Jaelyn Becvar

Faculty of Arts, UBC- Okanagan

From Abbotsford, British Columbia, Jaelyn Becvar is a first year Psychology student in the Faculty of Arts program at UBC Okanagan. Jaelyn defines her life’s purpose as having a positive influence on the world by being an informed global citizen and social advocate. Jaelyn wants her future career to benefit and inspire people, with a possible focus on social work or therapy. Jaelyn wants to ensure that the voices of BIPOC people are heard. Jaelyn is a Beyond Tomorrow Scholars recipient who enjoys tutoring others and displaying creativity through baking, in her spare time.

Mofe Olagesin

Sauder School of Business, UBC- Vancouver

Born in Dublin Ireland, raised in Toronto, Ontario, Mofe Olagesin is in his first year of undergraduate studies at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. Growing up artistic, and having been exposed to several businesses growing up, Mofe has always been interested in the corporate sector, and the creativity required to navigate not only sales, but relationships as well. He would love to see inclusivity and a more diverse representation in places like Bay Street, Wall Street and Silicon Valley. Mofe is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award, and enjoys creative pursuits in singing, dancing and content creating.

Chimamaka Awolesi

Faculty of Science, UBC-Vancouver

From Toronto Ontario, Chimamaka Awolesi is in her first year of Science at UBC Vancouver. Inspired by her mother, she intends to specialize in Computer Science and explore as much as expand the vast field of technology to those who are often not represented or denied a voice in the field. She plans to continue her journey of self-discovery in UBC as well as advocate for change and representation across all fields as she did as a member of her school boards black graduation council. In her spare time. She also enjoys listening to music and collecting CDs in her spare time

Paul Omony

Faculty of Arts, UBC-Vancouver

Paul Omony comes from Calgary, Alberta. Paul is enrolled in the Faculty of Arts at UBC’s Vancouver campus and hopes to specialize in Cognitive Systems. He is excited to utilize his creativity and interest in tech to explore the relationship between humans and our computer counterparts. Paul hopes to see more diversity in the world of STEM and would love to be a part of opening doors for others who come after him.

Ivan Correa McIntosh

Faculty of Applied Science, UBC- Vancouver

Ivan Correa McIntosh was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and he is now enrolled in UBC’s Faculty of Applied Science. Ivan would like to specialize in Biomedical engineering and later attend medical school to become an anesthesiologist. I want to use my knowledge for the advancement of medicine and the medical community. Apart from that I like to play basketball and swim when I get the chance.

Laila Bamigbade

Faculty of Arts, UBC- Vancouver

Laila Bamigbade is from North Delta and is enrolled into the Faculty of Arts. From activism to poetry to volleyball and sewing Laila is engaged in a variety of activities. She believes in giving back to society and advocating for those that are often overlooked by systemic inequalities. As a Beyond Tomorrow Awards recipient she hopes to further her learning at UBC and continue her crusade of making meaningful impacts in the lives of others.

Michael Adebiyi

Faculty of Science, UBC-Okanagan

Michael was born in Lagos, Nigeria before moving to Winnipeg, Manitoba a couple years ago. He is enrolled in the Faculty of Science at UBC Okanagan and aspires to have a career in the medical field, hopefully as a psychiatrist. He is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award and enjoys music and sports.

Deola Adeniji

Sauder School of Business, UBC- Vancouver

Born in Nigeria, Deola Adeniji comes to UBC after ten years of residing in Alberta. She enrolled in the UBC’s Bachelor of Commerce program, hoping to specialize in business technology management. Growing up a minority in a westernized society has taught her the importance of representation for members of the BIPOC society. She hopes to inspire people like her to strive for success and follow their passion in places where their voices might be unheard. In her free time, Deola enjoys discovering and understanding music and art, as well as tending to her garden of indoor plants.

Jasmine Barrett-Ferris

Faculty of Arts, UBC- Vancouver

From Victoria, BC, Jasmine Barrett-Ferris is in her first year in the Faculty of Arts and is interested in pursuing a major in Political Science. Jasmine believes having diversity in all aspects of life, especially politics, is crucial in a progressing society. In the future, she hopes to continue to be an advocate for equality, and have a career where she will be able to help create lasting change in the communities that need it the most. She is a Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award recipient and enjoys reading and baking.

