Celeste Licorish
Manager, Black Student Success
Email: licorisc@mcmaster.caPhone: 905-525-9140 x 21786
Celeste Licorish is a collaborative leader who advances student success through strategic partnerships, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. She is recognized for building strong teams, navigating complex organizational challenges, and translating vision into sustainable programs with meaningful outcomes.
Dr. Clare Warner, PhD
Director, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism, Student Affairs
Email: warnec4@mcmaster.caPhone: 905-525-9140 x 27614
Dr. Clare Warner is the inaugural Director of Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism in Student Affairs at McMaster University. She supports the promotion of equity and inclusion values and goals through the vision, mission and mandate of the division and provides strategic guidance focused on building, strengthening and evaluating inclusive programming, environments, policies and processes within Student Affairs.
Kobina Baiden
Program Coordinator
Email: bss@mcmaster.caPhone: 905-525-9140 x 20759
Kobina Baiden joins us from the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin Branch, where they were the Executive Office Administrator coordinating and managing logistical aspects for the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors. Kobina holds oversight over BSSC’s core administrative functions, and ensures the Centre’s smooth day-to-day operations.
Efe Chehore
Black Student Outreach and Transition Coordinator
Email: chehoree@mcmaster.caPhone: 905-525-9140 x 20987
Efe Chehore brings more than eight years in student engagement and success across post-secondary and community settings, with a deep and proven commitment to advocating for the holistic wellbeing and academic success of Black students in higher education. Efe worked most recently as the Imani Black Academic Mentorship Program and Black Student Engagement Facilitator within the Student Life and International Student Centre at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus.
Chinazo Okereke, CHRP
Black Student Career and Postgraduate Specialist
Email: okerec1@mcmaster.caPhone: 905-525-9140 x 20995
Chinazo Okereke is a Certified Human Resource Professional who brings 15 years of experience in recruitment and selection, candidate/client relationship management, training, career coaching and talent development. Chinazo is experienced in guiding students and job candidates through the exploration of career options and developing career growth strategies.
Susanne Dorder
Black Student Wellness Counsellor
Email: dorders@mcmaster.caSusanne brings nearly 20 years of experience in healing, psychotherapy, expressive arts, education, and community wellness. Her work is deeply rooted in culturally responsive care and supporting racialized communities through holistic approaches to mental health and well-being.
Student Staff Team
Niyin Baiyewun, BSc '27
Outreach and Transition Program Support Assistant
Niyin Michael Baiyewun is a Level III Honours Kinesiology student at McMaster University and a member of BSSC’s Outreach and Transition team. He supports programs such as Gear Up, Welcome Week and community transition initiatives that help Black Students feel welcomed, informed, and connected as they begin their academic journey.
Esther Sowunmi, BA '27
Outreach and Transition Program Support Assistant
Esther Sowunmi is a Level III Honours Justice Political Philosophy and Law Student at McMaster University and an Outreach and Transition Support Assistant with the BSSC. Through programs such as Gear Up For Mac and various high school support initiatives, she ensures students feel empowered, prepared and supported as they navigate the pivotal transition to university.
Landry Kalembo, PhD Student | Global Health Researcher
Peer Mentor, Career and Postgrad
Landry Kalembo is a Global Health PhD student whose research focuses on sexual and reproductive health in humanitarian and forced displacement contexts. With nine years of academic experience and a background in epidemiology and community leadership, he serves as a Peer Mentor within the BSSC’s Career and Postgrad Planning portfolio, he supports students exploring academic pathways, research opportunities, and graduate studies—bringing a compassionate, community-centered approach to every interaction.
Jennifer Mushagalusa, BHSc '27
BSSC Program Support Assistant (Welcome Week Student Planner)
Jennifer Mushagalusa is a Level III Honours Health Sciences student, 2024 Onyx Scholar and 2023 Wawanesa Loran Finalist. As a BSSC Program Support Assistant, she contributes to program coordination, Welcome Week planning, and student engagement initiatives that strengthen belonging and community for Black students at McMaster.
Eniolaoluwa Olawale-Yusuf, BA '26
BSSC Marketing and Communications Associate
Eniolaoluwa (Eni) Olawale-Yusuf is a Level IV Communication Studies & Media Arts student at McMaster University. As the BSSC’s Marketing and Communications Associate, she supports storytelling, digital content, branding and visual communication for programs and events that uplift Black student success.
Abigail Samuels, BSc '26
BSSC Marketing and Communications Associate
Abigail (Abby) Samuels is a Life Sciences graduate and award-winning photographer, creative strategist, and Onyx Scholar. At the BSSC, she supports visual storytelling, creative direction and photography for digital and community-facing projects that highlight Black student success.
Boluwatiwi Mafikuyomi, BEng '27
BSSC Communication Assistant and Student Navigator
Boluwatiwi (Tiwi) Mafikuyomi is a third-year Electrical Engineering student at McMaster University. As a Communication Assistant and Student Navigator at the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC), she supports student engagement, student inquiries, appointments, and front-desk operations—helping the lounge run smoothly as a welcoming space for Black students.