Contact Us

The Black Student Success Centre is dedicated to supporting and championing the holistic (academic, personal and professional) success and overall well-being of Black/African descent students and fostering a positive Black student and athlete experience. The Centre is a safe space where students can meet, share, socialize and access specialized support and services.

Portrait of Faith Ogunkoya

Iyobosa, Faith Ogunkoya, M.Ed.

Manager, Black Student Success

Email: uyinmwef@mcmaster.ca
Phone: 905.525.9140 x 21786

A headshot of Clare Warner

Dr. Clare Warner

Senior Advisor (Equity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism)

Email: warnec4@mcmaster.ca
Phone: 905.525.9140 x 27614

Headshot of Jordan Lentinello

Jordan Lentinello, M.A.

Administrative Assistant

Email: lentinjt@mcmaster.ca

Ola M. Kuforiji, M.A., RP(Q)

Black Student Wellness Counsellor

Email: kuforo1@mcmaster.ca

A headshot of Glenda van der Leeuw

Glenda van der Leeuw, MSW, RSW

Social Worker, Student Counsellor

Email: vandeg5@mcmaster.ca
Phone: 905.525.9140 x 23920
An Afro-Surinamese born registered social worker & Mac alumni. Utilizes a trauma informed and anti-oppressive approach with critical attention to intersectionality to honor the full expression of each student. Offers a space for Black students to reclaim their mental health to achieve psychological fortitude and emotional freedom through exploring and expanding meaningful Blackness.

A headshot of John Ngeleka

John Ngeleka, Hons. B.A.

Athletic Program Administrator

Email: ngelekjk@mcmaster.ca

An administrator with Athletics and Recreation, well versed in McMaster’s emergency aid, financial aid and scholarships. A McMaster graduate and undergraduate Student-Athlete with an honours degree in sociology and business certificate. Black student-athletes in particular will benefit from John as a dedicated resource.

A headshot of Kennishia Boahene

Kennishia Boahene, M.A.

BSSC Scholarships Success Coach

Email: bss@mcmaster.ca

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Kennishia Boahene completed her Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Science with a minor in Peace Studies at McMaster University. Attended the University of Waterloo and obtained a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies. Currently the President of the African Caribbean Cultural Potpourri Inc (ACCPI).

Portrait of Leon Cox (Staff Member)

Leon Cox, MBA

Student Success Professional

Email: coxl5@mcmaster.ca

Well versed in McMaster’s aid & award programs. Currently in McMaster’s MBA program, and alumni of George Brown’s Applied Business program. Leon takes great pride in his roots working in the Hospitality industry where he developed proficient operations management skills and a strong customer-centric approach.

Portrait of Jodi-Anne Buckley

Jodi Buckley, Hons. B.A.

Black Recruitment Officer and Career Advisor

Email: bss@mcmaster.ca

Jodi- Anne Buckley is a first-generation Jamaican Canadian born and raised in the GTA. She graduated from with high distinction from the University of Toronto in 2018 with an honors Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a minor in History as well as Women and Gender Studies. Since graduating Jodi has worked in a recruitment capacity. Currently, Jodi is a Domestic Recruitment Officer for McMaster University where she helps Canadian students navigate through all of the opportunities McMaster has to offer

Portrait of Alexandria Montague

Alexandria Montague, B.A.

Black Student Mentorship Program Coordinator & Project Coordinator, ACFAM Initiatives

Email: bss@mcmaster.ca

Alexandria has dedicated many hours to building collaborative and empowering online and in-person spaces throughout her professional and academic career. Professionally, she has provided detail-oriented production support, operations manamagment and content creation. Alexandria’s passion for community building is proven through the non-profit organizations and social enterprises she has founded such as BLK OWNED Hamont. At McMaster, she provides project support for the BSMP, MACLeads and ACFAM.

Portrait of Tolu (Staff Member)

Toluwalase Dayo-Olaide, Hons. B.A. '23

BSSC Program Support Assistant

Email: bss@mcmaster.ca

I am a Nigerian student enrolled in my fourth year of the Honors Biology Program at McMaster University. I am passionate about helping people find a place they feel at home in on campus and providing any needed help to whomever may need it.

A headshot of James Esemu-Ezewu smiling.

James Esemu-Ezewu B.Arts Sc. '24

BSSC Marketing and Communications Associate

Email: bss@mcmaster.ca

James Esemu-Ezewu is a Nigerian student enrolled in his third year of the Arts and Science Program at McMaster University. He is passionate about creating equity in academic settings and supporting close tight-knit bonds between Black students at McMaster. In his spare time, he loves to rap, film videos, read and produce music.

A headshot of Malikca Lawrence smiling.

Malikca Lawrence B.Arts Sc. '24

BSSC Communication Assistant and Student Navigator

Email: bss@mcmaster.ca

Hailing from Montego Bay, Jamaica, I am a third-year undergraduate student enrolled in the Arts and Science Program here at McMaster University! I have a strong enthusiasm for connecting students to resources and opportunities available to them on campus as well as for building community through my involvement in the McMaster Black Student Association, the McMaster Association of Caribbean & West Indian Students and MSU Diversity and Equity Network.

Mailing address:

1280 Main Street West
Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL)
Room M07
Hamilton, Ontario
L8S 4S4