Toluwanimi Okunola

Faculty of Management, UBC-Okanagan

Toluwanimi Okunola is originally from Nigeria and has lived in Canada for 6 years. With a Social Work Diploma, she has worked with people of various abilities, identities, and statuses across the City of Calgary, and she firmly believes that power and position should be wielded to serve humanity. She is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO, working to create a convergence of her Social Work experiences and new knowledge and skills in Business, Management, and Leadership. Tolu enjoys cooking and dancing and can often be caught doing both simultaneously.

Pangea Aziz

Faculty of Arts, UBC- Vancouver

Pangea Aziz, was born in Seattle, however spent much of her upbringing living in Nicaragua, and Canada. She is in the Faculty of Arts pursuing a degree in Political Science, and eventually plans to get a degree in law to protect those who may not be able to protect themselves. She hopes to bring more diversity into her desired area, as it is a male dominated job, along with positively impacting those who she meets along the way. She is the recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award, and is very thankful to have this opportunity to be able to study at one of the most diverse and inclusive schools in Canada.

Vanessa James

Faculty of Science, UBC- Vancouver

Relocating from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Vanessa James will be pursuing her studies in the Faculty of Science. Vanessa is anticipating to study the expanding field of computer science in the hopes of inspiring young women near and far to not be afraid to go beyond universal stereotypes. She believes that everyone regardless of skin colour or gender should be allowed to venture in all aspects of education. As a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award, Vanessa is a proud member of The Sims community and hopes to lead and become a mentor within the UBC community.

Samuella Okolichi

Faculty of Science, UBC- Vancouver

From Toronto, Ontario, Samuella Okolichi is a first year student in the Faculty of Science at UBC Vancouver. From an early age, Samuella has always had a passion for learning. Samuella has been able to integrate her desire for continuous learning through her love of science. She is looking forward to discovering even more during her time at UBC. She eventually hopes to study medicine in order to combat the lack of representation in the healthcare
field. After years of feeling unseen, unheard and misrepresented, Samuella wishes to advocate for the minorities often neglected by society.

Uno Nguvauva

Faculty of Arts, UBC- Okanagan

Uno Nguvauva, originally from Windhoek, Namibia, before relocating to Whitehorse, Yukon, is enrolled in the Faculty of Arts to pursue a degree in Political Science. Uno is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award and enjoys volunteering and giving back to her community and reading. She aspires to have a career in Law after her time at UBC Okanagan. 

Zahra Adesina-Aderonmu

Faculty of Arts, UBC- Vancouver

Born and raised in Ibadan, Nigeria before moving to Winnipeg,Manitoba. Zahra Adesina-Aderonmu is enrolled in UBC Vancouver’s Faculty of Arts and plans to pursue a degree that she hopes is a tool to help young people use  their voice and speak their truth; she is an avid lover of music and creative design and is inspired by many black women in the creative space. Equality and representation in all fields are some of her biggest passions and she hopes for continued opportunities for people of colour as well as further inclusivity of people with disabilities. As a Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award recipient, Zahra enjoys creative outlets such as singing and writing as well as the world of Formula 1 in her spare time.

Samantha Smith

Faculty of Arts, UBC- Vancouver

Samantha Smith was born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario and is enrolled in UBC’s Faculty of Arts, hoping to major in Psychology with a minor in creative writing. In her free time, Samantha enjoys writing fiction, watching movies and discovering new music. Samantha hopes to use her degree to help shape the minds of tomorrow and become a teacher. She believes that no matter someone’s background, we all have the power to be great as long as we are given a chance. With that being said, Samantha is wholeheartedly grateful for the opportunities the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program have presented her and excited for everything that is to come.

Oluwaseun Akinyede

Faculty of Arts, UBC- Okanagan

Born in London, England and raised in Alberta, Oluwaseun now calls UBC Okanagan home. She spent her highschool years playing basketball and American football while simultaneously serving as the student council president. Oluwaseun plans to pursue a career in developmental psychology, in order to aid youth heal from past traumas and develop the skills they need in life. She is passionate about advocating and supporting marginalized groups, such as BIPOC and children with disabilities. Seun is extremely grateful for the opportunities presented to her through the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program and is very excited for her future at the University of British Columbia. 

