ABOUT US
BIPOC Student and Allies Association was formed in the spring semester of 2021 after many expressed a need to create a closer community and form strong community networks. Our aim is to promote the recruitment, admission, and retention of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) students at the University of Alberta. We are currently located in the Education Department but we hope to reach out to other faculties and to create a safe space for BIPOC students.
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The Association first formed in the Faculty of Education through the Dean of Education's Student Panel for Advancing Racial Justice in Education. This initial student group then invited other interested University of Alberta students to join the group and to advance the wellbeing of BIPOC students from all faculties at the University. The members of this group include undergraduate and graduate students, both domestic and international, from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a University, and a wider Canadian Society, to see racialized and marginalized students to be equitably represented and in community spaces in which we learn, live, and work. We hope to create opportunities and foster an environment where students can achieve their dreams and goals in spite of academic and systemic challenges.
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Friends, allies, and well-wishers from all backgrounds/orientations also share this vision to uplift BIPOC students, collaborating on many outreach activities and building relationships at the University. Since our inception, we initiated a number of targeted promotional campaigns, secured a physical safe space for students and partnered with internal and external organizations to advocate for the specific needs of students from diverse backgrounds. Our overarching objective is to foster inclusivity, diversity, and integration.
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MEET OUR 2024 EXECUTIVE TEAM!
Ibrahim Khodabocus
Co-President
My name is Ibrahim Khodabocus, and I am currently doing my PhD in Paediatrics. I have previously done my MSc degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta (UofA). During my research career, I have been consistently involved with student-run and student-impacted collectives. I am the current Co-President of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) and Allies Students' Association at the UofA. The goal of the BIPOC and Allies Students' Association is to promote the recruitment, admission, and retention of BIPOC students at the UofA. I am responsible for public outreach and event broadcasting on behalf of the BIPOC-led student organisation.
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Selina Fan
Co-President
I'm a fourth-year Ph.D. student in Rehab Science, doing research related to decolonization of mental health. My interest is in the health and well-being of marginalized groups, especially in the power of traditional and cultural knowledge. I also work part-time as an occupational therapist at a non-profit organization for adults with developmental disabilities. Apart from school and work, I have many hobbies, including strength training, crocheting, reading, and painting.
Munachi Nwanisobi
Co-VP Social Media
Hello, My name is Munachiso Nwanisobi but you can call me muna =). I am a 4th-year undergraduate student pursuing my Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in sociology. as well as a double certificate in community service learning and international learning. I am from Nigeria and moved to Edmonton 3 years ago to pursue my education.
I am passionate about creating a space for minority individuals while also actively creating opportunities for them to occupy spaces in areas that they are excluded from. That is why I joined the BIPOC association as the Vice President Social Media. It allows me to raise awareness about social issues while also creating events that bring people from different backgrounds together
Fatsani Nsaliwa
Co-VP Social Media
Muli bwanji! My name is Fatsani Nsaliwa and I’m currently an undergraduate at the UofA, doing my Bachelor in Music (Voice) and Education. I’m a Fiirst- Generation Canadian, my heritage being Malawian. I’m so excited to be part of the BIPOC Association as your VP of social media! When i'm not working late (because i'm a singer), I’ve been an advocate for black and minority voices my whole junior high and high school career being the president of VARSI (Victoria Anti Racism Student Initiative) and BSA of my high school.
It’s so important to me that we reach out about issues and accomplishments of POC’s and create places we feel safe enough to share our stories and experiences. I also want to reach people in a fun way! Mixing advocacy with creativity is so important for me! I feel it makes everything inclusive, enjoyable and doable for all different types of people, and through our social media and advertising, I hope my skills go to amazing use reaching allies and POC alike! I’m very excited to be sharing myself to show our cultures and voice throughout the university and the world!
Ciel Tusiime
Co-VP Events
Hello! My name is Ciel, and I’m a second-year Economics undergraduate student. As a Ugandan international student, I was deeply inspired by BIPOC’s mission to unite students from diverse backgrounds and strengthen community networks. I’m excited to carry forward the association's legacy in my new role as Co-VP Events, and I look forward to contributing to our vibrant, inclusive community.
Krithika Venkataramadas
Co-VP Events
Hello! My name is Krithika! I am in my fourth year of the Bachelor of Science General program with a biology major and music minor. I was born in South India, in a state called Tamil Nadu and moved to Canada when I was 6. My role in the BIPOC is VP events!
Jad-Julian Rachid
VP Finance
Hi my name is Jad-Julian Rachid and I'm currently a 3rd year PhD student in the Department of Pediatrics. My research primarily focuses on nutritional deficiencies in pregnant mothers and how this can impact the child's heart and well-being throughout life. My passion is to amplify the importance of underrepresented voices and a reason for joining BIPOC as VP Finance.
Nazanin Taree
Co-VP Admin
My name is Nazanin Taree and I am an MSc student in Medicine (Hematology) at the University of Alberta, focusing on the prevalence and management of iron deficiency anemia in reproductive-age women, especially among vulnerable populations. I volunteer as a healthcare translator for Afghan and Iranian immigrant women at Action for Human Community. I held a Medical Doctorate in my home country and was a community researcher at the University of Calgary, studying unmet healthcare needs among immigrant women. I love socializing, walking in nature, and cooking. I always bring a positive attitude to everything I do and enjoy helping others through my academic and volunteer work.
Elsie Rebecca Osei
VP Academic
My academic background and current pursuits demonstrate a strong commitment to exploring and advancing my skill, personal and career growth through my chosen field of Human Ecology.
My multidisciplinary background, research interests and career make me a valuable asset to the position of Vice President- Academics. My studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana and roles as lecturer and Student Success Manager at BlueCrest University College, Ghana, have provided me with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of students' lives and needs in an academic context. I am passionate about family and my academic journey and wish to leave a positive mark wherever I get the opportunity to enter.
Crystal Mulik
Co-VP Admin
Hello! My name is Crystal and I am pursuing my masters in Pediatrics. I have a BSc in Neuroscience and a BSc in Psychology Honours from the University of Lethbridge. Before moving to Canada, I lived in the States and India. I am passionate about inclusive educational environments, which is why I joined BIPOC as Co-VP Administration. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time in nature and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.