Scholarship Recipients 2019
1. Name: Najma Abdalla
Scholarship:
School: University of Toronto Scarborough
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About: Najma is currently in her first year at the University of Toronto pursuing a dual Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies and Economics. In addition to succeeding academically, she’s acquired extensive experience working with various organizations and projects that help women and low-income families. Upon completion of school, she aims to work in a non-profit that aids female entrepreneurs.
2. Name: Teresa Akinbodun
Scholarship:
School: McMaster University
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About: Teresa is currently in her first year at McMaster University pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering with an option in co-operative education. In addition to her studies, she’s also developed a passion towards start-ups that help to solve common but overlooked problems faced by members of the black community. Upon completion of school, she aims to become a Software Engineer and Entrepreneur.
3. Name: Rebecca Amoah
Scholarship:
School: Osgoode Hall Law School of York University
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About: Rebecca is currently in her last year of pursuing a Juris Doctor at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. In addition to school, she’s been active in various extra-curriculars that promote the growth and development of members within the black community. A few that she’s gotten extensively involved in include I Am Not Invisible (IANI) and the Black Inmates and Friends Association (BIFA). Upon graduation, she plans on becoming a lawyer practicing in the area of corporate and commercial litigation.
4. Name: Joycelyn Asantewaa-Akuoko
Scholarship:
School: University of Western Ontario
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About: Joycelyn is currently in her first year of pursuing a Master’s of Public Health at the University of Western Ontario. Her extracurricular involvement has included volunteering as a peer-mentor at Student Mentors at Sacred Heart (SMASH) as well as a health advocate for the Malaria Prevention Program. She was also bestowed the Lieutenant Governor Award and the Giver Back scholarship for her contributions to the Newmarket Health Center. Upon completion, she aims to either enter medical school or obtain a job as a biostatistician.
5. Name: Aishat Bello
Scholarship:
School: McGill University
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About: Aishat is currently in her first year of pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences at McGill University. In addition to succeeding academically, she’s been extensively involved in leading various extra-curriculars. One example includes her role as Vice President of Finance in a start-up she helped to develop. Upon completing her studies, she plans to become a pediatrician.
6. Name: Falan Bennett
Scholarship:
School: University of Toronto
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About: Falan is currently in her first of pursuing a Master’s of Public Health with a specialization in Social and Behavioural Health Sciences at the University of Toronto. In addition to school, Falan has been extensively involved in various extra-curriculars that have demonstrated her propensity to step-up as a leader. A few examples include her role as the Vice-President of the Future Black Physicians Initiative, a Community of Support (COS) IGNITE Conference Organizer as well as a Humber River Hospital Black History Month Panelist. Upon completion of her studies, she plans to become a public health physician who specializes in both local and global public health policy.
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7. Name: Kimathi Bwomono
Scholarship:
School: Ryerson University
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About: Kimathi is currently in his first year of pursuing a Bachelor of Arts from Ryerson University. Since elementary he’s possessed a passion to get involved with extra-curriculars that benefit overlooked minority issues. A few include his involvement in the Rosedale Heights School of the Arts (RHSA) Black History Club and the RHSA Feminist Club. Upon completing school, he plans on entering the creative industry.
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8. Name: Ross Cocks
Scholarship:
School: University of Alberta
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About: Ross is currently in his first year of pursuing a Bachelor’s of Mathematics from the University of Alberta. Despite having faced many obstacles and adversities that have challenged his success and growth, he’s excelled on both an academic level as well as on an extra-curricular one. In addition to having been awarded the Eugene L. Brody Scholarship for his involvement with the Alberta Academic Review Journal, he’s also an honourary member of the Golden Key Society at the University of Alberta. Upon completing school, he plans on entering Architecture.
9. Name: Marisa Coulton
Scholarship:
School: Columbia University
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About: Marisa is currently in her first year at Columbia University pursuing a Master of Science in Journalism. A few of her impressive extra-curriculars include Editor-in-Chief of the Mirror, an Editorial Board Member for The ‘Temz Review and the Rusty Toque, two magazine start-ups in London, Ontario, as well as a Communications Consultant for Youth Challenge International. Upon graduating, she plans on becoming a communications professional.
