Black Excellence at King's, Past and Present
Meet some of the King's alumni, current students, faculty members, and staff who are making a difference at King's, in our communities, and in our world.
Casey Akase – Year 3, Specialization in Financial Economics
Casey Akase is an international student from Kigali, Rwanda. She is currently pursuing a Specialization in Financial Economics. Her leadership roles—such as Orientation Leader, International Peer Guide, African Student Association Secretary, and Third Year Representative of the King's Economics Math Society—reflect her commitment to fostering inclusivity at King’s. Grateful for the support these organizations provide, she sees them as a “home away from home.” As she advances in her studies, Casey plans to use her degree, professional endeavors, and passion for leadership to establish and promote an environment that not only acknowledges but also values diversity and inclusion.
Portia Akwala - Year 4, Social Work
I am in my fourth year of my Bachelor of Social Work. I'm from Cameroon, and my passion for helping others has always been a driving force in my life. Moving to Canada provided me with the opportunity to explore and discover my passion for social work, a field I deeply enjoy.
As a placement student in the Office of EDID (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization), I have learned invaluable lessons. The principles of EDID have helped me grow into a more empathetic, knowledgeable, and effective advocate for social justice. I am committed to promoting systemic change, particularly for marginalized communities and students. After completing my degree, I aspire to work with the school board, where I can make a meaningful impact. With experience, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in social work to deepen my expertise and broaden my ability to serve others. I am especially passionate about supporting and empowering Black communities, and I am dedicated to helping and uplifting humanity as a whole.
Sunday Ajak – BA ’23 (Social Justice & Peace Studies and Sociology)
Sunday Ajak says that at his core, he is merely a writer who loves to bring his thoughts into reality. “Everything I ever written, I have experienced, or have been thoughts that manifested through the amazing people in my life. I have a dream that one day my speeches will change the world, and I live in each moment trying to make that a reality.” On February 13, 2023, Ajak was elected president of Western's University Student Council (USC) for the 2023-4 academic year.
Dr. Kofi Antwi-Boasiako - Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work
Dr. Kofi Antwi-Boasiako is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at King’s University College at Western University. He practiced in Ontario’s child welfare system for over 15 years before transitioning into academia. He brings insights gained through those experiences to his studies and teaching. He is a child welfare researcher whose research examines how we can improve outcomes for children, youth, and families, with a focus on Black families who experience overrepresentation and disparate outcomes in the child welfare system. He recently received an SSHRC Insight Development Grant, so he is conducting a study on child maltreatment reporting experiences of school personnel and police officers involving Black children and families in Ontario. Dr. Antwi-Boasiako is a member of the Editorial Board of Child Protection and Practice. He also sits on the Board of the Children’s Aid Society of London & Middlesex.
Augusta Bentil (She/Her) - Master of Social Work Student, final year
Augusta is a Ghanaian-Canadian immigrant who has worked with diverse communities in the social services field since moving to Canada with her family. Despite facing challenges, she returned to school to pursue her master's degree in order to better support her community. As a Black woman, Augusta aims to take on leadership roles to empower and uplift those around her. She holds a Business Administration (Finance) degree from Ghana and a Social Service Worker diploma from Canada. During her time at King’s, she completed a placement with the EDID office and facilitated the BIPOC Discussion group to support Black youth on campus. Augusta plans to pursue an MBA and JD in the future and is committed to inspiring young people by showing them that with dedication and seizing opportunities, they can achieve their goals.
Joseph Chakabveyo – BMOS ’20 (Accounting)
Joseph Chakabveyo, also known as DJ Joze, migrated to Canada in 2014. After graduating from Montcalm High School, he attended Fanshawe, then transferred to King’s University College for the accounting program. While in university, he was also DJing in the local bars. Chakabveyo has received numerous DJ awards in London. Currently, he works as an accountant during the week and DJs on the weekend.
Nyasia Chamberlain - Year 2, Major in Sociology and Major in Criminology
Nyasia, or Asia for short, is a Jamaican Canadian born and raised in London, Ontario. She is a double major Sociology and Criminology student, as well as a proud work-study student with the Academic Dean’s Office. She hopes to go to law school and pursue a career in criminal prosecution. Asia is a part of multiple clubs at Western including the UWO Dance Force where she is a social captain for her team. Asia is regularly outspoken for human rights activism and takes great pride in her identity as an LGBTQ+ Black woman.
