very insightful
It always helps to know what aspects are appealing to others. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Absolutely fascinating and so interesting. Thank you.
Thank you for joining and taking the time to share your thoughts with me
A lot of new ways of finding connections and processing information together.
It’s so true. If everyone chips in with their interests, knowledge, and talents, we can learn so much more together.
Great presentation! I enjoyed learning how to look at genealogy from a different perspective.
Thank you for joining, your encouragement, and taking the time to share your thoughts and time with me
Excellent presentation! Hope to hear more from her in the future. Loved the interviews from the YouTube clips!!
I have so many rusty videos on YouTube that I’ve named my “Mom Try Productions”. I’m so grateful for the power of time to build capacity and refinement😅. I was fortunate to have support from three phenomenal videographers who volunteered their time and talents for the nonprofit summit. Thank you for your encouragement and feedback.
A very interesting talk by a really thoughtful and engaging speaker.
You are so kind to take the time to say so. Thank you
Wonderful
I hope folks will take advantage of the support you can provide. I’ve learned so much by simply being able to communicate with you and explore possibilities with you! Thank you for tuning in from Ghana 🇬🇭!