150 African Canadian Students to Receive Prestigious BBPA National Scholarships

BMO commits $1.2 million over three years

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 13, 2022) - The BBPA National Scholarship Program has officially announced its 2022 class of honorees. Scholarships totaling $500,000 were awarded to 150 Black Canadian students from across the nation, all currently enrolled in post-secondary programs. The funds will support these scholars as they pursue their degrees and take the next steps toward esteemed careers in their respective fields.

"Each of these remarkable students serves as a beacon of hope for their peers, for their communities, and for the future of the Black economy," says BBPA CEO Nadine Spencer. "As an organization, it's our aim to foster advancement and empowerment for people of colour, and that's exactly what we're accomplishing in supporting these talented youth. But more importantly, we're cultivating their excellence and laying a strong foundation for their long-term success, which will undoubtedly benefit not just Black Canadians but the entire country."

Scholarship recipients were selected based on an assortment of criteria, including academic excellence, demonstrated financial need, and notable contributions to their communities. This year's cohort will be celebrated at the 2022 BBPA National Scholarships award ceremony, taking place virtually on Friday, October 14, 2022. The evening's guest speakers will include a number of the BBPA National Scholarship Fund's generous donors and the Canadian Minister of Education. 2006 BBPA scholarship recipient Dr. Alexander Chase will deliver the keynote.

This year also marks several important new milestones for the Scholarship Fund including BMO's commitment of $1.2 million to cover 30 scholarships and internships over three-years.

"BMO's Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, drives our commitment to making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future and an inclusive society," said Vanessa Lewerentz, Chief Inclusion Officer, BMO Financial Group. "The newly created BMO Funding Future Scholarship is designed to break down legacy barriers to inclusion for students who are the first in their families to attend university or college. Each of these scholarships are helping individuals achieve their dreams and we are so proud to be a part of their journey."

2022 also marks the second year in which automotive scholarships will be supported by Toyota Foundation. Additionally, a scholarship established in honour of former THC champion Robert "Bobby Love" Izzard will be awarded to a student living in Toronto housing. These new awards will only further expand the reach of the scholarship program and create more pathways to achievement for the rising generation of Black professionals.

"At the BBPA, we recognize our community's academic potential and provide the financial boost needed to change the landscape", says Ross Cadasse, the BBPA President. "We know there is additional capacity for excellence amongst our student community to excel and be on par with the best, but access to scholarships and funding for education continues to be a barrier, we want to change that for the better."

Formerly entitled the "BBPA Harry Jerome Scholarship Fund", the Black Business and Professional Association established the BBPA National Scholarship Fund in 1986. The BBPA National Scholarships are made possible through the contribution of generous sponsors and donors. Since the fund began, thousands of post-secondary students from Canada's Black community have been awarded scholarships.

Scholarship Donors include:

The 2022 BBPA National Scholarships recipients are:

1. Adeola, Oladimeji, University of Toronto, Social Sciences
2. Ahmed, Awad, Western University, Bachelor of Medical Sciences
3. Aisling, Martins-Ezeifeaku, Queen's University, Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences
4. Allen, Jean-Pierre, Wilfrid Laurier University, Bachelor of Science (Biology)
5. Allysia, Chin, University of Toronto, Combined Doctor of Medicine and Philosophy
6. Alysa Morgan - University of Guelph, Hon. Bachelor of Criminal Justice & Public Policy
7. Alyssa, Gordon, Dalhousie University, Master of Science majoring in Audiology
8. Amanda, Owusu, University of Windsor, Law, Juris Doctor
9. Amani, Hitimana, University of Toronto, Community Development and Adult Education
10. Amanuel, Gebeyehu, University of Western Ontario, Honours Business Administration
11. Amelia, Souffrant, McGill University, Bachelor of Civil Law and Juris Doctor
12. Andre, Moodley, Wilfrid Laurier University, Honors BSc in Computer Science
13. Angel, Ekoma, George Brown College, Business Administration
14. Aniyah, Stuart-Veira, Univ. of Western Ontario, Honours - Health Science with Biology
15. Anjolaoluwa, Antonio, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Doctor of Medicine
16. George, Clements, Dalhousie, Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration
17. Anwar, Abdi, McMaster University, Honors Bachelor of Health Sciences
18. Awwal, Abass, York University, Honors Bachelor of Art (Law and Society)
19. Ayan, Absiye, University of Toronto, Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science
20. Chelsea James, Toronto Metropolitan University, Digital Media
21. Baithat Adeyinka, Western University, Doctor of Medicine
22. Beverly Osazuwa - McGill University, Bachelor of Civil Law and Juris Doctor
23. Brandon Pierre, York University, Juris Doctor
24. Bryce, Golding, University of Toronto, Bachelor of Kinesiology and Physical Education
25. Bunisha, Samuels, York University, Juris Doctor
26. Caleb Clarke, Modern European Studies, Int'l Relations & Economics, Univ. of British Columbia
27. Carl Joshua, Lamers, York University, Law
28. Carmynn, Skalnik, The University of British Columbia, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
29. Chanice Dwyer, Centennial College/Tropicana - Automotive Business
30. Charlotte, Murat, Queen's University, Bachelor of Applied Science
31. Cheikh, Tchouambou Youmbi, University of Toronto, Doctor of Medicine Program
32. Chelsea James, Toronto Metropolitan University, Digital Media
33. Chiamaka, Okafor, York university, Honours Bachelor of Psychology
34. Chidubem, Nkoloagu, St. Thomas University, Bachelor of Arts major in Psychology.
35. Chioma Chelsea, Anthony, University of Toronto, Juris Doctor
36. Chloe, Doras, Dalhousie University, Master of Public Administration
37. Christine Feoshi - Wilfrid Laurier University, Criminology
38. Clifton, Grant, York University, Honours Law and Society
39. Corey, Fletcher, Queen's University, Doctor of Medicine
40. Cydney, Morris, Wilfrid Laurier University - Psychology Program.
41. Daneika, Hammith, University of Waterloo, Honours Life Science (Psychology)
42. Dave D'Oyen - Toronto Metropolitan University, Juris Doctor - Law
43. Dezaray, Morris, Brock University, Nursing
44. Dominique Walker - University of Ottawa, International Studies and Modern Languages
45. Dream Tuitt-Barnes - Queen's University, Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences
46. Efemena, Eghujovbo, University of Toronto, Honors Bachelor of Arts -Criminology Law
47. Elijah Adusi, University of Waterloo, Mathematics, Honours, Co-operative Program
48. Elizabeth, Agyei, University of Waterloo, Honors Bachelor of Science
49. Erhowvosere Otubu - Queen's University, Bachelor of Applied Science
50. Eunice Aluko - University of Toronto, Hon, BSc. Human Biology and Immunology
51. Favour, Onwuka, Trinity Western University, Bachelor of Arts, Major in Communications
52. Henrika, Larochelle, Dawson College, Interior Design
53. Hezekiah, Stamp, Carleton University, International Business (Trade and Marketing)
54. Idil Ali, University of Toronto, Master of Public Health
55. Isaiah Abolarinde, Carleton University, Bachelor of Engineering, Civil Engineering