10. Name: Anthony Downey
Scholarship:
School: Seneca College
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About: Anthony is currently in his first year at Seneca College pursuing a Diploma from the Business Administration – International Business Program at Seneca College. Over the years he’s developed an affinity for sports through the various positions he’s held on school sports teams as well as through his tenure as a volunteer coach. Upon finishing school, he plans to continue this passion by working in Marketing for Sports Management or Sports Apparel.
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11. Name: Lilian Dwira
Scholarship:
School: McMaster University
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About: Lilian is currently in her first year at McMaster University pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. On an extra-curricular level, she’s also been involved in many community-oriented initiatives including her school’s eco club, her school’s leadership club as well as St Francis’ Table, an organization that services the homeless. After completing school, she aspires to enter the medical field and become a family doctor.
12. Name: Victoria Ebereanyiam
Scholarship:
School: York University
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About: Victoria is currently in her second year at York University pursuing a Bachelor of Health Studies with specialized honours in health informatics. In addition to her studies, she’s been involved in a variety of extra-curriculars and community service initiatives. A few of them include the Youth Advisory Group, the Cedarbrook Recreation Centers’ Youth Council and the Centennial Recreation Centers’ Youth Council group. Upon graduating she plans to pursue a career as a Health Informatics Analyst or an Information Manager.
13. Name: Lama Elfaki
Scholarship:
School: University of Toronto
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About: Lama is currently in her first year at the University of Toronto pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering). In addition to school, she’s gotten involved with many programs that engage underprivileged students and youth in STEM-related activities. A few that she’s volunteered with and held leading positions in include Seniors in Cyberspace and Visions of Science – two programs that work with youth in surrounding communities. Upon graduation she plans to work as a biomedical engineer.
14. Name: Lina Elfaki
Scholarship:
School: University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine
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About: Lina is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree from the University of Toronto Doctor of Medicine Program (St. George campus). Frustrated by the prejudices and adversity she faced by being both black and muslim, she founded Girl’s STEM into Action and Step in STEM – two organizations devoted to addressing the inaccessibility of support programs for students in marginalized situations. Upon completing medical training, she plans to become a cardiac surgeon-scientist who advocates for the interests of under-privileged communities.
15. Name: Jordyn Goins
Scholarship:
School: Western University
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About: Jordyn is currently in her first year at Western University pursuing a Bachelor of Music Degree. Apart from her academics, she’s also gotten involved with many initiatives with a few including the Niagara Instrumental Elementary Music (NIEM) program, Port Colborne Cooperative Homes as well the Native Women’s Centre. She’s also been a part of her school’s jazz band, her school’s student council as well as her school’s sport teams. Upon completing school, she plans to become a high school music teacher.
16. Name: Leigh-Ann Grant
Scholarship:
School: University of Toronto Mississauga
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About: Leigh-Ann is currently in her first year at the University of Toronto, Mississauga pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science (Studies in Life Sciences). Apart from school, she’s also developed an affinity for music. A few programs she’s gotten involved with include her school’s Music Council as well as her school’s Regional Strings Program. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career in the health-care field.
17. Name: Chante Hamilton
Scholarship:
School: Ontario Tech University
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About: Chante is currently in her first year at Ontario Tech University pursuing a Collaborative Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. In addition to school, she’s been actively involved in many programs that promote leadership, youth mentorship and student engagement in STEM As a result of her active involvement in community initiatives, she was awarded both the Activating Student Success Award by Durham Black Educators Network as well as the Rising Star Award by the Dream Never Dies Foundation/. Upon graduating, she plans to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing while continuing her clinical certifications for work.
18. Name: Adara Harry
Scholarship:
School: Ryerson University
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About: Adara is currently in her first year of pursuing a Certificate/Diploma from the Business Technology Management Program at Ryerson University. Through her love for music she’s gotten involved in many music-oriented initiatives including her schools Music Council as well as the annual summer music camp hosted by Hope Lutheran Church. She is also the current co-leader of the African Heritage Club at her high school. After completing her studies she plans to enter the Project Management field.
19. Name: Ayesha Hassan
Scholarship:
School: McMaster University
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About: Ayesha is currently in her fourth year at McMaster University pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology. In addition to her studies, she’s also been actively involved in many extra-curriculars related to her field. A few of them include Co-Volunteer Lead and Treasurer for Healthy Haven, Public Relations Chair for iRISE: Reaching New Heights, a medical leadership conference, as well as the STEM Fellowship Outreach Co-Coordinator for the Scholarly Writing Challenge. Upon completing her studies, she plans to become a medical scientist or physician.
