BSSC Team
Iyobosa, Faith Ogunkoya, M.Ed.
Manager, Black Student Success
Email: uyinmwef@mcmaster.caPhone: 905.525.9140 x 21786
Faith Ogunkoya is an adaptive leader and experienced Higher Education, student success professional with core competencies in leading in the design and implementation of holistic integrated student services, including Experiential Learning, Co-op programs, and services. She is well-recognized for her ability to implement modern and evidence-based student success models, with a deep and wide network of internal and external partners, including employers and equity leads, spanning various sectors.
Dr. Clare Warner
Senior Advisor (Equity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism)
Email: warnec4@mcmaster.caPhone: 905.525.9140 x 27614
Dr. Clare Warner is the inaugural Senior advisor of Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism in the Department of 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
Holds oversight over BSSC’s core administrative functions, and ensures the Centre’s smooth day-to-day operations.
Kobina 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.
Ola M. Kuforiji, M.A., RP
Black Student Wellness Counsellor
Email: kuforo1@mcmaster.caPhone: 905.525.9140 x 20991
Ola brings 10 years of experience working in the mental health field across community-based, non-profit and institutional healthcare settings.
He is a person-centred counsellor who draws on the modality of CBT in his work.
Efe Chehore
Black Student Outreach & Transition Coordinator
Email: chehoree@mcmaster.caPhone: 905.525.9140 x 20987
Efe brings 8 plus 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 & International Student Center at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus.
Chinazo Okereke, CHRP
Black Student Career & Post Graduate Specialist
Email: okerec1@mcmaster.caPhone: 905.525.9140 x 20995
A Certified Human Resource Professional; who brings 15 years experience in recruitment and selection, candidate/client relationship management, training, career coaching and talent development. Experienced in guiding students and job candidates through the exploration of career options and developing career growth strategies.
Student Staff
Safia Farah
BSSC Marketing and Communications Associate
Email: bss@mcmaster.ca
I’m a Somali student in my final year of the Applied Psychology in Human Behaviour program at McMaster University. As the Vice-President of Administration for the McMaster Black Student Association (BSA), and soon transitioning to Creative Events Director, I’m committed to empowering Black students and driving initiatives that celebrate and advance their success. My academic focus is on neurolinguistics and child development, with a keen interest in supporting linguistically and culturally diverse children with language disorders. Outside of academics, I channel my creativity through photography and media creation, roles that I embrace at the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) and the Lyons New Media Centre, Mills Library.
Eniolaoluwa Olawale-Yusuf
BSSC Marketing and Communications Associate
Email: bss@mcmaster.ca
Nigerian student in my third year of Communications Studies and Integrated Arts. With a passion for promoting initiatives that support and empower Black students on campus. Through creative storytelling and community engagement, I strive to encourage inclusivity and celebrate the richness of Black experiences. I’m dedicated to using my skills to tell compelling stories that appeal to a wide and diverse range of backgrounds and communities through social media, photography and more.
Olamiposi Babatunde Olalere
BSSC Communication Assistant and Student Navigator
Email: bss@mcmaster.ca
I am a third-year Nigerian born Honours Life Science Student (Psychology Minor) in the Faculty of Science at McMaster University.. Primarily a social butterfly, As a campus tour guide, I enjoy using my networking and research skills to connect students to opportunities and resources to ensure that their university careers and beyond are filled with all they need to succeed. I enjoy working out, and Psychodrama by Dave can tell my whole story.
Timi (Oluwatimisola) Toyon B.A. '25
BSSC Program Support Assistant (Welcome Week Lead)
Email: bss@mcmaster.ca
I am a Nigerian student enrolled in the Honors Economics at McMaster University. I am one of the co-presidents of Blackspace, a student club focused on the empowerment of Black Women and Non-binary individuals. I also play an active role in McMaster Musical Theatre as a Costume Designer. I enjoy creative writing, fashion design, and I am passionate about being able to play a role in fostering an inclusive and empowering campus environment for Black students at McMaster.
Raine Garrell
Outreach & Transition Program Support Assistant
Email: bss@mcmaster.ca
I am a Jamaican and Black Canadian student who is enrolled in the Combined Honours program of Communication Studies and French here at McMaster University. I look forward to contributing to efforts in welcoming incoming students to the McMaster Community. Another engagement I have on campus is my role as VP of Social Media and Graphics on the Blackspace team. I am also a big fan of all things relating to media, from tv, to movies, music and video games.
Sellam Kassa (Graduate Student)
Peer Mentor, Career & Post-Grad
Email: bss@mcmaster.ca
Sellam graduated from McMaster University in 2022 with an Honours Life Sciences degree and a Minor in Health, Aging & Society. She has since worked in the Faculty of Health Sciences as an Instructional Assistant, helping develop and teach a course on Anti-Black Racism in Healthcare. Sellam’s passion for advocacy has also been demonstrated through her previous roles, including as an Academic Support Associate in the Faculty of Science, where she provided academic advice and helped students navigate accommodations. Additionally, she served as a Student Services Representative, working on student recruitment and supporting incoming students during their transition to university life.
Stephen DeCordova
BSSC Program Support Assistant
Email: bss@mcmaster.ca
I am a first-generation Jamaican Canadian currently enrolled in my 4th Year of Political Science with a Specialization in Judicial Studies and Public Law. Throughout my journey, I have become a strong advocate for the needs of black men highlighted in my role as Co-Founder and Co-President of BlackPrint the Black Men’s Club at McMaster University. My goal is to increase the awareness of available opportunities, not just for black men but all members of the black community as they transition into and out of University.
Mailing address:
1280 Main Street West
Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL)
Room M07
Hamilton, Ontario
L8S 4S4