56. Jac-Antoine Muntu-Caron, University of London, MBA Program
57. Jada, Best, University of Toronto, Honors Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)
58. Jaerae, Dell, Michigan State University, Biology-Bachelor of Science
59. Jamaul, Douglas, York University, Schulich School of Business, B.B.A.,
60. Jamison, Duprat, Humber College, Computer Programming and Analysis
61. Janyah, Brown, McMaster University, Honours Biology
62. Jenna, Harris, McMaster University, Bachelor of Engineering and Biomedical Eng.
63. Joel, Vicente, University of Waterloo, Honours Mathematics (Co-op)
64. Joseph O., Osgoode Hall Law School at York University
65. Joycelyn, Martey, Toronto Metropolitan University, School of Law, JD
66. Juan Antonio, Nelson, Luther College, Master of Information in Human-Centered Data Science
67. Judia Neida Joseph - University of Ottawa, Bachelor of Commerce
68. Hephzibah Ali - McMaster University, Honors Bachelor of Health Science Biochemistry
69. Julianah, Oguntala, University of Toronto, Doctor of Medicine
70. Justin Joseph - University of Waterloo, BA Science- Honours Mechatronics Engineering
71. Kahile, Alleyne, University of Toronto Mississauga, Management
72. Kalah, Brereton, University of Waterloo, Honours Mathematics, Major in Actuarial Science
73. Kayla, Malcolm, University of Guelph, Bachelor of Commerce - Coop Marketing Management
74. Kayode Simmons, Georgian College, Automotive Business
75. Kian, Lewin, Toronto Metropolitan University, Professional Communications
76. Kisanet, Kebedom, University of Toronto Mississauga, Doctor of Medicine, MD Program,
77. Korede, Akindoju, Dalhousie University, Doctor of Medicine (MD) program
78. Krystal, Henry-Mathieu, Toronto Metropolitan University, Master of Applied Science
79. Kyle, Oshiyemi, Western University, Computer Science
80. Lea, Joseph, University of Sheffield, MSc Urban Planning
81. Leanne, Gilbert, Oakwood University, Bachelor of Science Biology with Pre-Med Concentration
82. Leonardo, Moodley, Wilfrid Laurier University, Honors (BSc) in Computer Science
83. Lidia, Sumamo, Toronto Metropolitan University, Politics and Governance
84. Loic, Tagne, Harvard College, Major: Government, Minor: Economics and French
85. Lori-Ann, Kouakou, McMaster University, Honours Bachelor of Neuroscience
86. Lucy, Gill, Wilfrid Laurier University, Bachelor of Music (Voice)
87. Luwam, Ermias, Toronto Metropolitan University, Nursing - Collaborative Program
88. Lydia, Muyingo, Dalhousie University, Doctor of Philosophy: Clinical Psychology
89. Macdonald, Nnadi, University of Waterloo, Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Eng.
90. Maclite, Tesfaye, University of Toronto, Medicine
91. Makaiya Mitchell - University of Ottawa, Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
92. Malaika, Henriques, Law Society of Ontario
93. Marley Halsall, Western University, Master of Physical Therapy
94. Matt, Beals, Fanshawe College, Police Foundations
95. Michaela Wilson - University of Toronto, Bachelor of Kinesiology
96. Michelle, Ampadu, University of Western Ontario, Economics
97. Mirabelle, Harris-Eze, University of Calgary, Juris Doctor
98. Morgan Martin - University of Toronto, Doctor of Medicine
99. Moses, Onyango, Brock University, Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences
100. Myannah Carvery - University of Ottawa, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
101. Nana Adu-Poku - York University, Master of Education
102. Nathan, Ayele-Bangura, Western University, Bachelor of Management and Org. Studies
103. Nebiyou, Timotewos, York University, Criminology
104. Newel Elle, Anderson, University of Toronto, Juris Doctor (JD)
105. Nicole, Balthazar, University of Windsor, Juris Doctor
106. Nneka Onyeachonam, Brock University, Master's in applied Disability Studies-LDCC
107. Noroh, Dakim, University of Toronto, Medicine
108. Obinna, Esomchukwu, Dalhousie University, Doctor of Medicine
109. Ogechukwu Ndu -Toronto Metropolitan University, Nursing (BScN)
110. Oluwakemi Olarotimi , University of Calgary, Biomedical Technology Program
111. Oluwamisimi, Oluwole, Queen's University Kingston, Bachelor of nursing science
112. Oluwatobi, Falana, McGill University, BCL/JD Program (Law)