Ayan Araleh

Faculty of Science, UBC- Vancouver

From Vancouver Island, BC, Ayan is a first-year student in the Faculty of Science, with a strong interest in physics and astronomy. She is inquisitive about the different aspects of science – specifically astrophysics – and is keen on studying the universe and the wonders it has to offer. As a minority heading into a field with a lack of diversity, Ayan hopes to see more equal work opportunities and representation for women of colour studying physics. As a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award, she looks forward to the world of opportunities ahead of her.

Gena ElHemely

Sauder School of Business, UBC- Vancouver

Gena comes to UBC after residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for four years. She is pursuing a combined Business and Computer Science major at UBC Vancouver. She is eager to use her interest in both fields to positively impact society and leave things better than she found them. Through her career, she hopes to inspire more women and minorities to pursue careers in technology. As a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award, she will continue to use her time at UBC to serve her community. She enjoys cooking, drawing and learning languages.

Ideog Attafuah

Faculty of Applied Science, UBC- Vancouver

From Oakville, Ontario, Ideog Attafuah is in her first year of Engineering at UBC’s Faculty of Applied Science. She eventually hopes to specialize in Biomedical Engineering. She wants to be a medical doctor in the future and hopes to inspire her younger sisters and Black girls. Ideog aspires to incorporate her love of engineering into medicine to create new and improved technology that brings a positive impact. She is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award and enjoys drawing, playing the piano and reading in her spare time.

Sky Williams

Sauder School of Business, UBC- Vancouver

Born in British Columbia and raised in Toronto, Sky Williams is in her first undergraduate year at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. Sky values UBC’s vision of “inspiring people, ideas and actions for a better world.” She is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award and a nominee for the 2022 Schulich Leadership award. She aspires to be an entrepreneur, and create her own successful business. Sky has devoted hundreds of volunteer hours to the service of veterans and first responders that are suffering. Sky enjoys the art of competitive chess, as well as public speaking and debating.

Nathan Lee

Faculty of Arts, UBC- Vancouver

From, Whistler, BC. Nathan Lee is attending his first year at UBC Vancouver in the Faculty of Arts, with an interest in pursuing a degree in Computer Science. He has aspirations to pursue a career in Cybersecurity to help protect the ever-growing online world. Nathan would like to set an example and encourage fellow POC to pursue similar career paths in STEM. Nathan Lee is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award and an active participant in his local community. He also enjoys playing video and tabletop role-playing games, along with being an active developer of his own tabletop role-playing game.

Edna Eguale

Faculty of Science, UBC- Vancouver

Edna Eguale was born and raised in Vancouver, B.C. with a background originating in Ethiopia. She is enrolled in the Faculty of Science planning on majoring in Biochemistry. Edna believes in equal opportunity for each and every person in the world. She plans to continue her education to become a doctor in the near future. She hopes to make Canada’s healthcare system a fair, just place. Edna is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award and an avid basketball and soccer fan.

Burrell Atkinson

Sauder School of Business, UBC- Vancouver

From Nova Scotia, Burrell Atkinson is in his second undergraduate year at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. He has a passion for entrepreneurship and aspires to self-create his own career path in the future. Burrell appreciates the social responsibility focus of UBC’s business education with its ethics curriculum. He is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award and an avid basketball player participating in UBC’s intramural basketball league.

Joan Nwokeforo

Faculty of Applied Science, UBC- Vancouver

Joan Nwokeforo was born in Italy but grew up in Calgary, Alberta. Enrolled in UBC’s Faculty of Applied Science, she is specializing in biomedical engineering. Joan would like to see more women of colour in applied sciences, and other STEM disciplines — with more diversity in engineering positively helping solve the world’s problems. She is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award and is an accomplished musician, playing flute, piccolo, saxophone, piano, and guitar.

Joyce Muyiyi

Faculty of Applied Science, UBC- Okanagan

From Toronto, Ontario, Joyce Muyiyi is in her second year at UBC Okanagan. Coming from an extended family of engineers, Joyce was always interested in technology and is looking forward to determining which branch of engineering to major in next year. She’d like to see the STEM disciplines more diverse and inclusive, with improved representation for Black women. Joyce is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award and enjoys creative pursuits in art, both digital and painting, in her spare time

Giorgia Adhanom

Faculty of Arts, UBC- Vancouver

Originally from Eritrea, East Africa, Giorgia Adhanom is a second-year student attending UBC. She is enrolled in the Faculty of Arts’ Computer Science program. Giorgia has always been fascinated by technology from an early age. She is looking forward to integrating her love of the arts and technology into her desire for social advocacy. Giorgia would like to inspire the younger generation in hopes to see more women of colour in STEAM.  A Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award recipient, Giorgia is a music enthusiast and activist who wants every IBPOC person’s voice heard in an inclusive environment.

