Congratulations to our 10 recipients of the Shad2026 Entrance Scholarship for Black Students: James Adelalu, Chimdindu Alison-Ukonu, Zina Akwiwu, Abdullah Ewesesan, Gabrielle Irumhekha, Oluwadumininu Laraiyetan, Eshi Omogbai, Sean Onwuzurike, Ranti Oyebode, and Anie Udofia.
This scholarship is a step toward removing barriers that have historically limited Black representation in STEAM pathways and careers. Carrying forward the legacies of Black Excellence and Joy, these scholarships celebrate community, exploration, self-expression, and empowerment, and recognize Black students imagining and shaping boundless futures. Recipients are students with community changemaker capabilities, a vision and commitment to future community impact, and overall excellence.
James is excited to explore Toronto, as he hasn’t travelled outside of Newfoundland since arriving in Canada, and plans to pursue a career in computer science. Chimdindu is looking forward to the Shad Design Challenge where he can apply his technical skills and problem-solving mindset to real-world issues and hopes to pursue a career in computer engineering. Zina believes Shad will strengthen her collaboration, determination, and problem-solving skills while challenging her to think in new ways and is interested in studying management science and engineering to solve real-world problems. Abdullah is excited to deepen his knowledge of medicine and technology so he can help solve real-world challenges, while making a positive impact in his community. Gabrielle sees Shad as an opportunity to challenge herself in an environment filled with curious and motivated students and aspires to a career in chemical engineering. Oluwadumininu can’t wait to participate in hands-on activities, from building robots to engaging in meaningful discussions with his peers and envisions a future using skills in mathematics and engineering to make a positive impact in the world. Eshi is looking forward to working on innovative projects and developing her leadership skills, and aspires to be part of a generation that uses innovation, creativity and collaboration to solve important global challenges. Sean is excited to be part of a community that thrives on innovation and open-minded thinking and envisions becoming a healthcare technology innovator and entrepreneur by building impactful solutions. Ranti is excited to immerse herself in an environment where innovation and open-mindedness are encouraged and hopes to pursue medicine in the future. Anie is especially looking forward to exploring how ideas can evolve from simple concepts into solutions that create meaningful impact in communities, and in the future, aspires to be a medical diagnostic radiologist who makes healthcare more accessible to communities around the world.
Click on the images below to learn more about these changemakers and how they hope to make an impact on their communities.
