Meet the Winners
Since 2007, 17 exceptional women have been awarded Black Pearls scholarships...
2014 Scholarship Award Winner
Graduate Academic Achievement Scholarship
Nande Wright
Nande earned a BSc in Chemistry and is currently a Master’s student, in Molecular Science at Ryerson University. She strives to promote a positive image for students as scientists, academics and leaders. Nande has volunteered as a mentor at Ryerson and a chemistry experiment facilitator with Visions of Science.
Presently, Nande is involved in creating a Science Alumni Association which strives to enhance professional and academic development. Her goal is to earn a PhD and continue working on cutting edge research in science. Nande’s objective is to open doors for students within the African-Canadian community, especially those interested in science.
Nande Wright
Nande earned a BSc in Chemistry and is currently a Master’s student, in Molecular Science at Ryerson University. She strives to promote a positive image for students as scientists, academics and leaders. Nande has volunteered as a mentor at Ryerson and a chemistry experiment facilitator with Visions of Science.
Presently, Nande is involved in creating a Science Alumni Association which strives to enhance professional and academic development. Her goal is to earn a PhD and continue working on cutting edge research in science. Nande’s objective is to open doors for students within the African-Canadian community, especially those interested in science.
2012 Scholarship Award Winner
Graduate Academic Achievement Scholarship
Funke Aladejebi
Funke Aladejebi is currently a Ph.D student in the Department of History at York University focusing on African-Canadian women as educators in the 20th century. Her Ph.D. dissertation will outline the importance of African Canadian women in sustaining their communities and preserving a distinct black identity within restrictive gender and racial barriers. Funke strongly believes in the importance of studying the past as an avenue for understanding the present. She also volunteers her time with the Malvern Alumni Network where she mentors young adults in the Scarborough community.
Her future goals involve teaching high school or college students about African Canadian history as an educator. She also hopes to get into politics and encourage diverse educational initiatives across the provinces
Funke Aladejebi
Funke Aladejebi is currently a Ph.D student in the Department of History at York University focusing on African-Canadian women as educators in the 20th century. Her Ph.D. dissertation will outline the importance of African Canadian women in sustaining their communities and preserving a distinct black identity within restrictive gender and racial barriers. Funke strongly believes in the importance of studying the past as an avenue for understanding the present. She also volunteers her time with the Malvern Alumni Network where she mentors young adults in the Scarborough community.
Her future goals involve teaching high school or college students about African Canadian history as an educator. She also hopes to get into politics and encourage diverse educational initiatives across the provinces
Graduate Community Involvement Scholarship (Sponsored by Black Pearls Community Services, Inc.)
Gloria Antwi
Gloria is the next generation of passionate African Canadian women with an appetite for community development. At age 13, Gloria started teaching African dance workshops throughout Toronto’s East End, and now at 24, she is an award-winning community organizer, mentor, writer and women’s rights activist.
She strives to be a leader who empowers others and has been at the forefront of many programs and projects aimed at addressing the challenges facing African Canadians. She is now working on her law degree.
Gloria Antwi
Gloria is the next generation of passionate African Canadian women with an appetite for community development. At age 13, Gloria started teaching African dance workshops throughout Toronto’s East End, and now at 24, she is an award-winning community organizer, mentor, writer and women’s rights activist.
She strives to be a leader who empowers others and has been at the forefront of many programs and projects aimed at addressing the challenges facing African Canadians. She is now working on her law degree.
Undergraduate Leadership Scholarship (Sponsored in part by Cecelia Wharton-Stoute)
Octavia Coleman
Octavia Coleman is 21 years old and is currently studying Culinary Management at George Brown College. She has a passion for the culinary arts and displays it through her hard work and dedication.
Though she is a hard working student, Octavia also does a lot for her community. Being the Youth Tenant Representative for Flemingdon Park, Octavia’s caring and willing heart is showcased through her actions. Planning and organizing youth-led events, she has always played an integral part in building her peers’ capacity.
As the Lead Convener for the Operating Unit G Youth Council, Octavia advocates for youth, their voices, and speaks out against violence, crime and injustice. Making a difference and being an agent of change is something she values and she tries her best to see barriers broken.