Leslie Daley – Year 3, Honours Specialization in Finance and Administration, Minor in Analytics and Decision Sciences
Leslie was born in Canada but spent most of her teen years in Guyana, South America, where she developed a deep appreciation for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is passionate about serving her community, as shown through her leadership and volunteer work. At King's, she serves as a Student Ambassador, an International Peer Guide, and a Bridging Assistant, where she supports new and international students. She is also a member of the Teaching Assistant Fellowship. Leslie founded King's first-ever Black Student Association, focusing on building community and promoting inclusivity on campus. She is working hard on organizing events for Black History Month with her dedicated executive team and KUCSC, including a steel drum performance by a King’s alum.
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Dan Edwards - Year 4, Social Work
Dan Edwards is a motivational speaker, comedian, co-author, and mental health advocate from Sarnia, Ontario. After a spinal cord injury in 2006 left him paralyzed, the Sarnia community raised $150,000 to support his recovery. Inspired by their generosity, Dan founded the Do It For Sarnia campaign through the Bluewater Health Foundation, raising over $150,000 for mental health and addiction services.
Dan is currently completing his bachelor’s degree in Social Work at King’s, aspiring to work with youth and give back to his community. Through his inspirational talks, Dan highlights resilience and connection, believing in the mantra: “Bring as many people together as you possibly can.”
Tasniem El Niwairi – Year 3, Bachelor of Arts Specializing in Psychology
Tasniem El Niwairi possesses an inherent ability for leadership evident in her unwavering commitments on and off campus. During her time here at King’s, Tasniem has fostered a safe and welcoming environment through her roles as an Orientation Leader and secretary of the Black Future Lawyers Association of Western. Tasniem spends her time off of campus working with the City of London to provide a safe environment for children in need and volunteering with the YMCA to help newcomer youth adapt to a new environment while still embracing their roots.
In her final year at King’s, Tasniem plans to work alongside her peers to establish the first Black Student Association on campus with the goal of providing the growing community of black students a safe space to learn and grow together.
As she progresses in her studies, she strives to pursue an education and career in law in hopes of utilizing her education to continue building a safe and accepting environment for all.
Nelly Christelle Ladan – BA '18 (Childhood and Social Institutions and Spanish), Bachelor of Social Work
For Nelly, the pursuit of social justice for her brothers and sisters has greatly informed her path. Additionally, growing up in an immigrant household and having to face oppressive practices within various institutions (education, health, childcare, and many more) has inspired her to advocate for the Black community and to bring more awareness about Black issues at every table where she sits. In 2021, she was honoured to sit as a co-chair of an Equity Advisory Board, and to help lead an organization towards more inclusive and accountable practices. In her career, she aspires to use her gifts in languages and relationship-building to form bridges that will allow better access to mental health services for Black folks. She also hopes that her experiences as a Black, Francophone woman — who is also a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend — chasing excellence can inspire others like her in London and beyond.
Moses Latigo Odida – BA ’09 (Political Science and Social Justice & Peace Studies)
Since graduating from King's and Western, where he was an active member in the social justice community, Moses Latigo Odida has remained passionately committed to striving for justice and improving the welfare of marginalized communities around the world. He has always believed that amplifying marginalized voices is a critical step in humanizing the marginalized. While working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Ugandan government in 2018, he relied on stories from refugees to develop a framework for educating refugee youth in Uganda. After returning to London, Moses started a video production company called Kigaana Productions, which aims to liberate marginalized communities by telling their stories. You can watch the pilot for his documentary, Down: Canada's Black Caregivers.
Kattanna Maier - Year 4, Social Work
Kattanna Maier is a biracial fourth-year Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student at King’s University College. Kattanna is dedicated to advocacy and equity. Currently completing her practicum as a Graduation Coach for Black, African, and Caribbean students at the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), she is part of a pilot program designed to support student success through mentorship and guidance.
Kattanna is also an active member of the Social Work Student Association as a 4th-year representative and Professional Practicum Education representative. Additionally, she volunteers on a call line, providing support to individuals in crisis. Passionate about social justice, Kattanna works toward fostering inclusive and equitable spaces within her community.
Angeer Manguen – Year 3, Social Work
Angeer Manguen a third-year student at King’s, pursuing a double major in Social Work and Child and Youth Studies. Raised in London, Ontario, Angeer always knew King’s was where she was meant to be. Over the years, she’s been actively involved on campus, contributing to organizations such as the REACH, King’s Black Student Association (KBSA), African Students Association (ASA), and Black Student Association (BSA). Through these roles, she’s been able to build meaningful connections, strengthen her leadership skills, and play a role in creating an inclusive and supportive environment on campus. As an orientation leader and this year's incoming Head Soph, Angeer is deeply committed to helping new students feel seen, heard, and valued as they transition into university life. She leads with a focus on inclusivity, ensuring that everyone around her feels welcome, empowered, and able to find their community at King’s.
