Past Executives

Co-Founder, Operations & Financial Manager

Olaitan Ogunnote: 2021 - 2025

PhD Candidate in Economics: Olaitan brought the BGSN vision to life by building a strong team, leading with compassion, and driving innovation through strategic organization. She secured over $100,000 in grant funding to design and launch four impactful programs, while also taking a hands-on role in supporting events and programming. Her leadership, creativity, and versatility left a lasting impact on the BGSN community.

Co-Founder, Internal Communications Manager

Ayomide Akande: 2021 - 2025

PhD Candidate in Atmospheric Chemistry: Ayo played a key role in the launch and growth of the BGSN, managing partnerships with UBC departments and community organizations. She spearheaded the BGSN newsletter, expanding its reach to hundreds of subscribers, and supported the Food Sovereignty Initiative—funded by the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) Black Ideas Grant (BIG)—which provided the BGSN community with accessible, affordable, and culturally relevant foods.

Initiatives Manager

Ifeoluwa Afolayan: 2023 - 2025

PhD Candidate in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Ife has been a dedicated member of the executive team, leading the implementation of the Short-Term Housing Initiative in partnership with Hogan’s Alley Society (HAS) and Canada Homestay Network (CHN). Funded by the UBC Community University Engagement Support (CUES) Fund, this initiative paired incoming international Black graduate students with host families in Vancouver, helping them find housing and easing their transition to the city.

Events Manager

Lindsey Nkem: 2023 - 2025

PhD Candidate in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice: Lindsey brought a deep passion for social justice and Black empowerment to the BGSN community. She created a Pre-Arrival Slide Deck to support incoming Black graduate students and led the Black Graduate Spotlight Initiative. Funded by the UBC Strategic Equity & Anti-Racism Framework (StEARS) Fund, the initiative provided financial awards and, through a symposium, gave students a platform to showcase their research to an interdisciplinary UBC audience.

External Communications Manager

Isreal Morawo: 2023 - 2025

PhD Student in Mechanical Engineering: Isreal used his creative wordsmithing and design skills to expand the BGSN’s online presence. From crafting captions and content to leading social media management, he helped amplify the BGSN’s voice. Most recently, he overhauled the BGSN website, ensuring it reflected the vibrancy and spirit of the community.

External Communications Manager

Mikky Atser: 2022 - 2023

PhD Candidate in Cell and Developmental Biology: Mikky applied the clarity and precision of a scientist to streamline the BGSN’s internal processes, vision, and mission. He also supported the launch of the Buddy Initiative, a peer mentoring program connecting current and incoming Black graduate students.

Co-Founder, Events Manager

Francis Kpatakpa: 2021 - 2022

Francis co-founded the BGSN in Fall 2021 while pursuing his Master of International Forestry (MIF) and as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at UBC. As one of the founding members, he helped bring the BGSN to life by organizing its first events during the 2021/2022 academic year.

Co-Founder, Events Manager

Gretha Teta: 2021 - 2022

Gretha co-founded the BGSN in Fall 2021 while pursuing her Master of International Forestry (MIF) and as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at UBC. As one of the founding members, she helped bring the BGSN to life by organizing its first events during the 2021/2022 academic year.

Ideator

Saleh Ismael: 2020 - 2021

Saleh conceived the idea of the BGSN while pursuing his MA in Political Science at UBC. Before leaving to attend Harvard Law School, he officially registered the BGSN as an affiliate organization of the Graduate Student Society in April 2021. In Fall 2021, he connected with Olaitan, passing the baton to her to carry the vision forward.