113. Omari, Ramsay, University of Guelph (Humber), Psychology
114. Onyinye, Okorafor, University of Waterloo, Honors Science and Business Co-op
115. Orly Tuza - University of Toronto, Specialist Program in Management and Finance
116. Osman ibrahim, Carleton University, Honors Bachelor of Computer Science
117. Quincy Johnson - York University, Cities, Regions, Planning (BES) EUC
118. Rashawna Blair - University of Toronto, Doctor of Pharmacy
119. Razan, Mohamed, Western University, Juris Doctor
120. Renee, Bailey, University of Toronto, Doctor of Medicine Program (MD)
121. Roselaide Decker - University of Toronto, Honours Bachelor of Science
122. Rooselyn St. Jean, Sheridan College, Social Service Worker Program
123. Royon, Chichester, Saint James School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine
124. Ruth, Abdi, University of Toronto, Studies in Life Sciences
125. Rutha, Desta, Toronto Metropolitan University, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Criminology
126. Salem, Aaron, University of Toronto, Master of Social Work
127. Salina, Berhane, University of Toronto, Master of Education in Social Justice Education
128. Samira, Awad, University of Ottawa, Honors Bachelor of Biomedical Science
129. Sara E., Redeemer University, Business and International Development
130. Shandon, Ashitei, University of Toronto, Master of Health Science (MHSc)
131. Shari Williams - Tyndale University & Seminary, Health and Human Services
132. Sky, Dunkley, The UOIT, Honors Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
133. Suliat Yakubu - University of British Columbia, MA Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering
134. Taejah Noble, University of Guelph - Humber, Honours Bachelor of Applied Science
135. Taya, Hooper-Dixon, Acadia University, Bachelor of Kinesiology
136. Tegwende Seedu - McMaster University, Master of Public Health
137. Tendo, Babirye, York University, Faculty of Health, B.Sc., Spec. Hons. Global Health
138. Teniola, Odetoyinbo, Toronto Metropolitan University, Juris Doctor I
139. Terel Leslie - Toronto Metropolitan University, Honours Bachelor of Commerce
140. Tinashe, Muzah, Peter A. Allard School of Law - UBC, Juris Doctor
141. Tivona, Mwangi, University of Ottawa, Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences
142. Toheeb, Ayinde, University of Waterloo, Honors of Biomedical Sciences
143. Troy Lewis, Georgian College, Automotive Business School
144. Trystin, Halasz-Thompson, Toronto Metropolitan University, Bachelor of Commerce - Business
145. Tynelle, Taylor-Chase, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, PhD
146. Toluwanimi, Temowo, University of Alberta, Honours Physiology, Bachelor of Science
147. Vincent, Bisasor, McGill University, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Biology
148. Wahi, Mohamed, University of Maryland, Master of Public Health
149. Yasmin, Dini, McMaster University, Doctor of Medicine
150. Zaevian Dawson - Toronto Metropolitan University, Bachelor of Engineering

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About the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA):Founded in 1983, the BBPA is a charitable organization whose mission is to advance Canada's Black community by facilitating the delivery of programs that support business and professional excellence, higher education, and economic development. Along with the BBPA National Scholarships, the BBPA presents the Annual Harry Jerome Awards, the National Black Business Convention (NBBPC), and workshops and programs at the BBPA Centre of Excellence.

About BMO Financial GroupServing customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider - the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $1.07 trillion as of July 31, 2022, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

For more information, please visit the BBPA online at www.bbpa.org^[1], call 416-504-4097, or email communications@bbpa.org^[2]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/140422^[3]

References

1. ^{^} www.bbpa.org (www.newsfilecorp.com)
2. ^{^} communications@bbpa.org (www.newsfilecorp.com)
3. ^{^} https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/140422 (www.newsfilecorp.com)