Looking ahead, Angeer is passionate about working in the field of social work, and aspires to support marginalized populations and newcomers as they navigate their lives. With her education and personal experiences, her goal is to make a meaningful impact by advocating for those who need it most, ensuring they have the resources and support to live empowered, independent lives.
Chantel Moxley – BA ’23 (Social Justice & Peace Studies and Sociology)
As a biracial person, Chantel Moxley is using her life experiences as a catalyst for her current research on the unique experiences of biracial students in academic institutions. She hopes her work will be an extension of the current work being done at King's to provide a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus for all students.
Moxley plans on attending graduate school to earn a master’s degree in social work to continue to fight against systemic and institutional racial injustices and inequities.
Moxley is a mom to four children. When she has any spare time, she is likely to be found on a baseball diamond.
Bridget Ofosu Andam – BA ’23 (Social Justice & Peace Studies)
Bridget Ofosu Andam served within the King's community by working as an executive assistant under the King’s University College Students’ Council (KUCSC). Bridget and her peers ratified a club called Developing Communities Everywhere (DCE) at King's, which focuses on bringing awareness of various global crises, focus groups, and raising international development topics. Ofosu Andam continues to serve communities as founder and president of Developing Communities Everywhere Org, which was awarded a Black Excellence Award from the W.E.A.N. Community Centre. She also recently became a recipient of the Black Pearl Award for the Top 100 Black Women to Watch for 2024, organized by CIBWE.
Desiree Stanlick (she/her) - Year 4, Bachelor of Social Work
Desiree is a dedicated biracial mother and student deeply committed to creating meaningful change in the child welfare system. Aspiring to complete her Master of Social Work in the future, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her lived experiences and a passion for supporting all populations, with a particular focus on Black and biracial youth. Her advocacy is driven by a desire to address systemic challenges these children face, ensuring they receive equitable care and opportunities. Desiree is determined to contribute to research that highlights the disparities affecting Black children in the child welfare system and to implement solutions for better outcomes. Outside of her studies and field placement, she finds joy in cheering on her boys at hockey and lacrosse. Her role as a mother fuels her drive to create a better world for all children, particularly those navigating identity complexities and systemic barriers.
Dr. Akin Taiwo - School of Social Work
Dr. Akin Taiwo is an Associate Professor of Social Work at King’s University College at Western University. His research interests include issues of privilege, oppression, race, political social work, and social work practice with diverse populations. A Black male qualitative researcher, Akin Taiwo was an Adjunct Professor both at the University of Windsor, Canada and University of Detroit Mercy, USA. More recently, he was the Academic Director for the Youth Research & Evaluation Exchange (YouthREX) for the Windsor- Essex Community Hub. Presently, he is a board member of the Global Partnership for Transformative Social Work, USA, and an international editorial advisor for the British Journal of Social Work, UK.
Dr. Thomas Tieku – Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations
Dr. Tieku is an award-winning author who has written, edited or co-edited five books, and published over 43 refereed book chapters, and journal articles, including The Legon School of International Relations, which won the 2021 British International Studies Association and the Review of International Studies Best Article Prize. A former Director of African Studies at the University of Toronto where he won the Excellence of Teaching Award, Dr. Tieku’s current research, which is supported by a SSHRC Insight Grant, focuses on informality in international organizations and conflict mediation. He has consulted for several organizations including the World Bank Group, the United Nations, the State Department and the Canadian government.
Dr. Tieku received the Hugh Mellon Excellence in Research Award on April 27, 2023.
Lilian Wankomo – Year 4, Bachelor of Social Work
After completing her Social Service Work Diploma, Lilian Wankomo enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work degree program at King’s. She is a part of the Social Work Student Association (SWSA) as the 4th year Equity and Diversity Representative. She is planning to pursue a Master of Social Work degree and eventually work within social policy, mental health, and community development. As a first-generation Canadian, Lilian is also passionate about working with BIPOC and diaspora communities. She hopes to use what she has learned in her education and life to be a change-maker and advocate for those who need it the most. To her, Black History Month is an opportunity to connect with and uplift fellow Black voices.
Lilian is currently one of the leaders of the "Have A Heart" campaign. The campaign's goal is the ensure First Nation children have the opportunity to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are. She helped her fellow Social Work classmates set up boxes around campus so King's community members could sign postcards which will be sent to the Honourable Patty Hajdu, the Minister of Indigenous Services in the hope that she will take immediate action to address the two-year waitlist for Jordan's Principal applications.