John Akech

Faculty of Land & Food Systems, UBC- Vancouver

John Akech was born in South Sudan, came to Winnipeg via Uganda through World University Service of Canada’s (WUSC) Student Refugee Program (SRP), and is now enrolled in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC’s Vancouver campus. He is excited about research involving food security and climate change mitigation. A Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award recipient, John is grateful for the doors of opportunity opened for him and vows in the future to keep them open for those who follow.

Shauna Ndoping

Faculty of Science, UBC-Vancouver

From Ottawa, Shauna Ndoping is in her second year in the Faculty of Science, with a major in Environmental Science. She’s interested in studying the world’s changing climate and how these changes will impact humanity. Shauna’s enjoying her time in Vancouver and has had the chance to embark on new leadership opportunities being part of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars community. In her spare time, she loves to read, create artwork, and has made the most of the clubs UBC has to offer.

Shondra Durrant

Faculty of Arts, UBC-Vancouver

From Ontario, Shondra Durrant is in her second year of the Psychology program within the Faculty of Arts. She is very interested in mental health with a special focus on trauma. Shondra strives for more diversity within her field, as IBPOC people benefit more by having someone to talk to that shares similar struggles. She is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award, and in her free time likes to play basketball and listen to music.

Lena Hart

Faculty of Arts, UBC- Vancouver

Lena Hart is from Ayr, Ontario and is in her second year of the music program within the Faculty of Arts, studying clarinet under Jose Franch-Ballester. A graduate of the Integrated Arts Program at the Eastwood Collegiate Institute in Kitchener, Ontario, Lena majored in vocal, instrumental and visual arts. She was concertmaster in the senior band and directed a clarinet choir online. A recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award, she also participates as an instrumental musician in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves.

Johannie Kayibadi

Faculty of Land & Food Systems, UBC-Vancouver

Johannie Kayibadi is from Port Coquitlam, BC, and is entering her second year in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. She hopes to have a related career within the medical field, and hopes to major in dietetics in third year. Johannie wants her future career to benefit society, with a possible focus on nutrition and food scarcity. She is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award and enjoys incorporating her creativity in wellness aspects such as art.

Saibrielle Bonner

Faculty of Arts, UBC-Vancouver

From Toronto, Ontario, Saibrielle Bonner is in her second year at UBC and is interested in majoring in International Relations. Bilingual in French and English, Saibrielle believes in becoming a more informed global citizen to help address injustices which affect the world. She plans to enrol in law school after obtaining her bachelor’s degree. She is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program and an executive for UBC’s Model United Nations Student Association (MUNSA).

Semilore Abiola

Faculty of Science, UBC- Vancouver

Born in Nigeria, Shemmy Abiola comes to UBC from Winnipeg, Manitoba and is in his second year in the Faculty of Science. He is looking forward to studying in a discipline that can help solve real-world issues rooted in biological science. Shemmy defines his life purpose as growing as a person, practising positivity, and becoming a better human being. He is a Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award recipient and a skilled and avid soccer player.

Yasmeen Haji

Faculty of Land and Food Systems, UBC-Vancouver

Entering her second year, Yasmeen is pursuing a degree in Global Resource Systems with a specialization in global health. Originally born in Saudi Arabia, she comes from a Somali ethnic background and has recently moved from Ontario. As a dreamer of creating a global impact, she values an interdisciplinary global education where learning is everywhere. She is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award and a Co-President of IRC @ UBC.

Nejat Alhussan

Faculty of Science, UBC- Okanagan

From Toronto, Ontario, Nejat Alhussan is in her second year at UBC Okanagan, with an eye to major in either molecular biology or biochemistry. She would like to go into medicine to become a pediatrician eventually. Nejat wants to address the inequities toward the IBPOC community with their lack of access and representation in the Canadian health system. She is a recipient of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award and an avid fan of the Raptors