Octavia Coleman
Octavia Coleman is 21 years old and is currently studying Culinary Management at George Brown College. She has a passion for the culinary arts and displays it through her hard work and dedication.
Though she is a hard working student, Octavia also does a lot for her community. Being the Youth Tenant Representative for Flemingdon Park, Octavia’s caring and willing heart is showcased through her actions. Planning and organizing youth-led events, she has always played an integral part in building her peers’ capacity.
As the Lead Convener for the Operating Unit G Youth Council, Octavia advocates for youth, their voices, and speaks out against violence, crime and injustice. Making a difference and being an agent of change is something she values and she tries her best to see barriers broken.
Undergraduate Community Involvement Scholarship (Sponsored by Black Pearls Community Services, Inc.)
Eden Hagos
Eden Hagos is an advocate for East African youth throughout Canada, dedicated to bridging the gap and breaking down barriers that East African youth often face in accessing the education system.
Her notable accomplishments include winning the Athena Award as a well as leading students as the President of The Ethiopian Students Association at York University. She is now entering her final year of Sociology at York and looks forward to a career in higher education. She is dedicated to ensuring that all Black youth have the opportunity to be empowered through a fair and just education system.
Eden Hagos
Eden Hagos is an advocate for East African youth throughout Canada, dedicated to bridging the gap and breaking down barriers that East African youth often face in accessing the education system.
Her notable accomplishments include winning the Athena Award as a well as leading students as the President of The Ethiopian Students Association at York University. She is now entering her final year of Sociology at York and looks forward to a career in higher education. She is dedicated to ensuring that all Black youth have the opportunity to be empowered through a fair and just education system.
Undergraduate Academic Achievement Scholarship (Sponsored by
Kadene Massop
Kadene has been admitted to McGill University Faculty of Law after studying at Carleton University. She is the recipient of many awards, including one of the most prestigious scholarships from McGill Law. Despite her struggles as a single mother, Kadene has maintained a solid academic record while working, volunteering, and taking part in campus activities.
Kadene’s current volunteer work includes mentoring African-Canadian students with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Montreal. While pursuing her academic and career goals and beyond, Kadene will continue to promote changes in the lives of at-risk individuals through volunteer work.
She is passionate about access to justice issues in Canadian society and wants to offer Pro Bono services to members of disadvantaged communities who experience trouble acquiring legal representation.
Kadene Massop
Kadene has been admitted to McGill University Faculty of Law after studying at Carleton University. She is the recipient of many awards, including one of the most prestigious scholarships from McGill Law. Despite her struggles as a single mother, Kadene has maintained a solid academic record while working, volunteering, and taking part in campus activities.
Kadene’s current volunteer work includes mentoring African-Canadian students with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Montreal. While pursuing her academic and career goals and beyond, Kadene will continue to promote changes in the lives of at-risk individuals through volunteer work.
She is passionate about access to justice issues in Canadian society and wants to offer Pro Bono services to members of disadvantaged communities who experience trouble acquiring legal representation.
2011 Winners Scholarship Award Winner
Community Involvement Scholarship (Sponsored by Black Pearls Community Services, Inc.)
Eugenia Duodu
As a youth born and raised in low-income housing, it has always been Eugenia Duodu’s passion to uplift and mobilize her community. Through involvement in her local youth council, sitting on youth advocacy boards and being a mentor/tutor she has maintained her influence. She has been a true advocate for youth on issues of health, housing, academics and leadership.
Recently, her efforts extended internationally by helping lead a youth team to Ghana for the Creating Global Citizens Project. Eugenia Duodu continues to seek personal success while ensuring that her community locally and internationally can realize their success and infinite potential.
Eugenia Duodu
As a youth born and raised in low-income housing, it has always been Eugenia Duodu’s passion to uplift and mobilize her community. Through involvement in her local youth council, sitting on youth advocacy boards and being a mentor/tutor she has maintained her influence. She has been a true advocate for youth on issues of health, housing, academics and leadership.
