PROUD Family Mentorship
Join the PROUD (Perseverance Refined Out Of Unrivaled Determination) Family Mentorship Program to learn more about campus and grow as a leader in your first or second year. Get guidance on navigating university with support from upper-year Black students.
PROUD Family Mentors
College/faculty: University of Toronto Scarborough
Area of study: Specialists in Finance & Statistics
Aleeyah is a double-degree student pursuing a BBA in Management & Finance and an HBSc in Statistics. She’s passionate about leadership, community, and creating spaces where people feel seen and inspired. As an IMANI facilitator, Aleeyah has led engaging workshops and built meaningful connections with her mentees. Outside of academics, you can usually find her exploring her love for books, organizing events, or listening to her many playlists while planning her next big idea.
College/faculty: University College
Area of study: Neuroscience Major, Cognitive Science Major
Additional languages: Yoruba
Hi! My name is Banke, and I’m entering my final year. In my spare time, I enjoy making playlists, listening to live music, watching plays, running, and reading. I longboard occasionally, and over the past couple of years, I’ve explored hobbies like playing piano, crocheting, and roller skating, and I’m always looking for new things to try!
College/faculty: Woodsworth College
Area of study: Public Health and Bioethics, Minor in History of Science and Technology
Additional languages: Yoruba
Hi!! My name is Boluwatife, and my pronouns are she/her. I am studying Public Health and Bioethics with a minor in History and Philosophy of Science and Technology. I hope to pursue a career in global and public health at the intersection of health equity, education and research, especially concerning the maternal health of BIPOC women. I love going to live music shows and concerts, and Fireboy DML was my 13th concert. I also love sewing and taught myself to sew back in grade 7. I’m interested in learning how to crochet next, but keep procrastinating and have no idea on wear to start. I am super excited and can’t wait to connect you!
College/faculty: Kinesiology and Physical Education
Area of study: Kinesiology
Additional languages: Patois
What’s up everyone? My name is Bryce, and I’m a 4th-year kinesiology student. When I am not at the library or reviewing my notes, you can find me playing soccer, bumping music or going to the gym. I am truly passionate about giving back to those who come after me, making their path easier to navigate. Whatever, wherever, and whenever you want to talk, I’m there for you.
College/faculty: University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus
Area of study: Political science + criminology law and society
Additional languages: French
Hi! My name is Christine Erhirhie and I am a 3rd year student at U of T studying criminology and political science with a specialization in international affairs and public policy. I am the founder and president of UTM’s moot court team, and I aim to attend law school after undergrad. I enjoy reading books about the mind, dancing at the club, going on runs, and all things related to fashion! I also have a cat named Luno! I’m here to support you—let’s make this an incredible year!
College/faculty: New College
Area of study: Political Science Major and Double Minor in French and Urban Studies
Additional languages: English, French and Arabic
Hi, I’m Duwana Saeed! I’m in my third year studying Political Science with a double minor in French and Urban Studies. I’m also the Co-President of the Sudanese Student Union, a role that has strengthened my deep passion for community engagement. I love bringing people together and creating spaces where everyone feels included. Outside of school, I’m a total foodie always down to try new restaurants and I’m big on wellness and my faith, which both ground me and keep me centered.
College/faculty: New College
Area of study: Public Health, Sociology, Women & Gender Studies
Additional languages: French
Hi! I’m Ellie (she/her), a third-year student double majoring in Public Health and Sociology, with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. I am super passionate about social equity and justice, community health, education, and the future of youth. When I am not reading, I am usually drinking bubble tea or baking something sweet! Some fun facts about me are that I have been vegan for 8 years.
College/faculty: Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
Area of study: Biomedical Engineering
I’m Ella, a fourth-year Biomedical Engineering student but outside of class I really enjoy creative media like music, fashion, literature, and photography, and I’m usually down to explore new things or places. I’m excited to meet new people, share what I’ve learned so far, and hopefully make your U of T experience feel a little lighter.
College/faculty: Trinity College
Area of study: Specialist in African Studies, Minor in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies with Black Canadian Studies certificate
Additional languages: Yoruba and Swahili
Hi! My name is Erinayo Adediwura Oyeladun. I am a fourth-year student specializing in African Studies, with a minor in Drama and a Certificate in Black Canadian Studies. I love to read, watch movies, dance, and travel! I speak Yoruba, and some Swahili.