20. Name: Mya Hastings
Scholarship:
School: Ryerson University
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About: Mya is currently in her first year at Ryerson University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Sport Media Program with a Minor in Business Management. She’s previously been valedictorian on 2 occasions during high school and elementary and has developed a strong affinity for sports through competing in track both on a school and international level. Apart from her academics, she’s previously had the opportunity to volunteer with a group that focuses on empowering and inspiring black youth. Upon graduating she plans to attend law school with hopes of one day owning a sports agency.
21. Name: Safia Hirsi
Scholarship:
School: York University
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About: Safia is currently in her first year at York University pursuing a Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law. In addition to her academics, she’s been extensively involved as a volunteer with Sojourn House, an initiative supporting separated refugee youth in transitioning to Canada without their families. Safia is a recipient of the Paul Cantor Award given by York University in acknowledgement of her exhibiting “leadership and excellence” in her pursuit of completing studies in public policy. She has also won an award for best policy paper upon representing York at the Canadian Model UN Conference. Upon completing her studies, she aspires to become a policy analyst for the Government of Canada.
22. Name: Sonia Igboanugo
Scholarship:
School: McMaster University
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About: Sonia is currently in her first year of pursuing a Master of Biomedical Discovery & Commercialization at McMaster University. She is an aspiring physician that has a passion for serving her community. In addition to excelling academically, she has thrived as a leader on an extra-curricular level. Sonia is the co-founder and president of The Black Aspiring Physicians of McMaster (BAP-MAC), a student group with a vision to diversify the field of medicine by increasing the representation of Black doctors and healthcare professionals in the industry. She has also been consistently involved in various local community initiatives including the Hamilton Youth Council and the McMaster Community Poverty Initiative. Upon graduating, Sonia hopes to build a career where health and innovation and health equity intersect.
23. Name: Sommer Knight
Scholarship:
School: McGill University
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About: Sommer is currently in her first year at McGill University, in the First Episode Psychosis Program, pursuing a Master of Science in Psychiatry. Working under the supervision of Dr. Eric Jarvis, her research currently focuses on the influence on sociocultural factors on pathways to mental health service use among ethnic minorities. Since August of this year, Sommer has been published in two manuscripts and has presented at four conferences. Apart from her excelling in her academics, she is also very passionate about getting involved on a social level. One example would be her active involvement in the Black Resource Community Centre in Montreal. Upon graduation she plans to become a clinical psychologist that focuses on addressing the unmet mental health needs of Black Canadians.
24. Name: Jinepher Koduah
Scholarship:
School: University of Toronto
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About: Jinepher is currently in her second year at the University of Toronto pursuing a Master of Social Work. Apart from her academics, she has also worked with various community initiatives that focus on diverse populations and marginalized groups. A few of them include Endless Possibilities and Hope Development Org., Empowered Youth, African Canadian Social Development Council and Sistering (A Woman’s Place). Jinepher is passionate about youth empowerment and community mobilization as a means to equipping individuals and communities for success and plans to become a social worker or social policy advisor upon graduation
25. Name: Rebecca Konadu-Bruce
Scholarship:
School: George Brown College
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About: Rebecca is currently in her first year at George Brown College pursuing a Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Throughout high school Rebecca excelled academically and was awarded a four-year scholarship by her school for her accomplishments. Accompanying her academic achievements, Rebecca has also thrived on an extra-curricular level. Having been involved in a number of initiatives, she was granted the Horatio Alger Award for her community work mainly with kids, cops and computers charity events. Upon graduation, she plans to become a registered Neo-Natal Nurse Practitioner.
26. Name: Carl Lamers
Scholarship:
School: University of Saskatchewan
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About: Carl is currently in his first year at the University of Saskatchewan pursuing a Juris Doctor. He’s previously completed a Master of Social Work and in the pursuit of doing so has also formed and organized many programs and initiatives aimed at assisting marginalized communities. He is the co-founder of Collective Of Child Welfare Survivors, a co-organizer of the #WeGotYouGenesis campaign, an initiative meant to make public anti-Black assaults, and a co-founder and organizer of Black Liberation Collective-Ryerson, an organization dedicated to addressing anti-Black racism. A few of the awards that’s received as a result of his efforts include the Ryerson University Student Campus Centre Community Builder Award, the Ryerson University Anti Oppression Master in Social Work Award, as well as the Nancy C. Sprott School of Social Work Leadership Award. As a result of his extensive work in human rights and equity-based community organizing, upon graduation he plans to continue his work as a lawyer with an interest in child welfare.