Recently, her efforts extended internationally by helping lead a youth team to Ghana for the Creating Global Citizens Project. Eugenia Duodu continues to seek personal success while ensuring that her community locally and internationally can realize their success and infinite potential.
Outstanding Role Model Scholarship
Njeri Damali Campbell
Njeri Damali Campbell is an educator, youth worker, and public speaker. A skilled facilitator, Njeri began delivering anti-racist education from age 15 as a motivational speaker and television host on social justice issues. She has worked with youth and adults in schools and not-profit organizations.
Njeri develops community, professional and personal development seminars for women and youth. Presently, Njeri serves as the Human Rights Advisor at Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.
Njeri holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology & Political Science, a Master’s degree in Education, and begins studies at Osgoode Hall Law School in September 2011.
Njeri Damali Campbell
Njeri Damali Campbell is an educator, youth worker, and public speaker. A skilled facilitator, Njeri began delivering anti-racist education from age 15 as a motivational speaker and television host on social justice issues. She has worked with youth and adults in schools and not-profit organizations.
Njeri develops community, professional and personal development seminars for women and youth. Presently, Njeri serves as the Human Rights Advisor at Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.
Njeri holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology & Political Science, a Master’s degree in Education, and begins studies at Osgoode Hall Law School in September 2011.
Leadership and Entrepreneurial Scholarship (Sponsored by Cecelia Wharton-Stoute)
Saron Ghebressellassie
Saron is a 24 year old award-winning linguist, translator, published author, musician, artist, teacher, academic and soon-to-be lawyer. She has met with university presidents, judges and Canadian prime ministers. She has walked through corridors of power and villages of anguish.
She arrived to Canada as a refugee with her family fleeing the Eritrean-Ethiopian war as a toddler and today she is on her way to becoming a phenomenal lawyer and lifelong advocate for justice domestically and abroad. Her track record is unparalleled, her career trajectory is incredibly promising and her life story is characterized by unprecedented possibilities.
Saron Ghebressellassie
Saron is a 24 year old award-winning linguist, translator, published author, musician, artist, teacher, academic and soon-to-be lawyer. She has met with university presidents, judges and Canadian prime ministers. She has walked through corridors of power and villages of anguish.
She arrived to Canada as a refugee with her family fleeing the Eritrean-Ethiopian war as a toddler and today she is on her way to becoming a phenomenal lawyer and lifelong advocate for justice domestically and abroad. Her track record is unparalleled, her career trajectory is incredibly promising and her life story is characterized by unprecedented possibilities.
Academic Achievement Scholarship
Adebe DeRango-Adem
Adebe is a M.A. graduate with a background in literary studies and critical race theory. She is an author of a poetry collection that explores racial identity and journalists who focus on issues in the African-Canadian community.
Adebe DeRango-Adem is a woman of color who has taken her life experience as a launching pad for her scholarly and creative goals. For Adebe, the Black Pearls Scholarship represents both an opportunity to pursue a PhD and a means of giving praise to those who have shaped her, in order that she in turn will help give shape to the dreams of the next generation of young Black women who want to pursue an academic career.
Adebe DeRango-Adem
Adebe is a M.A. graduate with a background in literary studies and critical race theory. She is an author of a poetry collection that explores racial identity and journalists who focus on issues in the African-Canadian community.
Adebe DeRango-Adem is a woman of color who has taken her life experience as a launching pad for her scholarly and creative goals. For Adebe, the Black Pearls Scholarship represents both an opportunity to pursue a PhD and a means of giving praise to those who have shaped her, in order that she in turn will help give shape to the dreams of the next generation of young Black women who want to pursue an academic career.
2009 Winners Scholarship Award Winner
Alicia Clarke, Academic Achievement
Janelle Powell, Community Involvement
Janelle Powell, Community Involvement
2007 Winners Scholarship Award Winner
Shawnna Brown, Outstanding Role Model
Cyesha Forde, Community Involvement
Ndija Anderson, Academic Achievement
Simone Samuels, Academic Achievement
Denise Williams, Academic Achievement
Cyesha Forde, Community Involvement
Ndija Anderson, Academic Achievement
Simone Samuels, Academic Achievement
Denise Williams, Academic Achievement