ACSioN-Concordia University chapter
2024-2025 Chapter Executive Board
Alexandra Ayim
Field & year of study: Child Studies, 1st year
Family origins: Ghana 🇬🇭
I come from Ghana but have only lived there for 8 years of my life. Since I am 18 and writing this, I guess that is a big part of my life. I have moved around a lot. From Ghana to Togo, to Tanzania, and back to Ghana. These are one of the many reasons I know how to adapt to change so easily. In fact, I came to Montreal in January 2024, and the only type of shock I got was a cold shock. The weather is crazy. However, I geared up and faced the day as best I could. In the same way, applying to be part of ACSioN was a spontaneous decision. I never thought about it that much but then I saw that everything from the values to the insightful events made me realize how much I wanted to be part of a team like this.
I applied for Education Coordinator, however, I ended up becoming the Central Coordinator of ACSioN in Concordia. I applied as Education Coordinator in humility, knowing that I am capable of more, but fear got the best of me. I am very religious(Christian) and so believe that everything I am capable of doing is not only by my own strength but also by the Grace of God. And so I gave this to God saying that if it is His will for me to become a leader of a team so be it. And so it was.
Here I go putting my adaptability skills into practice. Whatever the role or responsibility, I will adapt my knowledge and skills to the best of my capacity. In the same way, I will do the same with whatever challenges and obstacles this team will face. Taking into account the health of the team is crucial for me. We will lean on each other to reach our goal. This team is gonna move mountains and I don’t hope for it, I humbly know it.:)
Devaunae Jones
Field & year of study: Psychology, 2nd year
Family origins: Jamaica 🇯🇲
I believe in the importance of having a welcoming and inclusive environment for black students to be who they are and reach their full potential. Having a community where you can build leadership skills and get access to diverse opportunities all while learning about different cultures is something that I value. Since coming to Canada, I have learned 3 important skills- communication, adaptability and teamwork – that would make me an excellent candidate for this role.
My experience in volunteering with various organizations such as Impact Chruch Toronto and Lumenus, as well as my involvement in a number of clubs have provided me with the knowledge of how to work with a team to accomplish a goal.
Furthermore, The Autism Center of Toronto, where I did my co-op placement in grade 11, gave me exposure in effective communication with peers, people in authority and children on the spectrum. I also learned the important lesson of active listening and observing, which I believe is just as important as talking.
Lastly, since coming to Canada as an immigrant, being involved in my community and now being a newcomer to Montreal, I have gained significant insight into approaching new opportunities. I’m able to quickly learn what is expected of me and adapt to new environments and challenges that come my way. In my opinion, that is the best way to learn and grow.
Precious Ereka
Field & year of study: Statistics, 3rd year
Family origins: Nigeria 🇳🇬
My little time in Concordia has shown me that I am a detail-oriented and results-driven person and my academic standing in Statistics, has equipped me with a strong foundation in financial analysis principles, practices and experience in using financial software and tools.
This ensures that I can efficiently handle simple and complex financial data and reporting tasks.
My strong organizational skills and attention to detail enables me to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy. Additionally, my communication skills enables me to effectively collaborate as a team.
I am passionate about leveraging data-driven insights to drive financial strategies and contribute to the overall success of the association and this sets me apart as a candidate.
I am eager to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to your team and contribute in achieving your goals with precision and innovation.
Katrina Bruno
Field & year of study: Political Science, 2nd year
Family origins: Montserrat 🇲🇸 and Saint Lucia 🇱🇨
My experience and skills make me the most useful candidate for outreach coordinator at ACSion. Not only do I have an inviting character when it comes to to speaking to potential members in person, but I also possess practical experience in outreach coordination. This experience comes from my permanent part-time job, in which my current position is of lease renewal agent, the sum of which is almost entirely reaching out to past clients and trying to entice them to come back to the dealership and buy another car. I have also gained more experience in outreach coordination through my position as a research assistant in Concordia’s Alumni Engagement and Events department, where portion of my tasks include reaching out to all alumni who submitted content for Concordia’s 50th Anniversary Homecoming events. My skills would also be useful as education coordinator as I have a very strong and organized work ethic, having been a receptionist doing administrative work for over a year, I have built the necessary skills to keep track of current events and affairs. In addition, as a political science student, I make it my job to be aware of the actualities around the world. Anyone who knows me personally, knows my passion for the need to foster academic excellence among Black youth, hence my commitment to such a role will be unmatched. Thank you for considering my candidacy!
Gzifa Gentles
Field & year of study: Civil Engineering, 1st year
Family origins: Jamaica 🇯🇲
ACSioN is an organization that allows black students to reach their fullest potential without implicit racial bias. ACSioN empowers African descent students by enabling them to use the given tools for greater success.
I went to a high school where I did not have anyone who looked like me, and I struggled to find my footing and where I belonged. I often felt like I was an outsider for the first years of my high school years. In grade 11, I created a club called Colour is Excellence because I wanted to give the space to anyone who is a person of colour to be themselves and to show that you can succeed no matter what you do. Because I started this club, I was able to open up conversations that needed to be had in the school regarding race and equality. I also received the Gayle Miller Memorial Award given to students who exhibit thoughtfulness, dedication, loyalty, and compassion.
To answer the question of why I am the best candidate for my preferred position, it is because I have the compassion, thoughtfulness, loyalty, dedication, and drive to help and see black students succeed in all that they do.
Salomé Kumakinga
Field & year of study: Statistics, 4th year
Family origins: D.R. Congo 🇨🇩
My name is Salome Kumakinga, and I am in my final year, majoring in Statistics. I am very interested in the Finance Assistant Coordinator position and believe that my skills and experiences make me an excellent candidate who would be a valuable addition to the team.
As a student of African descent, ASCion’s mission to support Black students from Caribbean and African backgrounds resonates deeply with me. Navigating university life and the workforce as a Black student in Canada comes with unique challenges, and ASCion’s work in helping students overcome these obstacles is a cause I care about greatly. I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to this mission and make a positive impact on the lives of students facing similar experiences. In terms of experience, I have been involved in a meaningful volunteer role at Notre Dame Hospital. For instance, while volunteering in the hospital’s emergency department, I aimed to provide comfort and reassurance to patients. My presence as the first volunteer in such a busy area created a welcoming environment and set a precedent for others to join.
Additionally, as a Statistics major, I am confident working with numbers and believe these skills will be highly valuable in the Finance Assistant Coordinator role.
Joining ASCion-Concordia during my final year would be an invaluable opportunity for personal growth and learning. I am excited about the prospect of working with and learning from the ASCion team and giving back to my community in meaningful ways.
nominations now open
Field & year of study: TBA
Family origins: TBA
nominations now open
Field & year of study: TBA
Family origins: TBA