27. Name: Mikayla Livingston
Scholarship:
School: Trent University
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About: Mikayla is currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree with a focus on forensic science. Medical Professional Stream Specialization.
28. Name: Nicole Mfoafo-M’Carthy
Scholarship:
School: University of Calgary
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About: Nicole is currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences Degree (Health & Society).
29. Name: Muna Mohamed
Scholarship:
School: University of Waterloo
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About: Muna is currently in her first year at the University of Waterloo pursuing an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering with an option in Co-operative Education. In addition to being the artistic director for her high school’s yearbook team, she has also held leading positions on her school’s science team as well as the LINK Crew. Throughout high school she was on the honours roll and upon graduation finished with a 98% average. Upon completion of her studies, she plans to become a biomedical engineer.
30. Name: Shaquille Morgan
Scholarship:
School: University of Toronto
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About: Shaquille is currently in his second year at the University of Toronto (U of T) pursuing a Masters of Global Affairs and Public Policy. In addition to excelling academically, graduating top of his class during his undergrad, on a social level he’s also devoted his time to getting involved in many community-oriented initiatives. He currently teaches Sunday School, acts as a mentor for young, prospective college and university including teaching Sunday School, acting as a mentor for prospective college and university students as well as coaching young girls and boys basketballs teams. Upon graduation he plans to pursue a career in legal consulting for cybersecurity and intellectual property. Leveraging his skills, he eventually intends to transition into economic development with an interest in minority communities and developing nations.
31. Name: Shanice Nkathazo
Scholarship:
School: University of Victoria
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About: Shanice is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce.
32. Name: Chidubem Nkoloagu
Scholarship:
School: St. Thomas University
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About: Chidubem is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an intent to earn a post-degree Bachelor of Social Work.
33. Name: Taejah Noble
Scholarship:
School: University of Victoria
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About: Taejah is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Family & Community Social Services.
34. Name: Deborah Ocholi
Scholarship:
School: Columbia University
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About: Deborah is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Narrative Medicine.
36. Name: Amanda Owusu
Scholarship:
School: York University
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About: Amanda is currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Society.
37. Name: Caila Palmer
Scholarship:
School: University of Ottawa
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About: Caila is currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor Degree in Commerce with a focus on International Management and options in French Immersion and Co-operative Education.
38. Name: Aaron Parry
Scholarship:
School: McMaster University
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About: Aaron is currently pursuing a combined Honours Bachelor’s degree of Biological Anthropology and Indigenous Studies, with a minor in African and African Diaspora Studies.
39. Name: Keneca Pingue-Giles
Scholarship:
School: York University
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About: Keneca is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor.
40. Name: Tafyra Poyser
Scholarship:
School: Ryerson University
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About: Tafyra is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a focus on Film Studies.
41. Name: Natalie Ramaabya
Scholarship:
School: University of Toronto
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About: Natalie is currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor Degree of Arts and Sciences in Criminology and Economics.
42. Name: Cameron Rodriguez
Scholarship:
School: University of Toronto
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About: Cameron is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree of Applied Science with a focus in Computer Engineering.
43. Name: Charmaine Ross
Scholarship:
School: University of Toronto
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About: Charmaine is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Her field of study is Human Services Management and Leadership.
44. Name: Tsinat Semagn
Scholarship:
School: McMaster University
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About: Tsinat is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
45. Name: Keona Simmons
Scholarship:
School: St Thomas University
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About: Keona is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology.
46. Name: Aniyah Stuart-Veira
Scholarship:
School: Brock University
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About: Aniyah is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Sciences.
47. Name: Sophia Tracey
Scholarship:
School: York University
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About: Sophia is currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a double major in International Studies & Psychology. She intends to transition over into Political Science.
48. Name: Nyah Wagner
Scholarship:
School: University of Ottawa
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About: Nyah is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering.
49. Name: Khalil Wheatle
Scholarship:
School: University of Waterloo
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About: Khalil is currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Sciences with an option in Co-operative Education
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