College/faculty: St. Michael’s College
Area of study: Economics & Political Science
Additional languages: Yoruba, German
Hi, my name is Ife and I’m a fourth-year economics and political science double major. My biggest passion is soccer, which I have played all my life, and I played on the varsity soccer team for the last two years. I also like to take film photos, travel, and take my dog for walks.
College/faculty: Trinity College
Area of study: Cellular & Molecular Biology and Neuroscience
Hi, I’m Jason! I’m a fourth year neuroscience and molecular biology major. I have a passion for research and I’m currently exploring how the brain responds to strokes. I’m also a thrower on the Varsity Blues track and field team, competing in shot put and hammer throw. Outside of academics and athletics, I cooking and enjoying cinema and film. I like sharing my experiences in both science and sport, and I’m always open to new perspectives and connections.
College/faculty: University of Toronto Scarborough Campus
Area of study: Psychology/English
My name is Jordan! I transfered from Centenial College and am now in my 3rd year here at U of T. I love meeting new people and have many hobbies and interests. I’m Christian, Trini and Jamaican, and was born here in Toronto.
College/faculty: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Area of study: Materials Science & Engineering
Minor: Buisness
Additional languages: Swahili
Hi, my name is Mahmoud Rashid and I’m currently in my PEY co-op year (my fourth year out of five) studying Materials Science and Engineering with a minor in Business. I’m passionate about singing, playing basketball, and having insightful conversations. I love learning about and sharing different cultures, as well as exchanging ideas and experiences with others. I’m always happy to share my knowledge and wisdom, and if I can’t help directly, I’ll gladly connect you with someone who can!
College/faculty: Trinity College
Area of study: Neuroscience and Immunology Double Major
Additional languages: French
Mesai James is an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto who completed his third year, double majoring in Neuroscience and Immunology. He is passionate about community building through his work-study position as a Black Student Engagement Assistant, where he led events such as “Black Students with Black Professors. In addition, Mesai is a proud advocate for mentoring the next generation through science and education, demonstrated by his role as a Module Developer at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. In my spare time, I love to listen to music, watch TV shows and draw. If you have any questions about what I do, want to chat, get some advice or even to give me some TV/song recommendations, I’m all ears.
College/faculty: Woodsworth College
Area of study: Double Major in History & Philosophy of Science & Technology, and Mathematics
Additional languages: French, English, Ewegbe
Salut à tous, my name is Might Gouta! I’m a student at the University of Toronto studying lots of things but mostly philosophy of science. I work as a Bilingual Analyst with the Government of Canada and will be joining Deloitte, but what I really enjoy most is connecting with people and sharing experiences. Outside of school and work, I’m involved in leadership in nonprofits and love public speaking, and moot court competitions. I’m also into rugby, rage baiting, and food (an all-you-can-eat restaurant once stopped serving me food).
College/faculty: Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
Area of study: Architecture
Nathan is a fourth-year Architectural Studies student at the Daniels Faculty, with a passion for exploring equitable and secure housing solutions through design. He is passionate about mentorship, and believes in the importance of connecting students to all of the available resources they can to enhance their university experience. He loves soccer, volleyball, and waterskiing, and spent this past summer with Monumental as the youngest FutureBUILDS NEXT Fellow, a member of a program dedicated to equipping the future of Black housing leaders with the skills to make a positive change in Toronto’s housing landscape. He is entering this fall as the Architecture and Visual Studies Student Union’s Vice President of Health and Wellness, and is always happy to engage with any student to trade campus stories and tips & tricks.
College/faculty: New College
Area of study: Public Health/Health Studies
Additional languages: French, Tigrinya
My name is Nazareth and I’m currently entering my final year! I’m in the Public Health program and when I’m not busy with school I enjoy trying new food spots, thrifting and curating playlists.
Area of study: Political Science and Equity Studies
Additional languages: Somali
I’m Rana, a 3rd-year Political Science and Equity Studies student at UTSG. I’m Somali-Canadian, born in Toronto, and a first-generation student. I’m passionate about political advocacy, and in my free time, I enjoy pilates, reading self-development books, and exploring new matcha spots around the city!
